Engineering - Geotechnical & Structural Engineering
The Certificate in Engineering in Geotechnical and Structural Engineering is a part-time online Level 9 Certificate that provides postgraduate training for Level 8 degree qualified professional and graduate Civil Engineers who require up-skilling in the areas of Geotechnical and Structural Engineering. The programme is also attractive to experienced Civil Engineers who are seeking to move from a different area of expertise into the Geotechnical and Structural Engineering domains.
Graduates of the programme can work as design or site engineers in the areas of Geotechnical and Structural Engineering at a level of responsibility appropriate to the increasingly complex and technical roles currently required by industry.
The programme is delivered part-time online over one academic year (September to May). The programme consists of two semesters, with three modules/semester. The students will have weekly live lectures of 2hours/module. Lectures typically take place in the evening after 6pm. Campus based workshops take place twice per semester at ATU Sligo. The workshops are an opportunity to meet classmates and to undertake project work together.
Subjects taught
The modules on the programme examine key aspects of Geotechnical Engineering and Structural Engineering. A particular focus of the taught modules is on soil – structure interaction and the use of numerical methods in Geotechnical and Structural Engineering.
Semester 1 Modules (September - December):
Geotechnical Engineering I
Design of Building Structures
Soil - Structure Interaction
Semester 2 modules (January - May)
Geotechnical Engineering II
Design of Bridge Structure
Research Methods
The modules all have industry relevant project work to improve the student's knowledge of topics. Remote access to geotechnical & structural software is also provided through virtual computers. Access is available 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
On completion of the programme the student will be awarded a Level 9 Certificate in Engineering in Geotechnical and Structural Engineering. They will then be eligible to progress to the thesis component of the part-time online MEng in Geotechnical/Structural Engineering Joint Programme at ATU Sligo.
The proposed programme is unique in so far as:
IT Sligo would be the only Higher Educational Institute in the country offering an online Certificate in Geotechnical & Structural Engineering,
The Certificate is a pathway for students to progress to complete The MEng in Geotechnical/Structural Engineering Joint Programme at ATU Sligo.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirements are a second class honours (2.2) award in a professionally accredited (Engineers Ireland or equivalent) Honours degree (Level 8) in Civil or Structural Engineering. Other suitable applicants may be accepted on completion of a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
Application dates
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.
Duration
1 year part-time
Delivery Method: Online
On-Campus Attendance
Workshops take place twice per semester, on Fridays, at ATU Sligo.
Most of our online courses have about 2-3 hours of live lectures per week (but this can vary per programme). The rest of your study time consists of independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out assignments.
Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle and other accessible platforms. These recordings can be downloaded and watched later, at a time that suits you.
Please note, you may be required to take some time off work for the below:
• Exams Christmas Exams: 2 – 4 days in January each year. Summer Exams: 2 – 4 days in May each year.
• Workshops/Practical Classes: Approximately 2 – 4 days per year depending on the course you are studying. You will receive notification of the dates from your lecturer for each specific subject requirement.
During our Online & Flexible Learning Induction, you will meet with your Course Co-ordinator who will be available to answer any questions you might have, and they will give you your timetable for the upcoming academic year.
If you have any further questions, please contact our Admissions Team on admissions@itsligo.ie.
To help balance work, life, and online learning, it is important to understand the time that you will have to dedicate to your studies. This will help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and achieve your goals while also working full-time.
For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.
Post Course Info
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the programme work as design and site engineers in the area of Geotechnical and Structural Engineering at a level of responsibility appropriate to the increasingly complex and technical roles currently required by industry.
Further Study
Graduates, with a pass grade in this programme may progress to the thesis module on the part-time online MEng in Geotechnical/Structural Engineering Joint Programme at ITSligo.