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For students with engineering dreams who are planning to pursue further studies in Ireland, the ​​MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering​​ at Dublin City University (DCU) is undoubtedly an excellent choice that combines academic depth with strong career prospects .

However, facing an unfamiliar application process, course structure, and job market, how can you efficiently plan your studies, overcome language and cultural barriers, and get a head start on your career?

We have invited outstanding DCU graduate Yang Zong to share his experience. This sharing covers core aspects such as application conditions, course suitability, the final year project, internships/part-time work, and job-seeking strategies . Prospective applicants for the DCU MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, or those currently enrolled, look no further! Here is a comprehensive guide covering the entire process from application and study to the final year project and job hunting .

​​Undergraduate Background Requirements​​

​​Summary:​​ The programme is not overly strict regarding undergraduate background; applicants need only have covered engineering and mathematics-related content in their bachelor's studies . It is not a traditional mechanical engineering programme focused on core mechanical fundamentals; instead, it teaches extended mechanical knowledge . The selection process places more weight on foundational undergraduate knowledge, such as whether applicants have learned software like SolidWorks, but the programme itself does not teach software use .

​​Course Selection and Adjustment​​

​​Summary:​​ The curriculum consists of compulsory and elective parts. Choosing a specialisation can reference fields with strong job prospects in Ireland . Regardless of elective choices, there are typically four exam-based courses, mostly mathematics-related, with predictable patterns – reviewing past papers helps in understanding these patterns . Don't panic if lectures are initially hard to follow; courses are recorded for review . It takes about a month to get used to the technical terminology, and there's no need for excessive anxiety about exams .

​​Final Year Project Selection​​

​​Summary:​​ Around the middle to end of the first semester, projects are announced by teachers in the Master's programme module on the learning platform Loop . Students can choose projects based on the supervisor and project title . The project runs throughout the year, requiring regular communication with the supervisor . Supervisor selection operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is advisable to contact potential supervisors early to avoid being left with a project that is too difficult or uninteresting .

​​Course Difficulty​​

​​Summary:​​ Instructors do not deliberately make things difficult . Assignments are generally marked fairly highly, typically in the 60-70% range, which can help reduce exam pressure . Exam courses involving calculations have recognisable patterns, but the calculations in simulation courses can be more abstract and require repeated practice . When choosing electives, opt for courses that make life easier, preferably those where assignments contribute to the final grade . Complete assignments seriously, avoid plagiarism, ask questions when unsure, and you should generally pass .

​​Final Year Project Execution​​

​​Summary:​​ A list of final year projects will be provided. Students select a project they are interested in and then regularly communicate with their supervisor to write their thesis . Grading heavily emphasises the conference paper and the conference day presentation . This includes an eight-page paper, a project timeline report, and a ten-page PPT; these two components together account for 75% of the grade . Ensure the conference paper meets plagiarism check standards . On the conference day, three professors will listen to the presentation and ask questions; generally, students who complete the work seriously will not fail .

​​Part-time Work/Internship Advice​​

​​Summary:​​ During the Master's programme, students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, and it is recommended to strictly adhere to Irish local laws and regulations . It is advisable to use part-time work opportunities to find internships related to your future career, gaining experience, improving spoken English, and increasing employment success rates .

​​Job Search Strategies and Channels​​

​​Summary:​​ You can start early by applying for graduate programme positions on platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed . For example, the author arrived at DCU in September and began sending out his CV in October. He later found a part-time internship in a junior role at a small company via Indeed, which helped him gain experience and improve his interview skills . A broad approach is necessary – actively look for opportunities .

​​Utilising Referral Resources​​

​​Summary:​​ Referrals are very important . Try to build connections with both international professionals and Chinese professionals within the industry; a referral can make your CV directly visible to HR . Core subject teachers often have extensive networks built over years; building good relationships with them or proactively asking if they have company recommendations can be beneficial .

