My daughter attended a careers talk at Higher Options and is convinced that engineering at UCD is now the right path for her. I have no background in the area, but maths is not her strongest subject and I worry it will limit her options. Can you help?
Your daughter is correct. An engineering degree opens a vast array of career pathways. It’s a versatile qualification that is highly valued both across industries and around the world. UCD degrees are also accredited by Engineers Ireland, giving them international recognition.
Future engineers often share key traits such as a curious mindset, a strong desire to understand how things work and a passion for innovation, design and problem-solving. They strive to develop new solutions or enhance existing ones to make a meaningful impact. At its core, engineering is about solving problems – whether by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of existing systems or by creating something entirely new.
Beyond wanting to make a positive impact on society, future engineers should have an aptitude for science and maths – it is even better if they enjoy these subjects. UCD, for example, requires a H4 in maths and a H6 in one of agricultural science, biology, chemistry, physics and chemistry (joint), or physics.
Six key issues facing the next minster for education
‘People make assumptions about us’: How third level is becoming a real option for people with intellectual disabilities
Dublin school to review ethos statement over message telling parents students must attend all religious ceremonies
We need a Donogh O’Malley-style figure to deliver on the promise of a reformed Leaving Cert
There are lots of excellent engineering options right across the country – some are even offered through apprenticeship or tertiary degree routes, without the need for CAO points.
In the final stages of the degree, students will spend time on individual projects that are either industry-facing or research-focused, and are designed to give each student scope to develop their abilities
At UCD, DN150 is the entry point to all the engineering programmes. After completing the common first year, your daughter can choose her second-year pathway from a range of choices including biomedical engineering, bioprocess engineering, civil engineering, electrical or electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineering with architecture, sustainable systems engineering, and others.
Her chosen area of specialisation in second year will also offer routes to further branches of engineering at master’s level in year four and five. She can choose to study abroad in her third year and have the opportunity to complete a six to eight-month internship during her fourth year.
[ What more can be done to attract women into careers in engineering?Opens in new window ]
Students will spend up to one third of their time on group-based laboratory activities and project assignments. In the early stages of the degree, these focus on labs for foundation subjects such as mechanics, energy conversion, data measurement and dynamic systems.
In the final stages of the degree, students will spend time on individual projects that are either industry-facing or research-focused, and are designed to give each student scope to develop their abilities to work independently on advanced engineering topics.
A good engineering degree isn’t just about knowledge – it’s learning how to think like an engineer through logical thinking and critical analysis, and constantly improving your decision-making abilities.
Given the variety of options and her enthusiasm for this type of learning, it sounds like it could be a great fit.
- Follow The Irish Times education section on Facebook and X (Twitter) and stay up to date
