NUI Galway

Science & Technology Studies

Who is this course for:

• Those seeking further career advancement in a variety of high-tech industries

• Those with a deep interest in science and technology

• Those wishing to continue from a level 7 qualification such as the Diploma in Science and Technology

• Those interested in continuing professional development on a modular basis

Course Profile

Aim

• To provide students with a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of science and technology

• To study in more depth areas of applied and specialist knowledge found in hightech environments

• To develop important transferable skills such as problem solving, decision making and advanced communication skills.

What type of course is it?

The modular programme in Science & Technology Studies is a part-time programme which focuses on the knowledge and skills requirements of high-tech industries. The modular structure is designed with flexibility in mind, enabling you to balance study with work and other commitments and to accumulate credits over a timeframe that suits your lifestyle. Learning is delivered jointly by NUI Galway and UL via a blend of distance and online resources, on-campus tutorials and labs, and company based projects.

The programme is the first of its kind in Ireland. Learning is delivered via a combination of distance and online resources, on-campus tutorials and practical sessions, and company-based projects. The modular structure enables you to study at a pace that suits you. The syllabus provides a comprehensive grounding in the foundations of Science, Engineering and Technology, and introduces areas of specialist knowledge found in high-tech operational environments.

Entry requirements

Graduates of the Diploma in Science and Technology Studies can automatically progress to the degree. Other applicants over 21 with a diploma in a related area in science or engineering may be considered for direct entry to the degree cycle. Applicants may use experience in addition to academic qualifications to demonstrate that they satisfy the course prerequisites. See general entry requirements.

Duration

Minimum 2 years part-time, to a maximum of 4 years

Blended Learning

Number of credits

ECTS 240

Careers or further progression

What career or further study opportunities are there?

Consider what areas of the high tech sector in which you wish to work and note the qualifications needed to further you on that career path. Confirm if this level 8 course will fulfill those requirements. Possible career paths include: validations engineer, regulatory compliance manager, process design, validation engineer, automation process engineer, research and development, software engineer.

Further enquiries

Niamh McHugh

Tel: 091 495845

email: niamh.mchugh@nuigalway.ie

www.aua.ie

Subjects taught

Content

20 modules to be completed in a minimum of 2 years. The core modules are in the areas of production science and operations and systems management. The elective streams will enable students to specialise and deepen their knowledge in two of the following areas: Lean and Quality Systems, Medical Device Science, Environmental Sustainability, Form and Function of the Human Body or Automation and Control.

Assessment method

All modules are assessed individually through assignments, written exams and, in some cases, practical laboratory sessions. Exams take place at the end of each semester. The project is assessed through staged delivery of a project report.

Application date

APPLY ONLINE

www.nuigalway.ie/adultlearning/apply

The closing dates for each course varies, but are typically from mid-July to late August each academic year.

Application Procedure

You complete an application form online by logging onto www.nuigalway.ie/adultlearning/apply.

On the online application form, you provide your contact details, and outline your educational background, any previous courses undertaken and any additional information that may be required to assess your suitability for the course for which you are applying. You will also be required to upload a copy of your birth certificate or passport and the course application fee (non-refundable), which is around €30.

Consult the course information page in the prospectus for details on closing dates and make sure that you adhere to these dates. The process of assessing applications and offering places may take between four and six weeks. Additional registration details and communication from the relevant department will be issued to you approximately two weeks before the course commences, informing you of the registration date and lecture times for the course.