​​Advantages of Targeting Small Companies​​

​​Summary:​​ International students often have limited competitiveness when applying to large multinational corporations . Pay more attention to local small companies on platforms like Indeed; these companies are often more short-staffed and may be more willing to give opportunities to international students . Gaining experience in a small company first before moving to a larger one is a feasible strategy . Adjust your mindset and be proactive in your job search .

Choosing the MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at DCU is not just about earning a degree; it's a springboard into the manufacturing ecosystem of Ireland and even Europe . By rationally planning your studies, actively accumulating practical experience, and strategically laying out your career search, you can achieve the transformation from 'student' to 'professional engineer' in this innovative environment . The guide is ready – all that's left is to go all in!

​​MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering: Basic Information​​

• ​​Chinese Name:​​ 机械制造工程学硕士

• ​​English Name:​​ MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

• ​​Course Code:​​ DC814

• ​​Tuition:​​ €25,000 (For January 2025 intake; fee for September 2026 intake to be announced) . Successful applicants to this programme automatically receive a €5,900 programme scholarship .

• ​​Duration:​​ 1 year (90 ECTS credits)

• ​​Application Requirements:​​

  • ​​GPA Requirement:​​ H2.2 equivalent (GPA 75% for 985/211 universities; GPA 75%–77% for other institutions)

  • ​​Background Requirement:​​ Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Fluids Mechanics, or a related professional background.

  • ​​Language Requirement:​​ IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 6.0); Duolingo English Test (DET) 120 overall (with subscores of 110).

• ​​Four Main Specialisations Include:​​

  • Simulation-Driven Design

  • Advanced Manufacturing

  • Sustainable Systems and Energy

  • Biomedical Engineering

​​Programme Features​​

This programme aims to teach the use of advanced computer-aided engineering tools . By experiencing these advanced technologies and software, graduates will gain a crucial advantage, enabling them to keep pace with the rapidly changing manufacturing and design industries . Furthermore, students can specialise in one of four areas: Simulation-Driven Design, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainable Systems and Energy, or Biomedical Engineering . The programme requires the completion of a 30-credit final year project .

​​Specialisation Introductions​​

• ​​Specialisation 1: Simulation-Driven Design​​

  Simulation technology can significantly shorten product development time . Simulation allows for design validation in the early stages, rather than simply analysing and testing existing products and systems . This is an inevitable trend supporting Manufacturing and Design for Industry 4.0 .

• ​​Specialisation 2: Advanced Manufacturing​​

  Advanced manufacturing extensively uses specialised computer software and information technology . It includes high-tech processes, innovative processes, clean and green processes, and flexible manufacturing . This specialisation trains students to design, operate, and manage advanced manufacturing processes and systems .

• ​​Specialisation 3: Sustainable Systems and Energy​​

  Engineers in sustainable energy and development, eco-innovation, resource efficiency, and clean technology are increasingly welcomed in the international market . There are many career opportunities in energy/renewables (wind, wave, solar, biomass, etc.); this area is also a national priority in Ireland .

• ​​Specialisation 4: Biomedical Engineering​​

  This discipline integrates the necessary aspects of biology and medicine with the technical engineering aspects required for designing medical devices . The medical field is rapidly growing, with new treatments and new diseases constantly emerging . As Ireland is a major player in bioengineering, graduates from this specialisation have broad employment prospects .

​​Course List​

​​Career Prospects​​

Our graduates have achieved excellence in many top companies, including NASA, Boeing, Jacobs Engineering Group, Intel, Mercury Medical, Medtronic, Google, ESB, and MSD . They hold positions such as R&D Engineer, Product Engineer, Quality Engineer, Systems Engineer, Clinical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, and Renewable Energy Engineer . Other graduates have pursued PhDs, achieving higher academic accomplishments and widespread recognition .

​​P.S.​​ Students select their specialisation during registration. You can indicate a preliminary choice when applying; the DC814 programme requires only one application submission .