Autonomous Vehicles Engineering - Limerick

The Masters of Engineering in Autonomous Vehicles Engineering is designed for engineering professionals working or aspiring to work in the mobility (automotive) industry. Students can broaden their skill set for careers in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering and Technology, Design, Maintenance, Upgrading and Development. The programme has an embedded Post Graduate Diploma in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering which can be attained by completion of the 6 taught modules within the Master programme.



Critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, engineering and diagnostic techniques will be key areas covered by the programme. As assessments will be mainly industry based, learners are required to engage with industry and industry representatives in various cross-disciplines through continuous assessment and industry-based projects. This will prepare learners to be industry ready and apply the transferable skills gained through module content, industry engagement, and strengthened by industry-based assessments. The programme has been developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders and is designed to respond to the evolving and fast moving sector.

Year 1

Autonomous Vehicle Embedded Systems Credits: 10

Autonomous Vehicle Communication And Intelligent Transport Systems Credits: 10

Autonomous Vehicle Hardware And Software Systems, Architecture and Design Credits: 10

Artificial Intelligence In Modelling And Simulation For object recognition And Risk Analyses Credits: 10

Autonomous Vehicle Sensing Technology, Systems And Architecture Credits: 10

Regulations, Standards And Safety For Autonomous Vehicles Credits: 10



Year 2

Masters Thesis Autonomous Vehicle Engineering Credits: 30

Minimum entry requirements for this courses are:



(a) A minimum honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in a related discipline.



(b) A minimum honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in any discipline with minimum two years, relevant work experience and/or ability, evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning.



(c) A minimum ordinary bachelor degree (Level 7) in any discipline with a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience and/or ability, evidenced by an RPL portfolio of prior experience and learning.



(d) Equivalent Qualifications. Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European and International frameworks will also be considered. International students must evidence a proficiency in English language for example IELTS 6.0

2 years, full-time.

Career Opportunities



Core Engineering Roles;

Perception Software Engineer: Develops machine learning models and algorithms that allow the vehicle to “see” and understand its surroundings using data from sensors like LiDAR, cameras, and radar.



Robotics Software Engineer: Focuses on the design, programming, and testing of the robotic systems that control vehicle movement and decision-making processes.



Control Systems Engineer: Specializes in the systems that manage the vehicle’s operations, such as steering, braking, and acceleration, ensuring safety and smooth performance.



Embedded Software Engineer: Works on the real-time, safety-critical software embedded within the vehicle’s hardware components.



AI/Machine Learning Engineer: Designs and implements artificial intelligence and machine learning models for complex functions like path planning, navigation, and object avoidance.



Simulation Software Engineer: Develops and maintains simulation test strategies and frameworks to rigorously test algorithms and systems in virtual environments before physical road tests.



Mechanical Engineer: Involved in designing physical components, integrating hardware with software, and developing vehicle prototypes.



Electrical Engineer: Focuses on the electronic systems, power management, and sensor integration within the vehicle.



Design Engineer: Works on the overall vehicle design, from aesthetic and functional aspects to the integration of new technologies.



Testing, Safety, and Operations Roles

Autonomous Vehicle Test Engineer: Conducts extensive testing, both in simulation and on the road, to validate performance, safety, and reliability.



Functional Safety Engineer: Ensures that vehicles comply with rigorous industry standards and legal regulations (like ISO 26262), designing systems with redundancy and fail-safes to manage risk.



Field Service Technician/Engineer: Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and on-site testing and support of autonomous systems during operations and customer pilots.



Autonomous Vehicle Operator: Oversees the vehicle during testing phases, assuring and maintaining safety and intervening when necessary.



Management and Business Roles

Technical Program/Project Manager: Coordinates the development lifecycle of AV prototypes and projects, working with cross-functional teams to meet deadlines and requirements.



Data Scientist/Analyst: Analysis large amounts of data collected from vehicles to drive improvements in performance, identify issues, and enhance AI/ML models.



Product Manager: Defines product requirements and works closely with engineering, product, and data groups to bring the right product to market.



Strategic Account Manager / Business Development: Works with sales and marketing to identify and pursue business opportunities and ensure the final product meets customer needs.



These opportunities extend beyond traditional automotive companies to tech giants, specialized start-ups, and sectors like logistics (autonomous trucks), aerospace (drones, eVTOL), and smart city infrastructure development.



Further Studies

Students who succesfully complete this programme may wish to pursue PhD research within the department.