Engineering - Automation & Instrumentation - Sligo
The automation and instrumentation industry plays a critical role in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and engineering, ensuring that processes are efficient, precise, and controlled. With the increasing demand for automated systems across industries, professionals in this field enjoy excellent job opportunities in Ireland and worldwide.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Atlantic Technological University | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
1 year part-time, online.
Recommended Study Hours per week
Student can expect a 1 hour lecture and a 2 hour practical per week and per module. Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. It is recommended that students should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to their studies.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Students are welcome to attend two optional labs, or they may be taken fully online. These days can also be used to meet the lecturers and fellow students.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.
Entry Requirements
Entry to the programme is open to candidates who have completed phase 6 of a relevant craft certificate or equivalent.
Graduates who have not obtained this minimum may incorporate other equivalent qualifications and relevant work experience and apply for assessment via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie.
What level of RPL do you expect to meet academic entry requirements?
About 5 years of relevant work experience or if prospective students have done some relevant training courses. Some knowledge can be acquired through non-formal ways of education.
What should you have an interest in applying for this programme?
Have an interest in automation and solving problems.
Should they work in a certain sector e.g. HSE?
The sector is not relevant; whenever there is automation, there will be an automation technician or engineer. Our students work in all areas of production. This could be energy, Wind Farms or Turbine providers, Medical, Medical Devices, Robotics, Food and Beverage or any other manufacturing company.
Careers / Further progression
Progression
Students can progress their studies into BEng in Mechatronics (Online)
Careers
Completing the Certificate in Automation and Instrumentation would enable you for a range of roles in the fields of industrial automation, control systems, and instrumentation. These positions are typically focused on maintaining and improving automated systems in manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and other industries.
Some job roles you could be eligible for include:
Automation Technician: Working on the installation, maintenance, and programming of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics).
Instrumentation Technician: Calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation equipment that measures and controls variables like pressure, temperature, and flow in industrial processes.
Control Systems Technician: Implementing control systems for industrial machinery and processes, ensuring optimal performance.
Maintenance Technician (Automation/Instrumentation): Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on automation and instrumentation equipment in industrial settings.
Process Control Technician: Monitoring and adjusting automated control systems to optimize production efficiency and product quality.
Field Service Technician: Providing on-site technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automation and instrumentation systems in various industries.
These jobs are typically in industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, energy, and utilities. Automation and instrumentation skills are in high demand, so job prospects are generally strong, especially with the increase in automation in the afore mentioned industries.
Further information
Start Date September 2026
Total Fees EU: €2450
Application Closing Date 14th August 2026
The automation and instrumentation industry plays a critical role in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and engineering, ensuring that processes are efficient, precise, and controlled. With the increasing demand for automated systems across industries, professionals in this field enjoy excellent job opportunities in Ireland and worldwide. Job opportunities vary from roles in system design to maintenance and troubleshooting, making it a highly rewarding career choice (the career tab will give you me information on this).
This Level 6 Certificate in Automation and Instrumentation is ideal for individuals looking to return to education or advance their careers. Whether you’re seeking to upskill or build on existing qualifications, this program offers strong academic support and highly experienced lecturers with years of industrial knowledge. Students are provided with all the guidance they need to succeed, especially if they require additional assistance. On completion of this certificate, students are eligible to enter the online level 7 bachelor’s degree in Mechatronic Engineering.
The course is delivered fully online, meaning there’s no need to attend classes on campus. While some practical sessions can be completed in Sligo, these are optional. Students can attend live lectures or watch recordings at their convenience, making it easy to study around other commitments. The online lab work can be done in your own time, and the program runs over the course of one academic year. If you need extra help with mathematics or other subjects, support is always available.
Key modules will deliver knowledge in: Instrumentation, Automating Pneumatics, Programming and Interfacing. There is also a one-year math module in the programme. This two-semester long math module would normally be delivered in one semester. By spreading it out over two semesters, students have more time to get through the material.
This program is suitable for international students. Upon completion, you will earn an accredited certificate recognized throughout Europe via the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). International students benefit from the fact that they don’t pay higher fees and are not affected by time zone differences, as lectures can be downloaded for offline study. Additionally, students avoid travel costs, making this an accessible and cost-effective educational option.
Who Should Apply?
This programme offers a variety of career progression opportunities for qualified craftspersons. For example, a machine operator can move to become a maintenance technician. A manufacturing or process technician can become an automation engineer. Electricians have the potential to become automation equipment technicians.
Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective
1 Instrumentation 1 05 Mandatory
1 Pneumatic / Electro-Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems Full-Time 05 Mandatory
1 Programming Fundamentals 05 Mandatory
2 Instrumentation 2 05 Mandatory
2 Introduction to Engineering Mathematics 05 Mandatory
2 Automation Programming 05 Mandatory
2 Programming Communications and Interfacing 05 Mandatory
Examination and Assessment
Most subjects are assessed through a written exam at the end of the semester and students will also be graded on practical work throughout the semester. The practical part of the modules contributes to about half the overall marks in the modules.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.
Students who are resident overseas and those with extenuating circumstances may apply to take examinations online with an external online invigilation service (online proctored exams), where this is available. Places are limited for this service.
Admissions Office
T: 00353 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Rudie Coppieters
Course Co-Ordinator
E: Rudie.Coppieters@atu.ie
Online Student Advisor
Natalie McNulty
T: +353 (0) 71 930 5429
E: natalie.mcnulty@atu.ie