Course Title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Timber Technology
*Advanced Entry Applications to Year 2 only
Download:
- View or download the TU838 poster- Join the Timber Revolution!
- View or download the TU838 Bioeconomy poster
- View or download the TU838 Industry poster
Timber technologists are highly skilled technical professionals occupying a range of positions in businesses in the large and growing Forest Product Sector. Enterprise Ireland predict the sector will grow from 12,000 to 20,000 people in the next ten years. The increased focus on sustainability and sustainable timber products, the large increase in the Irish forest harvest, and increased demand for high quality timber products in Ireland and the UK, are driving this growth. This immersive, full-time course will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge preparing you for the challenges of this exciting, growing sector.
Timber Technologists play central roles in the many stages of conversion of wooden logs, thinnings and woodfibre into high quality timber products that meet demanding technical and environmental standards. These products range from boards and planks (to be used in construction or furniture) to wood pellets and fencing, and from fitted kitchens and large volume furniture manufacture to beautifully crafted timber artefacts.
TU838 BSc (Honours) Sustainable Timber Technology has been developed from, and replaces, B.Tech in Timber Product Technology. It is a 4-year, full-time immersive course featuring a mix of theoretical and skills-based modules (see module lists below). The course is taught in the context of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with a direct impact for many SDG Targets (e.g. Targets 9.4 and 12.2). Cross-sectoral skills (such as critical thinking, creativity, management, collaboration and professionalism) are an important part of the course supporting the central focus on wood science, timber skills and production management. The course has strong links with industry and work placement takes place in the sixth semester. Field trips and guest lectures supplement the academic content of the course.
Through choice of elective modules, work placement and thesis the student will develop a unique mix of skills and knowledge to ensure employment in the part of the Forest Products Sector that interests them most.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Erasmus+ exchange with timber technology courses in Europe are being explored. This is likely to take place in Year 3, Semester 2.
Work Placement
You’ll have the opportunity to gain work experience through an industry placement at the end of Year 3, lasting 9 weeks.
Professional Accreditation
The Wood Technology Society (a division of the Institute of materials, Minerals and Mining) supports the formation of the BSc (Hons) in Sustainable Timber Technology. Student membership of the WTS (IOM3) will be the first step in gaining full member of this professional Institute. Those who are awarded membership use post-nominal letters that are recognised throughout the world.
Equipment Requirements
Students are required to have a personal laptop capable of running CAD software before commencement of Semester 2.
Find out more
- Visit the TU Dublin Architecture website for further information.
- View our Instagram account
Download:
View or download the TU838 poster - Join the Timber Revolution!
View or download the TU838 Bioeconomy poster
View or download the TU838 Industry poster
YouTube Videos:
| TU838 – Virtual Open Day presentation (12.54 mins) |
Course Chair Joseph Little gives a brief overview of TU838 BSc (Hons) Sustainable Timber Technology, including minimum entry requirements, content, employment opportunities, industry and sustainability context. |
| TU838 – Interview with Programme Chair (12.53 mins) | Course Chair Joseph Little introduces TU838 BSc (Hons) Sustainable Timber Technology to TU Dublin School Liaison Officer, Lynda Young. He describes the Course’s structure, its subjects, the kind of applicants the course suits, the skills they’ll develop, study abroad options, employment opportunities, the growth of Irish forests and the Timber Industry, and its role in supporting sustainability. |
| TU838 - IWFMN ‘Connecting Industry’ Webinar (21.10 mins) |
Course Chair Joseph Little Introduces TU838 BSc (Hons) Sustainable Timber Technology at the Irish Wood and Furniture Manufacturers’ Network (IWFMN) ‘Connecting Industry’ webinar, 13/11/20. He describes TU Dublin’s creation and Strategic Intent, why the course is focused on sustainability and how this is the right time for a new course. He then goes on to list the course Learning Outcomes, our approach to teaching, the bridging course and industry CPDs. |
