B.E. Degree Courses

The department offers courses in Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, both leading to the degree of  Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), a level 8 qualification. Our degree programmes are fully accredited and internationally recognised. Both Mechanical (GY405) and Biomedical (GY408) Engineering courses can be entered directly through the CAO, or by taking the Undenominated Engineering course (GY401) for one year before specialising from second year onwards.

Both courses begin with a range of fundamental studies in mathematics and science, and become increasingly specialised as the course progresses. In third and fourth year there is an emphasis on project work, through which students work on real-world design and research problems, individually and in groups.  For a 5-month period between third and fourth year, every student is employed in industry through the Professional Experience Programme. Both the biomedical and mechanical programmes culminate in the final year project, in which each student completes an individual engineering design or analysis task to a professional standard.  

These pages contain details of the course content and career opportunities for each course. Our newsletters have personal stories and viewpoints from past and present students. 

Mechanical Engineering

About Mechanical Engineering - what do mechanical engineers do?

Detailed syllabus of the Mechanical Engineering degree course.

Biomedical Engineering

About Biomedical Engineering - what is a biomedical engineer?

Detailed syllabus of the Biomedical Engineering degree course.

After your degree... what next?

Biomedical engineers create and deploy technology that saves lives and improves the quality of life; they are central figures in many of Ireland's most vibrant and innovative workplaces. Mechanical engineers are needed everywhere that equipment with moving parts is designed, developed, built or used. As of February 2009, there are strong indications that young engineers of both types will continue to enjoy opportunities for exciting rewarding careers - particularly in the energy and medical device industries. Click here for an overview of the employment situation, and to find out where recent graduates have started their first jobs as engineers. 

Undenominated Engineering

NUI, Galway also provides an Undenominated entry stream in addition to the individual engineering programmes. Students entering engineering via this route have the first year to learn more about the various engineering specialities before deciding which of the denominated programmes they wish to join. While most students can expect to be assigned to the programme of their choice, this cannot be guaranteed. Allocation of places may be based on overall performance at the First University Examination in Engineering.

Applications and Admissions

Entry to the Biomedical Engineering (GY408), Mechanical Engineering (GY405) and Undenominated Engineering (GY401) courses is through the CAO. Applicants must either hold a grade C3 or higher in higher level Leaving Certificate mathematics, or pass the special entrance examination in mathematics, which will be held in August 2012.

Applicants are of course welcome from mature student and students who have taken school-leaving examinations in countries other than Ireland. Please visit the Admissions Office wesbite for more information.

Engineering students in Institutes of Technology may transfer into the second or third year of NUI Galway courses in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. More information is available here.

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