Students who choose this programme will experience a common first year which will ensure a broad learning experience and offer the possibility to make an informed decision at the end of Year 1. The first year is designed to ensure that you are well informed and well prepared to enter one of the possible 4 options; topics such as computing, maths, mechanics and materials are covered across Year 1. There are a number of introductory modules such as Introduction to Engineering, where guest speakers and practising engineers will be invited in to explain potential career prospects and job requirements. In Semester 2, to help make informed decision students will have an elective option where students will choose from either Structural Engineering Design or Design and Manufacture Engineering Design. These modules are designed to be project based. Conceive, Design, Implement and Operate modules also feature where students work collaboratively to form solutions to engineering problems in either a structural or production-based setting. Picking one of these options does not restrict your potential degree option - for example, if you pick the structural module you will still be able to choose mechanical or biomedical.

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade H4 in Mathematics and grade O6/H7 in one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering, Technology, Design & Communication Graphics/Technical Drawing, Biology, Agricultural Science, Applied Maths, Construction Studies. A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement. We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. In the event that a programme is over-subscribed, places will be allocated based on UL exam performance.