| TU838 – Interview with Timber Technologist Damien Cross (6.48 mins) |
Timber Technologist Damien Cross, the Group Technical and Projects Manager at Glennon Brothers, discusses his career and the innovations he has introduced in various plants of the largest firm in Ireland’s Timber Industry with Course Chair Joseph Little. |
| TU838 - Interview with recent graduate Paddy O’Kearney (12.33 mins) |
Timber Technologist Paddy O’Kearney, a recent graduate of B.Tech (Ord) Timber Product Technology, discusses his college education, digital technologies, modern methods of manufacture and sustainability with Course Chair Joseph Little. |
| TU838 – Conversations with Timber Technologist Bob Davis, WTI |
Timber Technologist Bob Davis presents Ireland’s broad Timber Industry, the diverse role of Timber Technologists, his long and varied career developing timber standards and quality control, the need for TU838 BSc (Hons) Sustainable Timber Technology, & the strong employability of graduates of the course. TU838 - Bob Davis interview – What is the Timber Industry? (3.24 mins) TU838 - Bob Davis interview – What is a Timber Technologist? (1.15 mins) TU838 - Bob Davis interview – Tell us about your career? (8.20 mins) TU838 - Bob Davis interview – Innovation in Ireland’s Timber Industry (3.47 mins) TU838 - Bob Davis interview – Is this a good time to apply to BSc (Hons) Sustainable Timber Technology? (1.04 mins) |
Leaving Certificate Requirements:
|
Minimum Number of |
|
|---|---|
|
Subjects |
Higher |
|
6 |
2H5 |
|
Minimum Grade in |
|
|
Maths |
English OR Irish |
|
O5/H6 |
O5/H6 |
QQI/FET Requirements:
|
QQI/FET Award Required |
Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Level 5: 1 OF THE FOLLOWING AWARDS:
|
DISTINCTION(S) REQUIRED: |
| Level 6: Full level 6 award in a relevant discipline | |
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.
There are a wide of technologist and managerial roles available in the broad Timber Industry. The potential for career progression is strong. These roles include:
- Production management and technical roles in sawmills and board mills, and in joinery, cabinetry and timber frame businesses
- Technical and managerial roles in the drawing offices of joinery, cabinetry or timber frame businesses
- Technical and managerial roles in timber product development and process improvement
- Technical and managerial roles in quality assurance and compliance management
- Makers or restorers of beautiful timber artefacts in the tradition of cabinetmakers, furniture makers or joiners
- Craftworker-owner in a small timber workshop
- Specialist roles in timber drying and in wood preservation technology
- Technologist and researcher roles in timber laboratories of a large timber business or in a research and teaching institute
- Consultancy roles in inspection, specification and creation of technical reports
- Technical sales and marketing roles
Visit the TU Dublin Architecture website for further information.
Semester 1
- Academic Communications [Mandatory]
- Timber Skills I [Mandatory]
- Regulatory Environment [Mandatory]
- Timber Toolbox I [Mandatory]
- Visual Communications I [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Semester 1
- Estimating & Tendering [Mandatory]
- Visual Comm. III [Mandatory]
- Timber Skills III [Mandatory]
- Wood Science II (Solid Wood) [Mandatory]
- Forest Product Sector Maths II [Mandatory]
- Timber Toolbox III [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Semester 1
- Learning from Timber Product Design [Mandatory]
- Timber Skills V [Mandatory]
- Timber Skills VI [Mandatory]
- Wood Science IV (Engineered Timber Products) [Mandatory]
- Timber Production Management 2 [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Saw & Board Mills [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Advanced Entry applications are accepted via the CAO for Year 2 of this course.
I have really enjoyed the First Year of TU838. It’s been a real eye opener for me, from wood science to commercial production of timber products. I’m really looking forward to the next three years. It feels as though we’ve only scratched the surface of the Course!
"Everything I have learnt in First Year TU838 Sustainable Timber Technology has given me a new perspective on life and changed the way I consider and work with timber and timber products. The course has encouraged more sustainable thought processes. I think about trying to reduce my waste as much as possible and reusing whenever possible.
On graduation you may continue to postgraduate study at TU Dublin or elsewhere. Masters-level courses are available to further develop the knowledge, skillsets and career progression of graduate Timber Technologists in subjects such as business and entrepreneurship, sustainable development, energy management and data analysis.