Who is this course for?

This programme is designed for engineering graduates who want to deepen their expertise in mechanical engineering and develop advanced research skills. It suits those aiming for careers in industry, consultancy, or management, as well as graduates preparing for PhD-level research. The course is ideal if you seek flexibility to tailor your studies while gaining skills highly valued by employers. 

What will I study?  

This 90 ECTS MSc programme blends advanced taught modules with significant independent research. Of the total credits, 30 ECTS are dedicated to a year-long Research Thesis, where you will explore an advanced mechanical engineering topic in depth. The remaining 60 ECTS are delivered through taught modules, balancing essential foundations with flexibility for specialisation. 

Core Modules (25 ECTS) 

 All students complete the following five modules, providing a solid grounding in advanced mechanical engineering: 

• Advanced Mechanics of Materials 
• Advanced Manufacturing 
• Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Sustainable Development
• Finite Element Methods in Engineering – Theory and Practice
• Research Methods for Engineers 

Elective Modules (20–30 ECTS) 

 Beyond the core, you will select from a wide range of advanced mechanical engineering modules spanning energy, materials, computational methods, biomechanics, robotics, and AI. This flexibility allows you to design your own pathway and tailor your expertise. 

• Materials II
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Turbomachines & Advanced Fluid Dynamics
• Advanced Energy Systems Engineering
• Combustion Science & Engineering
• Sustainable Energy
• Advanced Finite Element Methods
• Non-Linear Elasticity* - OR - Partial Differential Equations*
• Biomechanics
• Advanced Computational Biomechanics
• Fundamentals of Python Programming
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Applications
• Digital Control Systems for Automation and Robotics* - OR - Power Systems*
• Embedded Machine Vision 

Industry-Focused Modules (5–15 ECTS) 

You may also choose from industry focused modules equipping you with the professional and transferable skills most valued by employers. 

• Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Lean Systems
• Project Management
• Safety Engineering
• Physical Ergonomics
• Human Reliability 

Note: Some electives alternate each year. A full list of available options is shared with students in advance. 

Curriculum Information

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

• Year-Long Research Thesis (30 ECTS): A substantial research project runs across the full year, giving students the opportunity to contribute original work in an advanced mechanical engineering area.
• Flexible Specialisation: With a wide range of electives across energy, biomechanics, robotics, AI, and computational methods, students can tailor their studies to match their career goals or research interests.
• Strong Industry Focus: Dedicated modules in project management, safety engineering, ergonomics, and innovation ensure graduates gain skills directly valued in professional engineering environments.
• Balance of Depth and Breadth: The course blends core mechanical engineering foundations with interdisciplinary electives, reflecting the broad scope of the field while allowing for targeted expertise.
• Career and Research Pathways: Graduates are well-prepared not only for roles across mechanical and related industries but also for advanced research, including PhD opportunities. 

Graduates of the MSc in Mechanical Engineering are well-positioned for roles across a wide spectrum of industries. Opportunities span power generation, renewable energy, aerospace, transport, offshore oil and gas, equipment and machine tool manufacture, as well as general manufacturing. The breadth of technical training ensures graduates can contribute to diverse sectors where mechanical engineering expertise is vital. 

The programme also opens pathways into the biomedical engineering industry, where mechanical engineers play an increasingly important role in developing medical devices, prosthetics, and advanced diagnostic tools. By combining mechanical design principles with insights from biomechanics, graduates can make a tangible impact on healthcare innovation. 

For those seeking leadership roles, the course provides a strong foundation in engineering management and consultancy. Modules focused on project management, innovation, and lean systems help graduates transition smoothly into positions that require both technical excellence and strategic decision-making. These skills are highly valued by employers seeking engineers who can lead projects, teams, and innovation initiatives. 

The research-intensive nature of the programme prepares graduates for advanced study, including PhD research. Skills gained in research methods and the year-long thesis foster the ability to solve complex problems and generate original insights. Coupled with training in emerging fields such as AI and robotics, graduates are also equipped to pursue careers in software development, automation, and cutting-edge research across academia and industry.

All Engineering Degrees at University of Galway are professionally accredited by the statutory professional body, Engineers Ireland. This means that the degree has been assessed and approved to meet the educational requirements for professional Engineers. 

• Under an international agreement (Washingon Accord), any Degree accredited by the National professional body (Engineers Ireland) is recognized internationally. So having an “Accredited” degree means that employers outside of Ireland can (1) understand the quality/education achieved by a graduate and (2) know that it is equivalent to their own Education system/standards, and (3) can offer appropriate employment on this basis.. 
• Engineers Ireland require a Masters (Level 9) qualification as the education standard required for Registered Professional Titles of Chartered Engineer* The standard European engineering qualification (degree or diploma) is at level 9, and European industry maintains a strict differentiation between those engineers qualified at level 9 and those qualified at level 8. Any graduate interested in working in Europe/Worldwide is now strongly advised to get an accredited level 9 award. 

Engineers’ Ireland accreditation can be obtained at the following levels: 

• Level 8:  4-year honours degree - associate engineer 
• Level 9:  5-year masters degree - chartered engineer 

A Chartered Engineer holds the highest professional qualification in engineering. They are trusted to take full responsibility for the development and application of engineering across areas like research, design, construction, manufacturing, management, and education. Their work is intellectually challenging and varied, requiring original thinking, sound judgment, and leadership of both technical and administrative teams. 

Further information on Engineering Accreditation 

• Dr Eoin King 
• Dr Noel Harrison
• Prof Sean Leen
• Dr Pedram Masjedi

How will I learn?  

Learning on this MSc combines lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and independent study, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and expert academic staff. You will engage with real-world engineering problems, apply advanced theoretical concepts, and develop both technical and transferable skills throughout the year. 

Assessment for this course will consist of continuous assessment via coursework, written examinations, as well as the final thesis. Coursework may include design projects, technical reports, oral presentations, and group assignments, ensuring you gain experience in multiple forms of professional communication. The year-long Research Thesis is a major component, where you will demonstrate your ability to plan, execute, and present an original piece of advanced research in mechanical engineering. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Assessment for this course will consist of continuous assessment via coursework, written examinations, as well as the final thesis. 

Course queries: 
kevin.moerman@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

kevin.moerman@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry. 
 
Candidates who have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director, are eligible for consideration. 

Alongside technical expertise, this MSc equips students with a wide range of transferable skills valued across industries. Modules such as Safety Engineering, Physical Ergonomics, Human Reliability, and Project Management develop practical capabilities for working safely, efficiently, and effectively in complex engineering environments. 

Courses in Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Lean Systems encourage creative problem-solving, innovation, and process optimisation - skills vital for leadership and management roles. Research Methods for Engineers further strengthens analytical, communication, and project-planning abilities, all essential for professional practice. 

Together, these modules ensure graduates leave with a strong skill set that extends beyond engineering knowledge, preparing them to adapt, lead, and excel in dynamic and multidisciplinary workplaces. 

Minimum Entry Requirements  

Entry to the programme is open to individuals who have a minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (H2.1), in a Level 8 Mechanical Engineering degree (or in a related discipline), from a recognised university or third-level college. Factors taken into account in determining admission will include the specific content of the undergraduate degree, the applicant’s performance, and the availability of places. 

English Language Entry Requirements For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€8,900		€28,500	€140		€9,040	€28,640

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.  

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/engineering/