Engineering - Bridge Engineering - Sligo

Course Summary
The main aim of the programme is to provide a Minor Award at Level 9 for learners who wish to complete specific learning relating to the engineering, design and maintenance of bridges on the public road network.

This programme has been developed by ATU Sligo in conjunction with industry partners Department of Transport and the Local Authority Services National Training Group (LASNTG).

Key Course Information
The objectives of the programme shall be to provide learners with:

An enriching educational experience that interlinks the academic and professional dimensions of the programme, and develops analytical thinking skills appropriate for Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). This will be based on a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current insights in the areas of Bridge Engineering. This objective will be strengthened by undertaking industry relevant project work and applying it to current technical and design standards, policies, and guidelines.

The necessary knowledge, analytical, design and project management skills and competency in the areas of Bridge Engineering in line with Level 9 programmes on the NFQ. This objective will be developed through teaching and applied project work that is current and relevant to this sector so that learners possess sufficient skills and knowledge to effectively manage bridge engineering, inspection, design and assessment projects from inception to completion.

The capacity to effectively communicate ideas, data and concepts to a variety of audience levels through appropriate forms of media. This objective will be underpinned by preparing technical reports, discussing findings and presenting learning outcomes with academic and professional stakeholders and experts via a series of workshops.

The skills necessary to function within, and adapt to, a changing technical work environment. This objective will be developed through transferable skills such as problem solving, working in teams, communications skills and professional ethics.

Semester 1
Title Credits
Geotechnical Engineering I 05
Structural Inspection and Assessment of Bridges 05

Semester 2
Title Credits
Geotechnical Engineering II 05
Design of Bridge Structures 05

A pass in a BEng Honours degree (Level 8) in Civil Engineering or a related discipline or equivalent. Other suitable applicants may be accepted for entry on successful completion of an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) evaluation process.

Applications for online programmes are accepted on the atu sligo website.

All programmes advertised will run subject to sufficient student numbers.

ATU sligo online has two intakes per year, the main one being in September with a smaller listing of programmes for January. For confirmation on start dates check www.itsligo.ie/online

For September, applications open from 1st February each year. Closing date for receipt of applications is 31st august.

For January, applications open from 1st November each year. Closing date for applications is mid-January.

The online application form requires personal details, previous qualifications, professional accreditations, employment history and a personal statement. We recommend collating all the necessary paperwork i.e. Transcripts of previous qualifications, academic certificates before you submit an application.

Once submitted, our admissions team will contact you to confirm eligibility and request copies of any previous qualifications.

Academic staff review every application and approve eligible candidates for the programme.

Admissions team will notify you if you are accepted onto the course and will request deposit to confirm your place.

Places are limited, so please apply early.

1 year part-time online.

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Career Opportunities
The programme provides access routes for a student intake from a specific cohort of Civil Engineering graduates predominately from the public roads services sector who wish to upskill in bridge engineering, and offers clear routes of progression through education.

This includes a specialised, relevant programme offering, differentiated through flexible modes of delivery, which promotes lifelong learning by practitioners within the road and bridge engineering sector.

This programme is industry and professionally relevant, and delivers the generic skills necessary for effective engagement in society. The programme was developed in conjunction with industry partners, Dept. of Transport and LASNTG to ensure the curriculum remains focused on required knowledge, skills and competencies of the public roads services sector with a focus on bridge inspection, management and design.

Further Study
Successful completion of this Certificate programme will allow for the transfer of learners to the Postgraduate Diploma or MEng in Road and Transport Engineering, whereby the remaining Stage 1 and Stage 2 taught modules can be taken to achieve the major award of Postgraduate Diploma and a Research Dissertation shall be completed to attain a professionally accredited Master in Engineering Level 9 major award.