Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The programme is designed for students who have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue an advanced master’s qualification in mechanical engineering. Applicants normally need a 2.1 honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognised university in engineering, physical sciences or a related discipline.  

Applicants should normally possess a suitable undergraduate qualification in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering or scientific discipline. As the programme covers advanced mechanical and manufacturing engineering topics, applicants should have an appropriate foundation in engineering mathematics, analysis and relevant technical subjects.

Applications should be made through Trinity’s online postgraduate application system. 

Applications will typically open on the 1st of November for the following September intake. 

Applicants should submit all documentation requested through the application portal. Applications will be assessed on the applicant’s academic background, suitability for advanced study in mechanical engineering and ability to benefit from the programme.  Shortlisted applicants will be called for interview (online) with the Course Director - Prof. Amir Pakdel.

Applicants should upload all documents requested by the online postgraduate application system. These will ordinarily include evidence of previous academic qualifications and any other supporting information required by the Programme. 

Typical postgraduate application documentation may include: 

  • Academic transcripts 
  • Degree certificates or evidence of qualifications 
  • Curriculum vitae or résumé 
  • Statement of purpose 
  • Academic references 
  • Evidence of English-language proficiency, where applicable 
  • Proof of identity 
  • The applicable application fee

Applicants should provide all documentation available at the time of application and follow the instructions shown in the online application system. 

For example, you should include transcripts for all completed years of your undergraduate degree. A conditional offer may be made while final transcripts or English-language evidence are outstanding.

Funding opportunities are listed on Trinity College Dublin’s postgraduate scholarships and funding webpage. Check eligibility criteria and closing dates before applying.  

https://www.tcd.ie/study/postgraduate/scholarships-funding/

The programme is full-time for one year, running from September to August.  

A part-time two-year option is offered as well.

Modules are semesterised, with lectures scheduled on weekdays during normal working hours. There are no exceptions or evening/weekend classes for part-time students.  A typical Semester would include 30 ECTS of taught modules (18 hours of lectures, 6 hours of tutorials, and extra laboratory hours where applicable).  

Check the Academic Registry fees and payments webpage for current EU and non-EU fees.  

https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/fees-and-payments/

Students should have an appropriate mathematical and analytical foundation for postgraduate study in mechanical engineering. 

The programme addresses advanced topics across mechanical and manufacturing engineering and draws on expertise in areas including: 

  • Advanced materials and manufacturing 
  • Engineering design 
  • Fluid mechanics 
  • Noise and vibration 
  • Energy 
  • Heat transfer 
  • Turbomachinery 
  • Robotics 
  • Instrumentation 
  • Nanotechnology 

Many of these subject areas require the application of engineering mathematics, modelling, numerical methods and technical analysis.

Yes.

Students should be able to implement numerical calculations for assignments and projects. MATLAB is widely used, and experience with MATLAB or a similar platform, such as Octave or Mathcad, is helpful. 

The programme offers an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, and it also includes a Zero-Carbon Technology strand. The application pages are separate.  

https://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/courses/mechanical-engineering-mscpgraddipcert/

https://www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/courses/zero-carbon-technology-mscpgraddipcert/

The MSc in Mechanical Engineering & Zero-Carbon Technology is designed for graduates seeking advanced knowledge and experience across a broad range of mechanical and manufacturing engineering subjects. 

It may be particularly suitable for applicants who wish to: 

  • Build on a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline 
  • Develop advanced knowledge in mechanical and manufacturing engineering 
  • Explore current challenges in energy, sustainability, design and manufacturing 
  • Select modules from a flexible range of technical subjects 
  • Undertake a substantial research project 
  • Work with research groups in the  
  • Develop engineering solutions with practical industrial or societal relevance 
  • Prepare for engineering leadership, research or further postgraduate study 

The programme addresses challenges ranging from meeting future energy needs to developing more sustainable approaches to engineering design and manufacturing.

The programme consists of 90 ECTS credits: 

50 ECTS of taught modules 

10 ECTS for Research Programme Definition 

30 ECTS for the Research Project 

Modules normally carry 5 ECTS, although some modules carry 10 ECTS. The programme provides module choices across a wide range of mechanical and manufacturing engineering subjects. 

The programme draws on departmental expertise in: 

  • Advanced materials and manufacturing 
  • Design 
  • Fluid mechanics 
  • Noise and vibration 
  • Energy 
  • Heat transfer 
  • Turbomachinery 
  • Robotics 
  • Instrumentation 
  • Nanotechnology 

The research thesis is a major element of the MSc and is completed under the guidance of an assigned supervisor. Students are expected to conduct their own independent research while maintaining regular contact with their supervisor. 

A Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering may be awarded, on the recommendation of the examiners, where a student has successfully completed the required 60 ECTS of taught modules but has not completed or passed the research project.

The programme is intended to prepare graduates for advanced engineering practice, research and leadership in sectors where mechanical engineering and zero-carbon technologies are important. 

Depending on the modules selected and the research project completed, graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as: 

  • Mechanical engineering design 
  • Advanced manufacturing 
  • Sustainable manufacturing 
  • Energy systems 
  • Heat transfer and thermal engineering 
  • Fluid mechanics 
  • Turbomachinery 
  • Materials engineering 
  • Robotics and automation 
  • Instrumentation and control 
  • Acoustics, noise and vibration 
  • Research and development 
  • Engineering consultancy 
  • Technical project management 
  • Decarbonisation and zero-carbon technology 
  • Doctoral studies 

Graduates will have developed advanced knowledge in their chosen mechanical-engineering subjects together with experience in independent research. 

The programme’s flexible structure allows students to develop expertise aligned with their interests and career ambitions. Its research component provides an opportunity to work on a specialist engineering topic with guidance from an academic supervisor and engagement with relevant research groups.  

The MSc can support progression into: 

  • Professional mechanical-engineering roles 
  • Research and development positions 
  • Advanced manufacturing and design roles 
  • Energy and sustainability-related engineering 
  • Technical consultancy 
  • Engineering project leadership 
  • Doctoral research and other advanced academic study 

Students can use the Careers Advisory Service’s MyCareer platform to search for graduate vacancies, research opportunities, postgraduate programmes, funding and employer events.

The MSc is intended to enable students to: 

  • Develop advanced knowledge across selected areas of mechanical and manufacturing engineering 
  • Apply engineering analysis and technical problem-solving to complex engineering challenges 
  • Understand how engineering challenges and solutions affect industry, society and the environment 
  • Explore sustainable approaches to energy, design and manufacturing 
  • Select and integrate knowledge from a flexible range of advanced technical modules 
  • Define and plan a substantial engineering research programme 
  • Conduct independent research under academic supervision 
  • Apply suitable experimental, theoretical, computational or statistical methods 
  • Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate engineering results 
  • Review and critically assess relevant technical and scientific literature 
  • Communicate research findings in a structured professional thesis 
  • Develop the technical, research and professional capabilities needed to contribute to future engineering practice and innovation