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Medical Device Science (Specialist Diploma)
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 & Control, Medical Device Science or Lean & Quality Systems.
Applications and Selections
Online Applications open on March 1st, 2021.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
NB: Applicants must have successfully completed the Diploma in Science & Technology Studies, or a related NFQ Level 7 qualification, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline section.
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 course 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 course requires attendance on campus for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.
Notice: with the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have decided to move classroom-based courses and blended learning seminars to a fully online teaching mode for the academic year 2020/21. The teaching schedule for the 2021/22 academic year will be reviewed over the coming months in line with government restrictions and social distancing guidelines. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of students & staff and our desire to continue to provide upskilling and professional development opportunities for all. If you have any queries regarding the format of online delivery mode, please contact your course administrator for further details.Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed the Diploma in Science & Technology Studies or a related NFQ Level 7 qualification, or otherwise prove that they satisfy the prerequisites of each of the modules as listed in the course outline 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
TBC
NFQ level
8
Mode of study
Blended learning
ECTS weighting
30
Award
CAO
Course 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.
Medical Device Science: Anatomy, Biocompatibility & Device Design, Mechanics of Solids, Medical Device Design, Project.
Download Medical Device Science 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 BST117: Human Anatomy & Physiology
BST117: Human Anatomy & Physiology
Trimester 3 | Credits:
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- BRIAN Ó DONNCHADHA: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MAIRÉAD FAHERTY: Research Profile
- NIAMH MCHUGH: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required BST118: Biocompatibility & Device Design
BST118: Biocompatibility & Device Design
Trimester 3 | Credits:
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- BRIAN Ó DONNCHADHA: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MAIRÉAD FAHERTY: Research Profile
- NIAMH MCHUGH: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required BST119: Mechanics of Solids
BST119: Mechanics of Solids
Trimester 3 | Credits:
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- BRIAN Ó DONNCHADHA: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MAIRÉAD FAHERTY: Research Profile
- NIAMH MCHUGH: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required BST120: Medical Device Science
BST120: Medical Device Science
Trimester 3 | Credits:
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- BRIAN Ó DONNCHADHA: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MAIRÉAD FAHERTY: Research Profile
- NIAMH MCHUGH: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Required BST005: Project
BST005: Project
Trimester 3 | Credits:
Assessments
This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Module Director
- Akari Akari: Research Profile | Email
Lecturers / Tutors
- MAIRÉAD FAHERTY: Research Profile
- NIAMH MCHUGH: Research Profile
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
This course is intended for medical device operatives and technicians who wish to advance and hone their skills with a view to moving into management roles. It will also be beneficial to those from a science or engineering background who wish to transfer existing skills and develop specialist knowledge in order to move into the medical devices sector.
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 courses.
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
*Next Level Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more...
Find out More
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
NUI Galway, Nuns' Island
Galway
Tel: 091 494060
Email: sciencetech@nuigalway.ie

Eimear O’Hara | Current Student
I recently moved from a mechanical engineering role into medical devices and thought this course was well suited for a smoother transition. I found the project the most enjoyable aspect as the topic was relevant to my current role, and the data gathered was of practical use to the company. The project was complimented by each of the modules I undertook during the course. Although lectures are only held every month or so, the scope of modules in conjunction with continuous assessment mean that good time management is necessary for balancing the course with work and personal commitments. This course has provided me with greater confidence in terms of analysis of medical device literature, design and development. The course has been very helpful in terms of providing me with a good overview of medical device development and has complimented my new role well. I think the opportunity to study while working is a greater advantage, as opposed to full-time study, as I was able to observe the real-world implementation of many of the aspects I learned about in the classroom.