South East Technological University
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Carlow, Ireland

DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's degree

DURATION

3 years

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

Sep 2026

STUDY FORMAT

On-Campus

Key Summary

About : The Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering program offers students a comprehensive education in mechanical engineering principles. It covers key areas such as design, analysis, and manufacturing. Students engage in practical projects and utilize advanced technologies to prepare for professional roles in engineering. The program typically spans four years, allowing for in-depth learning and skill development.

Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles as mechanical engineers, design engineers, project managers, and manufacturing specialists. They may work in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and robotics, offering opportunities to innovate and solve complex engineering problems.

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering is one of the most diverse of the engineering disciplines. It deals with the design and manufacture of everything, from small individual parts and devices like the inkjet nozzle to large systems such as spacecraft. The role of a mechanical engineer is to take ideas from concept to physical reality. It requires specialist engineering knowledge combined with creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and analytical skills.

Course Structure

This course equips graduates with the specialist knowledge and practical experience required to manage complete mechanical engineering processes, from product/project design to manufacturing output and commissioning. The course features extensive practical workshops and includes a challenging development project in year 3.

Special Features

40% class time on practical exercises in laboratories and workshops.
Integrated instruction in computing and programming skills.
Students of this course have been very successful in the Engineers Ireland Innovative Student of the Year Award, winning three times and being runner-up once in the past number of years.
Use of industry-standard design tools ANSYS and SOLIDWORKS.
A well-balanced mixture of theory and practical elements with an extensive development project in Year 3.
Learn and apply problem-solving skills to real-world problems.

Exit Awards

Higher Certificate in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering (NFQ Level 6) after Year 2.

Discover SETU: Your Gateway to Global Success

Embark on a transformative journey at South East Technological University (SETU), a contemporary European university nestled in the southeast of Ireland, a nation renowned for its dynamic economy and global influence. At SETU, we mirror Ireland’s forward-thinking spirit, providing a launchpad for your future in one of the world’s most hospitable countries. (SETU is a regional powerhouse with campuses spread across the southeast, with international students studying on our Carlow, Waterford, and Wexford campuses. With over half a century of experience in higher education, research, innovation, and collaboration, SETU nurtures a thriving community of over 18,000 students, supported by a dedicated team of more than 1,500 staff. Our vision is to expand our reach and impact even further in the next decade.

Our university boasts cutting-edge research facilities and strong ties with leading global corporations. We are dedicated to helping you turn your dreams into reality. Our campuses offer a vibrant, manageable environment, rich with diverse cultural experiences. Here, every student is given the tools to excel academically and flourish personally.

SETU’s research prowess is recognised both in Ireland and globally, laying a solid foundation for future growth. We are committed to equipping students with the skills they need to excel in the competitive job market. International students can select from a variety of career-focused programmes, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and foundation qualifications.

SETU provides a range of services and facilities, from academic support to recreational amenities. Our university is a hub of activity with numerous clubs and societies and is renowned for its excellence in competitive sports.

Our Carlow campus, located 85km from Dublin and 97km from Dublin Airport, is surrounded by the quintessential Irish countryside, complete with mountain trails, forests, and ancient monastic sites.
The Waterford campus, 170km from Dublin and 177km from Dublin Airport, is situated in Ireland’s oldest city, a perfect blend of the old and the new, It's a city bursting with life and historic streets to explore.

At SETU, we foster an inclusive campus environment where students form lifelong friendships while achieving academic milestones. It’s the beginning of an exciting journey for those aspiring to build successful careers in fields like business, law, humanities, science, sport, or engineering.

Academic Disciplines and Programmes

International students can choose from a wide array of programmes, spanning foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate qualifications. SETU offers programmes and conducts research across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, including:

Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry
Architecture
Arts and Social Sciences
Built Environment
Business
Computing
Early Years Education
Engineering
Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts
Law
Media, Design and Music
Science
Sport Management
Sport Science

International Foundation Programme

International students can enrol in our certificate programme, Preparation for Higher Education. This programme equips students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required for higher education. Students receive English language tuition, as well as education in mathematics, IT, and a field of their interest. The modules available are:

English for Professional Communication
Information Technology
Learning to Learn
Introductory Maths
Management
Engineering Science
Computer Systems

This programme provides a valuable opportunity to explore degree-level studies and make informed choices. Upon completion, students can pursue a degree course in the following academic year.

International Office

We have a dedicated international team ready to support international students. At the beginning of the year, international students attend an induction/orientation programme. This is a great opportunity to meet other international students and learn about the dedicated support available at SETU.