Engineering
If you possess an inquisitive mind, a drive to innovate, and a commitment to developing solutions for real-world problems with significant social, societal, and economic impacts, you will find an engineering education at UCD both stimulating and rewarding. Whether you aspire to invent life-saving medical devices, pioneer new modes of communication, advance renewable energy sources, or address global environmental challenges, UCD offers a top-tier education across various engineering disciplines.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
Biomedical Engineering: 3 Years (BSc)(Hons) + 2 Years (ME) or 4 Years (BE), full-time.
Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering: 4 Year (BE) + 1 Year (ME), full-time.
Civil Engineering: 3 Years (BSc)(Hons) + 2 Years (ME) or 4 Years (BE), full-time.
Electronic Engineering or Electrical Engineering: 3 Years (BSc)(Hons) + 2 Years (ME) or 4 Years (BE), full-time.
Mechanical Engineering: 3 Years (BSc)(Hons) + 2 Years (ME) or 4 Years (BE), full-time.
Structural Engineering with Architecture: 3 Years (BSc)(Hons) + 2 Years (ME), full-time.
Sustainable Systems Engineering: 4 years (BE) + 1 Year (ME), full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
To meet minimum entry requirements (matriculation) on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must present at least six recognised subjects selected according to course requirements and must obtain at least Grade H5 in two subjects and Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.
Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
H4 in Mathematics
H6 in a laboratory science and
O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
• To meet minimum entry requirements (matriculation) on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must present at least six recognised subjects selected according to course requirements (see Entry Requirements for each course) and must obtain at least Grade H5 in two subjects and Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.
• A student may normally combine the results of Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years to meet minimum entry requirements. This concession applies to minimum entry requirements registration only; it does not apply to the calculation of points. However, it should be noted that students seeking to enter Medicine must meet the minimum entry requirements, including both Leaving Certificate points and Matriculation, in the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
Acceptable subjects
All subjects of the current Leaving Certificate examination are accepted with the following exceptions and qualifications:
1. Gaeilge – Bonnleibhéal (Irish – Foundation Level) will not be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes.
2. Mathematics Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level will be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes, but not as a substitute for the subject Mathematics in courses for which Mathematics is an entry requirement. Leaving Certificate points are not awarded for either of these subjects.
Applicants presenting Leaving Certificate results from previous years, which include subjects no longer offered, should contact www.ucd.ie/askus for advice with regard to acceptability and any exclusions that may apply.
Combination of subjects not permitted
• The subject “Physics and Chemistry” may not be presented with either “Physics” or “Chemistry”.
• “Agricultural Economics” may not be presented with “Economics”.
• “Classical Studies” may not be presented with “Latin” or “Greek”
Laboratory science subjects
The following subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate are recognised laboratory science subjects:
• Agricultural Science • Biology • Chemistry • Physics and Chemistry (Joint) • Physics.
For Science (DN200) only, Applied Mathematics, Geography or Computer Science may also be used as a laboratory science subject.
Assessment of applications
Admission to most undergraduate courses is extremely competitive. Entry is based on the points system for students presenting Irish Leaving Certificate examinations.
Notes
• Minimum points requirements can change from year-to-year as they are dependent on demand for each course, as well as the number of places available.
• 25 additional points will be awarded for a grade H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, where that subject is one of the six subjects being counted for points purposes.
• Applicants’ performance in the Leaving Certificate examination is scored on their best results in no more than six individual subjects taken in the Leaving Certificate examination of any one year. This does not preclude an intending applicant from taking school-leaving examinations in two or more years. In this event, the choice of year for scoring purposes will be such as to ensure that each applicant is credited with the maximum possible score.
• It is still possible to achieve matriculation and subject requirements over more than one year. However, for admission to Medicine, applicants must achieve both the required subject grades and the points in the same sitting.
• The subjects and combinations of subjects not permitted for matriculation also apply when computing an applicant’s points score.
• Please see www.myucd.ie/medicineaddreq for points scoring for Medicine.
• Note: If you were born outside the Republic of Ireland, you do not require Irish as a subject for entry to UCD. However, you may present Irish as a subject for matriculation to fulfil the requirement to present a language other than English
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Grade Points
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
Careers / Further progression
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
A world of opportunity awaits you as a UCD Engineering graduate and, as our courses are professionally accredited, they are fully recognised internationally. You will be able to establish a career in many sectors, including:
Business • Construction • Design • Education • Energy/Clean Technology • Environment • Finance • Food • Healthcare • Information & Communications Technology • Infrastructure • Management • Manufacturing • Pharmaceuticals • Research & Academia
You will be equipped with a mindset and skills that will make you an asset to any employer. The Engineering education offered by UCD is recognised by the world’s top companies. In addition to our wide range of BE degrees, UCD has numerous graduate programmes including taught Masters degree – see opposite. There are also research programmes available to students at both Masters and PhD level.
Further information
September 2026
Mature Applicants
UCD has a mature entry pathway for anyone who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the proposed year of entry and whose school-leaving qualifications are insufficient for admission. For admission in September 2026, your date of birth must be on or before 1 January, 2003.
