Automation & Robotics - Cork
Graduates of this course will acquire skills that will allow them to work with highly automated manufacturing and process systems.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Munster Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
1 year, Part-time, Online, Blended.
Course Delivery:
This course will be delivered using a blended teaching approach comprising of classroom based face-to-face teaching and live online sessions. This course will be delivered 2 nights per week from 6.30-9.30pm each evening. Classes are held 2 nights per week between Mondays and Thursdays. Please note it is not possible to remotely attend the face-to-face classroom sessions.
Attendance to class both on campus and online is mandatory as there is a lot of group discussions and participation during all of the sessions. We have seen that it is not possible to gain the full value from the course by ‘catching up on content later’ or ‘listening in’ whilst at work. Of course, there is always the scenario where someone misses a class or a portion of a class for personal reasons, and we will do our best to facilitate catch-up, etc.
Note: Places are very limited for this course. Eligible candidates will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Entry Requirements
Application Process
This course will be funded through Springboard+ for the year 2026/2027.
Applications are made online through the Springboard+ website however, you must register first in order to apply for this course: https://springboardcourses.ie/register.
You can check your eligibility for Springboard+ funding at the following link: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
It is important to upload a copy of your academic transcripts and CV for ease of processing. Once all your documents have been uploaded and reviewed to ensure that the requirements are met, your application will be approved with an email sent to verify your place on this course.
All qualified candidates are required to have a minimum of at least two years relevant industrial experience and should have obtained their Leaving Certificate or an appropriate craft/technician qualification.
Delivery of this programme is subject to sufficient number of applicants.
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to. Go to https://www.mtu.ie/admissions/undergraduate/recognition-of-prior-learning/
Further information
Start Date: 20/09/2026. End Date: 28/06/2027.
Springboard+ Course Fee:
Springboard+ courses are FREE for people who are unemployed, those who were previously self-employed and returners to the workforce
Courses are free for jobseekers and returners – those in employment receive a 90% fee subsidy from the HEA.
• Jobseekers - Those in receipt of an eligible payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, and the formerly self-employed.
• Returners - Those not in receipt of a payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection who have been out of the workforce for a number of years but may require upskilling or reskilling to transition back.
• Those in employment who wish to upskill or reskill.
Springboard+ Funding: Go to https://www.mtu.ie/study/springboard/
Standard Course Fee: €3,100*
* Fee applicable for those not eligible for Springboard+ Funding.
Please note:
• Applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €250 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee.
• You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the 'apply now' button; you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you and you wish to accept it.
• Course fees may be subject to an annual increase.
Application Deadline: 5th September 2026.
To apply go to "Application Weblink" above.
Objectives:
Graduates of this course will acquire skills that will allow them to work with highly automated manufacturing and process systems. This course equips participants with abilities and skills to enable them to analyse industrial applications and evaluate possible solutions in terms of automated (dedicated/flexible) or mixed manual/automated systems, design and develop embedded systems to meet predetermined specifications, and design and implement a distributed control system utilising PLCs and SCADA technology.
What will I study?
Automation and Robotics are important aspects of modern manufacturing and utility supply companies. Many manufacturing assembly lines and processes utilise programmable control systems. As a result, it is essential to equip technicians and engineers in this field with the appropriate skills.
This course will extend the student’s skills into three essential areas in the field of Automation and Robotics;
1. Mechatronics (PLC Control and Pneumatics/Electropneumatics)
2. SCADA & Automation Systems
3. Robotics
Using specialist equipment in our state-of-the-art laboratories, the student will learn to use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control, Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Robotics programming, all of which are the industry recognised standard for the development of effective automation systems.
Award
Students who successfully complete the modules Mechatronics; SCADA & Automation Systems; and Robotics will be entitled to a Certificate in Automation & Control Systems (Special Purpose Award) 20 credits ate Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications, awarded by Munster Technological University.
Modules:
MANU7012 - Automation Systems & SCADA
MECH7024 - Pneumatics/ElectroPneumatics
MECH7025 - PLC Control
MANU7011 - Robotics Design & Applications
These modules can also be taken and certified individually.
CAMMS
Tel: 021 432 6264
Email: CammsCork@mtu.ie