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Automation and Control (Specialist Diploma)

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Course Overview

The specialist diploma awards are particularly suitable for students requiring medium-term upskilling for career advancement or for those interested in focused study in this subject area for personal or topical interest.  The specialist diplomas are linked to the degree cycle of the modular programme in Science & Technology Studies which allow students to specialise by choosing from a range of electives. These elective modules are also available as independent awards which students may take for the purposes of upskilling or retraining in the area of Automation and Control, Environmental Sustainability, Medical Device Science, Lean & Quality Systems, or Form & Function of the Human Body.

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is through assignments, written examinations and in some cases practical laboratory sessions. Exams take place at the end of each semester. All modules from the programme will be individually assessed.

The programme is delivered by blended learning on a part-time basis. Candidates will receive learning materials in both online and in hard copy format for each module. Materials will be specifically designed for independent study and will be supplemented by supporting reading material and interactive learning resources where appropriate. The programme requires attendance on campus for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed the Diploma in Science & Technology Studies or a related Diploma, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the programme description section.

Entry requirements for part-time students can be found in our FAQs section (i.e. age, english language requirements etc.). 


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, part-time

Next start date

September

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25-30

Closing Date

Next start date

September

NFQ level

8

Mode of study

Blended learning

ECTS weighting

30

Award

CAO

PAC code

Course Outline

Each specialist diploma consists of four inter-related taught modules and a project (chosen in consultation with their project supervisor), to allow individuals to up-skill in a particular area or study in a highly focused area of interest.

Automation and Control: Automation 1, Manufacturing Technology, Automation 2, Machine Design, Project.

Download Automation and Control brochure. 

 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (30 Credits)

Required BST005: Project


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module BST005: "Project" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required BST124: Machine Design


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module BST124: "Machine Design" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required BST128: Automation 1


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module BST128: "Automation 1" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required BST129: Manufacturing Technology


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module BST129: "Manufacturing Technology" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required BST130: Automation 2


Trimester 3 | Credits:

Assessments
  • Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module BST130: "Automation 2" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

This course is intended for those who wish to improve their skills in the areas of engineering materials including metals, ceramics, polymers and composite materials; manufacturing processes, both traditional and recently developed and electronic manufacturing technologies.

It will assist those who want to apply correct design principles to engineering components, to develop a knowledge of Jig and Fixture design for Manufacturing Systems, and to develop the ability to produce high quality engineering drawings on a CAD system.

The two automation modules give an overview of how automation has become important for industry, and the key strategies adopted by industry to deploy automation in order to improve competitiveness. Automation is used to improve a number of key performance indicators. The modules describes these in detail, as well as describing tangible and quantifiable goals for various automation projects.

By providing the relevant skills and training this course seeks to address the critical shortage in skills in the area of automation and machine control, supply chain management and manufacturing processes.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The specialist diplomas are primarily intended for students who already have a Science or Engineering related diploma or degree and who wish to up-skill or become expert in one of the specialist areas as offered through these one-year diploma programmes.

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€2,000 p.a.

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€2,500 p.a.

 
A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment.  Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following: 

  • Job-seekers Benefit
  • Job-seekers Allowance
  • One-parent family allowance
  • Disability allowance
  • Community Employment Scheme
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Signing for social insurance contribution credits

Please download the 2018_19 Fees Scholarship Form for more information.

Find out More

 Niamh McHugh

Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
Nuns' Island
NUI Galway
Tel: 091 495845
Email: niamh.mchugh@nuigalway.ie

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