Bachelor/Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

Electricity is going to play a huge role in the transition to a sustainable future. In Ireland, and around the world, renewable sources of generation such as wind and solar are coming on stream at a phenomenal rate, electricity networks are being transformed into smart grids, and demand for electricity is soaring as transport and heat are being electrified in the race to zero carbon emissions. With the clear potential for abundant offshore wind generated electricity, especially off our Atlantic Coast, Ireland is positioned to become globally important for many industrial sectors who want to enjoy these benefits and play their role in this sustainable future. This degree in Electrical Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills to play a part in this story and prepare you for a successful and rewarding career with a wide range of potential opportunities.

The programme can be undertaken as either a four-year (Bachelor of Engineering, BE) degree programme or a five-year (Master of Engineering, ME) degree programme. All students would initially enter the BE degree programme route, and can either graduate with a BE degree at the end of the fourth year of study or have the option to continue into the fifth year Masters degree by transferring into the ME degree programme at the end of the fourth year rather than graduating with a BE degree. The Masters route is advised for those who would like to purse the option of becoming a Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland after a suitable period of professional experience.

You may also choose to continue with further study and pursue a PhD and subsequently a research or academic career.

Employability skills from this degree

Future graduates of the BE/ME Electrical Engineering programme are expected to be in high demand as we transition to a more sustainable energy system. will prepare you for a wide range of potential careers across this sector. You might go to work in power generation, distribution, energy storage or energy management. 

We also anticipate major sources of employment in the mid-west region in line with the ambition to make the Shannon Estuary a hub for harnessing the potential of offshore wind generated electricity. Such major industrial projects such as the production of green hydrogen or sustainable aviation fuels will also require electrical engineering graduates.  

Engineers often move quickly into senior management and consultancy positions, using their analytical approach to project management and problem solving. There are also worldwide opportunities for advanced study and research, and graduates can diversify into many other areas such as business, medicine and law. 

The Bachelor of Engineering (BE) programmes in UL are accredited by Engineers Ireland (EI). This is an internationally recognised professional engineering accreditation. We plan for the new BE/ME in Electrical Engineering to become accredited once students have graduated from the programme, in accordance with Engineers Ireland rules.