Automation Engineering and RoboticsUathoibriú Innealtóireachta agus Róbataic

Course Description

Automation Engineering and Robotics involves the design, development and implementation of sensor and robotic systems. At its core is the combination of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering with computer technology, namely, mechatronics.

This multi-disciplinary course will equip you for a diverse range of modern technological roles. You’ll develop a range of skills in the design and implementation of automation solutions; from 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD, Solid-Modelling), sensor and instrumentation selection, and programming of robotics to the management of the resulting systems. 

The course combines academic classwork and hands-on work in our labs and workshops. It covers the integration of mechanical, manufacturing, electrical and electronics systems with software engineering and computer technology; design and construction of electromechanical systems operating under programmed control; the functionality, operation and integration of a variety of electro-mechanical hybrid devices, equipment and systems; safe use of tools, machines and materials, and software based engineering tools and applications.

Engineering graduates are trained to be creative and inventive, and to solve difficult problems such as the development of new technologies from jet engines to robots to artificial hip implants to hybrid cars and train components.

Automation Engineers are closely linked to mechanical and software engineers. They automate solutions to physical activities to create faster and more efficient ways of doing things. They automate systems in airports, ferry ports, rail systems and in almost every manufacturing plant through use of vision systems, robotics, sensor measurement and control. With advances in network communications they can often control manufacturing plants remotely.

In your final year you will carry out a design, build and test style project which will develop your problem-solving, design, and communication skills, a key skill that employers require. The project will give you a good opportunity to develop your design, selection of materials and machining skills.

Sample Timetable

Typically, Year 1 timetable requires 4 consecutive days/week onsite (between 9am and 6pm) with contact hours of approximately 24 hours/week

Work Placement

You will benefit from work placement in Semester 2 of Year 2. 

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students can visit engineering companies, travel abroad for a semester or year to our partner Universities in France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Austria, China or seek work placements through our close links with engineering companies and past graduates in industry. We have Erasmus agreements with many third-level institutes across Europe whereby one- or two-semester exchanges can be facilitated.

Professional Accreditation

Engineers Ireland have accredited our programmes for over 25 years now which means that graduates can travel worldwide and have their qualifications recognised abroad. On graduation, you’ll qualify for associateship membership (AMIEI) of Engineers Ireland.

Further Study

If you reach the appropriate level in final examinations and meet certain subject prerequisites, you may progress to a Level 8 honours degree. You’ll typically enter at Year 3 of the four‑year course.

Equipment Requirements

Ideally students will have access to a laptop with 64 Bit operating system; Minimum 16GB of RAM; I5 or at least equivalent processor; high Resolution Screen running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Software will be provided by the college.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

• Employment in high-tech sectors as Automation Technologist
• Manufacturing Engineering Technologist
• Industrial Automation Technologist
• Machine Design Technologist
• Machine Service Technologist
• Process Plant Technologist
• CAD Technician/Designer
• Quality Control/Improvement Engineer
• QA Technologist
• Research and Development
• Fault Diagnosis and Testing
• Computer Modelling and Simulation
• Design Technologist
• Service Technologist
• Process Technologist
• Manufacturing Process Technician
• Graduate Manufacturing Technician
• Manufacturing Systems Engineer
• QA Technologist
• Maintenance Technician
• Manufacturing Technologist
• Machine Build Technologist
• Production Manager
• Pharmaceutical Technician
• Customer Services

This is a sample timetable for Year 1, Semester 1 which gives an indication of class contact hours. Timetables are subject to change.  Up to date timetables will be provided on commencement. 

Please note, there is no advanced entry to this course.

Before college I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.

Automation Engineering sparked my curiosity as it appeared to cover a diverse range of leading edge technologies that interested me. During Year 2 on the course, I successfully completed my Work Placement module in a Business Development and Engineering role at a leading European Automation provider, Robotics and Drives (Mullingar). I was then offered a permanent position with the company, contingent on successful graduation.

At TU Dublin (City Campus) I enjoyed the atmosphere of each module within the course and am thankful to the experienced lecturing team who delivered to an excellent standard. Though I never considered myself a ‘book smart’ learner, the practical nature of the course facilitated me in achieving a distinction award in my degree and has now set me on an exciting career path in Automation

Max Brennan (TU701 Automation Engineering and Robotics Graduate 2019)

Graduates may progress to Year 3 of TU823, the Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Manufacturing & Design Engineering (Bolton Street Campus), upon successful achievement of at least a Merit (Grade 2) award in their Level 7 programme.