Engineering - Geotechnical / Structural Engineering Joint Programme

MEng in Geotechnical Engineering with Structural Engineering
MEng in Structural Engineering with Geotechnical Engineering
This part-time online MEng provides postgraduate training for Level 8 degree qualified professional and graduate Civil Engineers who require up-skilling and higher education 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 /or Structural Engineering domains.

Graduates of the programme can work as design or site engineers in the areas of Geotechnical / Structural Engineering at a level of responsibility appropriate to the increasingly complex and technical roles currently required by industry.

The programme has two primary aims:

To provide upskilling to existing civil engineers working or intending to work in the Geotechnical / Structural Engineering domains,
To provide a means for graduate engineers to meet the educational requirement for Chartered Engineer membership of Engineers Ireland, while at the same time developing advanced skills in Geotechnical and Structural Engineering. This is particularly relevant to Level 8 Civil Engineering graduates already in employment who wish to become Chartered Engineers.
The programme is delivered part-time online over two stages.

Stage one of the programme consists of six taught modules, delivered over one academic year (September to May). The taught modules 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.

Stage two consists of a research project which is designed to develop a real and tangible research project, relevant to academic requirements, the student's career aspirations and/or their employer's needs. The student can choose to complete Stage 2 of the programme over one or two academic years. Students will be able to propose their own project areas, subject to agreement with their supervisor. Work related projects are encouraged, again, subject to agreement with their supervisor.

On completion of the programme the student will be awarded an MEng in Geotechnical Engineering with Structural Engineering if their research thesis is primarily focused on Geotechnical Engineering or an MEng in Structural Engineering with Geotechnical Engineering if their research thesis is primarily focused on Structural Engineering.

The programme is unique in so far as:

It is the only part-time online MEng in areas of Geotechnical and Structural Engineering in the country,

It is part-time and delivered online, and therefore attractive to engineers in full-time employment,

It has a major research component that will enable learning while undertaking a project of direct interest to the student, their employer and clients.

Semester 1
Title, Credits
Geotechnical Engineering I 05
Soil - Structure Interaction 05
Design of Building Structures 05

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

Semester 3
Title, Credits
MEng Research Thesis, Mode 1 [E] 60
MEng Research Thesis, Mode 2 [E] 60

[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.

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.

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.

2 / 3 years 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.

Next Intake: September Annually

Career Opportunities
Graduates of the programme work as design and site engineers in the area of Geotechnical / Structural Engineering at a level of responsibility appropriate to the increasingly complex and technical roles currently required by industry.