Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Limerick
If you are curious by nature and believe that you would enjoy working with complex machinery, then Mechanical Engineering is for you. You will learn how to build, repair, modify, design and fault-find modern mechanical systems and technologies. The course has a significant amount of practical work involved and you will acquire excellent skills and knowledge.
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Technological University of the Shannon |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | Technological University of the Shannon | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
3 years full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
Foundation Level Irish
Foundation Level Irish at Grade F2 will meet the minimum language requirement for all courses.
Bonus points for Honours Mathematics
25 bonus points will be awarded to any CAO applicant who has gained a grade H6 or higher in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics.
Foundation Level Mathematics*
Foundation Level Mathematics at Grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for the following courses:
Athlone Campus:
US926/US780 Early Childhood Education & Care
US782 Applied Social Studies in Social Care
US921 Social Care Practice
US803 Graphic & Digital Design
US700 Graphic Design
US802/US778 Animation & Illustration
US809/US704 Music & Sound Engineering
US942/US793 Business Studies with Event Management
US813/US705 Music and Live Events Industry
Limerick, Thurles and Ennis Campuses:
US808/US703 Music Production & Technology
US807/US702 Creative Broadcast & Film Production
US920/US922 Social Care Work (Limerick / Thurles)
US923/US781 Social Care Work (Ennis)
US640 Sports Development & Coaching
US954/US785 Sports Development & Performance
US953/US787 Business Studies with Sports Management
US941/US791 Business Studies with Event Management
US946/US792 Business Studies with Beauty & Spa Management
US927/US783 Early Childhood Education & Care
US931 Culinary Entrepreneurship
US795/US631 Culinary Arts
US929 Youth Work and Community Development
*Please note, this list is correct at the time of print
Garda Vetting
To ensure the protection of the public and justify public trust and confidence, TUS uses the Garda Vetting Unit (GCVU) service to assess the suitability of applicants to courses:
Athlone based courses:
US877 General Nursing
US878 Mental Health Nursing
US921 Social Care Practice
US782 Applied Social Studies in Social Care
US780/US926 Early Childhood Education and Care
US950 Nutrition and Health Science
US951 Sports Science with Exercise Physiology
US956 Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapy
US957 Physical Activity and Health Science
US788 Exercise and Health Science
US933 Physical Education Studies
Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel, Ennis based courses:
US801 Art & Design Teacher Education
US959/US789 Applied Sports Science with Performance Technology
US961/US784 Applied Sports Science with Sport & Exercise Nutrition
US958/US786 Applied Sports Science with Strength & Conditioning
US953/US787 Business Studies with Sports Management
US934 Physical Education with Business
US935 Physical Education with Business
US640 Sports Development & Coaching
US954/US785 Sports Development & Performance
US941/US791 Business Studies with Event Management
US928 Applied Addiction Recovery
US927/US783 Early Childhood Education & Care
US920/US922 Social Care Work
US923/US781 Social Care Work
US929 Youth Work & Community Development
*Please note, this list is correct at the time of print
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Points will be awarded for LCVP Link Modules as follows:
Pass: 28 points Merit: 46 points Distinction: 66 points
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
QQI FET Applicants General Information
TUS accepts QQI-FET/FETAC awards for entry on all courses of study. The following minimum entry requirements will apply to graduates of QQI-FET/FETAC qualifications who are seeking admission to courses at TUS, however applicants should also check for the specific QQI requirements on each course page on the TUS website.
The minimum entry standard for applicants to level 6 and level 7 courses is a full QQI FET Level 5 award totalling 120 credits. The minimum entry standard for applicants to level 8 courses is a full QQI FET Level 5 award totalling 120 credits including a Distinction grade in at least 3 modules.
A full FETAC award normally contains 8 modules. A full award may be accumulated over more than one academic year. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact QQI FET/FETAC for a full award where programmes are taken over more than one year. A QQI FET/FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 Record of Achievement does not meet the minimum entry standards. The maximum possible total score will be multiplied by 13 and divided by 12, to give a maximum overall points score of 390 for applicants from further education and training. Applicants to Restricted Application courses or courses where a Portfolio is required will have their Portfolio score added to their QQI-FET/FETAC score.
Careers / Further progression
What can I do after this course?
Our Engineering graduates work for companies such as ARUP, Regeneron, Kirby Group, Jacobs Engineering, Vistakon, Boston Scientific, and ESB. Positions that graduates work in include Product Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Facilities Engineer, Design Engineer, and Building Operations Supervisor. Progression to Level 8 in Mechanical Engineering is a available to students who successfully complete level 7 in Mechanical Engineering.
Further information
September 2026
MATURE APPLICATIONS
All EU nationals aged 23 or over on 1st January in the year of application are classified as ‘mature applicants’. The closing date for receipt of applications for consideration in this category is 1st February in the year of entry. Late applications will be considered for courses which do not require additional assessment. On an exceptional basis e.g. the quota remains unfilled, late applications may be considered for other courses.
Trade Qualifications
A trade applicant, seeking admission to the first year of a course, should do so through the CAO. Such application may be on the basis of National Craft Certificate, Senior Trades or Advanced Tourism Certification Board (NTCB)/QQI qualifications, instead of, or in addition to, Leaving Certificate results. TUS welcomes applications from such candidates. Possession of these awards at advanced level normally qualifies an applicant for entry to TUS.
Other Qualifications
Applicants with qualifications other than those listed above (including EU and overseas qualifications) should apply in the usual way, giving full details of their qualifications/application category on their application.
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
What is this course about?
Mechanical Engineers are involved with almost every aspect of our daily lives, innovating and designing machines from computers to power generators to medical equipment. A Mechanical Engineering qualification offers graduates a huge variety of career paths across a wide range of industries.
The course focuses on the practical aspects of Mechanical Engineering, such as Computer Aided Design, Engineering Processes and Maintenance, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Plant Engineering, Instruments and Control, etc. Mechanical Engineers apply sophisticated computer-based tools and equipment such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), robotics and computer-controlled manufacturing systems to aid the quality and speed of machinery production. The course is taught with a practical, hands-on approach, giving students the skills needed for the employment market. A 20 week work placement in year 3 allows students to gain valuable work experience.
We welcome applications from holders of apprenticeships in the mechanical trades, and from persons with manufacturing backgrounds, that wish to upgrade their skills and qualifications. Direct entry into Year 2 is possible for suitably qualified applicants with Craft qualifications or manufacturing backgrounds.
Why study this course?
If you are curious by nature and believe that you would enjoy working with complex machinery, then Mechanical Engineering is for you. You will learn how to build, repair, modify, design and fault-find modern mechanical systems and technologies. The course has a significant amount of practical work involved and you will acquire excellent skills and knowledge.
Modules at a Glance:
Students will study a range of modules in: Electrical and Electronic Technology, Engineering Computing, Mechanical CAD and Design, Fluids and Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Applied Mechanical Engineering, Heat Transfer, Hydraulics, Industrial Automation, Mechanics and Failure Analysis.
Email: FET.Midwest@tus.ie
Dr. Patrick Walsh
Email: Patrick.walsh@tus.ie
Bosco Clarke
Email: bosco.clarke@tus.ie