Overview
This specialised Access Course serves as a transformative pathway, spanning one year on a part-time basis, bridging the gap between your current knowledge base and the essential expertise required to study the MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The Access programme offers an entry route to the Postgraduate programmes in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, which opens up many opportunities to its graduates.
Some students have launched a new career in design and manufacturing, often based on new skills they have developed and nurtured during the Master’s project. Part-time students have found that their career progression has been more rapid, or that new roles have opened up with their employers. Others have progressed to PhD research and gained further advancement and recognition.
In a competitive time for positions, the extra qualifications provided by this programme are a valuable addition to your CV.
Find out more about our MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirements for the Access Course are:
• A level 8 (NFQ level 8 qualification) Honours degree in a Science/Technology based degree (Applied Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.),
OR
• A level 8 (NFQ level 8 qualification) Honours degree in other areas of Engineering (Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, etc.)
• Both cases are subject to an interview if deemed necessary by the Chair of the Programme or Head of School.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
• Candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language
This programme is not available to non-EU students
Programme Structure
Standing as the only programme of its kind to currently exist on the island of Ireland, this exceptional offering not only grants students the freedom to engage in part-time, remote learning for unmatched flexibility but also presents a transformative gateway for those looking to embark on a new career journey.
This course offers you a solid foundation in Mechanical and Manufacturing knowledge, a vital stepping stone towards the MEng programme, and simultaneously acts as a transformative journey, converting your existing skills into powerful assets for a successful career in this dynamic field.
Students will undertake core modules in the following areas:
- Fluid mechanics
- Mechanics of Machines
- Manufacturing processes
- Engineering Mathematics
- Mechanics of Materials
Fees and Funding
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All applicants should apply here.
Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application
Applications Require:
• Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
• This programme is not available to non-EU students.
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or:
For September 2025 intake:
- Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025.
Life On Campus
We have three academic campuses close to Dublin City centre - they are located in Glasnevin and Drumcondra, and can be reached by public transport (Dublin Bus).
Each campus has libraries, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. Sports facilities are located on two of the academic campuses. We also have a dedicated sports campus in the form of St Claire’s.
Exceptional facilities
DCU students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, television and radio/podcast studios, classrooms, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of languages, engineering, physics, chemistry and biotechnology, as well as a sports performance centre and training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
Construction on our FutureTech building on the Glasnevin campus will get underway in 2022. Once completed, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science, computing and engineering disciplines. It will have the capacity to accommodate an additional 3,000 STEM students on the university’s Glasnevin campus.
Campus life
Among the student facilities in DCU are a sports complex with a 25 metre pool, three libraries and The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
In 2018, a purpose-built state-of-the-art new student centre - The U - was opened. This centre serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body of 18,500 and is home to the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub.
DCU Students' Union and the Office of Student Life are also based in the U. The centre is a space for students where they can meet, with lots of charging points and isolation booths. Clubs and socs avail of meeting rooms here and it's also home to DCUFM. NuBar, Londis and the Venue are also located here.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year.
Student Supports
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre: Offers a wide range of supports and services to students
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning: facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Can I pay my fees in instalments?
EU fee paying students must pay a €500 deposit when registering for a course.This fee is non-refundable.
60% of the relevant fee is then due at the beginning of Semester One, during the registration process.The remaining 40% is then due at the start of Semester Two in January.
If you are a non-EU fee paying student, you will be asked to pay the total fee before the programme begins.
Our fees office has more information about Postgraduate fees here. You can also contact them at fees@dcu.ie.
Where can I view the module descriptions for my course?
You can access more information about modules when you click on ‘current course structure’ in the ‘Programme’ section of this page
What is the weekly timetable for my course?
Please check the ‘Programme’ section of this page. If it is currently unavailable in this section please contact the programme chair of the course.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
Please check the ‘Entry Requirements’ section of this page. If you require further information, please contact the programme chair.
Are there any scholarships or sources of funding available for this course?
Our Student Recruitment Office has more information about Postgraduate Scholarships and funding here.
We also have more information about Postgraduate Scholarships here.
What are the possible career opportunities available from studying this course?
Please go to the ‘Careers’ section of this page.
Is there a part-time option to studying this course?
Please go to the Programme Structure of this page for information on whether it is a part time option to this course.
What is the course timetable for part-time students?
If you require specific information about the timetable, please contact the programme chair.
Who can I speak to regarding my application?
You can contact our admissions team at postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
How soon after I apply can I expect to hear about the status of my application? –
We aim to get back applicants within two weeks. If you are waiting longer than two weeks, please contact postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie.
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
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