How do I apply?
For all full-time and some part-time undergraduate degree courses, mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The application can be completed online at www.cao.ie. For some courses you must also register for a specific test (HPAT and NMBI Nursing/ Midwifery Assessment test) for details of what is required for each course. For most of our courses, the closing date for application is 1 February 2026. Late applications up to 1 May are not normally considered on grounds of mature years - any exceptions are highlighted on the mature student website.
What information should I provide?
You must complete the mature section on the CAO form fully as this forms a large part of the assessment of your application. You must send supporting documents, such as copies of qualifications to CAO as soon as your application is complete. If you wish you can also send an additional statement of interest or CV. Visit the website below for further information on how to apply and how your application will be assessed.
For more information:
www.ucd.ie/maturestudents
Other School-Leaving Examinations
Every EU country is currently represented amongst UCD’s student body. Applicants must meet normal matriculation and entry requirements. Further information is available at www.ucd.ie/eu
Non-EU applicants
UCD welcomes applicants from non- EU countries. Further information on application and entry requirements is available at www.ucd.ie/global
Note: If you were born outside the Republic of Ireland, you do not require Irish as a subject for entry to UCD. www.ucd.ie/myucd/apply
Other School Leaving Examinations
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
University Access
See www.myucd.ie/universityaccess
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Why UCD Engineering?
If you possess an inquisitive mind, a drive to innovate, and a commitment to developing solutions for real-world problems with significant social, societal, and economic impacts, you will find an engineering education at UCD both stimulating and rewarding. Whether you aspire to invent life-saving medical devices, pioneer new modes of communication, advance renewable energy sources, or address global environmental challenges, UCD offers a top-tier education across various engineering disciplines.
Our engineering programmes are accredited by leading bodies such as Engineers Ireland, the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3). We provide a comprehensive education covering fundamental engineering subjects, fostering problem-solving and design skills grounded in mathematics and physics.
At UCD, we place substantial emphasis on mastering analytical skills and utilising quantitative methods. Our teaching is founded on robust mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles, essential for navigating the complexities of your future career challenges. We collaborate closely with industry to ensure our graduates are highly skilled and equipped to tackle the evolving problems faced by organisations and society.
Moreover, we pride ourselves on our research-intensive environment, engaging students in a culture of academic excellence and inquiry. Combined with our expert lecturers, UCD stands as the premier choice for those passionate about engineering.
Your First Year Experience
As a UCD Engineering student, you’ll start with a common first year. This allows you to explore various engineering disciplines before selecting your specialisation, subject to capacity constraints for health and safety. In total, there are 285 places available in DN150. UCD offers the widest range of degree options in the country. After completing the common first year, you can choose your second-year pathway from the following options:
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Structural Engineering with Architecture
• Sustainable Systems Engineering
Your chosen specialisation in the second year can also lead to further branches of engineering at the master’s level. The study and career opportunities available through our bachelor’s and master’s degree options are illustrated in the ‘Studying UCD Engineering’ diagram. You can pursue a Bachelor of Engineering Science, BSc (3 years), a Bachelor of Engineering, BE (4 years), or a Master of Engineering, ME (5 years).
Since 2013, the educational standard for the professional title of Chartered Engineer (Engineers Ireland) has been an accredited master’s degree programme in engineering or equivalent. In the School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering, the 4-year BE degrees meet this standard for the professional title of Chartered Engineer, accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
Year 1 Explore your options
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Energy Engineering
Mechanics
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Creativity in Design
Engineering Computing
These core modules are supplemented by a range of option modules that will enable you to develop within your chosen specialisation and areas of interest.
Years 2 & 3 Choose your Pathway
Biomedical
Chemical & Bioprocess
Civil
Electrical / Electronic
Mechanical
Structural Engineering with Architecture
Sustainable Systems
Optional Study Abroad Opportunity (Year 3)
Years 4 & 5
Focus on your area(s) of specialisation
Graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering
BE(4 years) Bachelor of Engineering:
Biomedical
Chemical & Bioprocess**
Chemical with Biochemical Minor**
Civil
Electrical
Electronic
Mechanical
Sustainable Systems
ME (5years) Master of Engineering
Biosystems & Food*
Biomedical
Chemical & Bioprocess*
Civil, Structural & Environmental
Electrical Power
Electronic & Computer
Energy Systems
Engineering with Business
Materials Science & Engineering
Mechanical
Structural Engineering with Architecture
Professional Work Experience
Graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering Science + Master of Engineering
*The ME Biosystems and Food Engineering and ME Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering are accessible from all Engineering Pathways.
** Both BE degrees meet the educational standard for the professional title of Chartered Engineer, through the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
www.myucd.ie/biomedicalengineering
myucd.ie/cabe
myucd.ie/civil-engineering
myucd.ie/electrical-engineering
myucd.ie/mechanical-engineering
myucd.ie/sewa
myucd.ie/sse
UCD Engineering and Architecture College Office
+353 1 716 1916
ucd.ie/eacollege/contact/