Bachelor/Master of Engineering in Electronic and Computer Engineering

The Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE) degree programme has been developed in conjunction with employers to meet the demand for graduates with strong skills in computer software and electronic hardware engineering, along with mathematical analysis abilities, to support current and emerging societal needs.

This programme of study will support the development of skills required to develop and employ technologies to tackle many of the challenges of the coming decades including Internet edge devices, climate change, electric vehicles, sustainable development, energy, personalised health and well-being, and artificial intelligence, as well as other innovative areas such as entertainment and autonomous vehicles.

Graduates of this degree programme will play key roles in the research, design, development, test and installation of future systems. They will frequently work in teams to tackle challenging problems. Many of those who graduate from this degree programme also continue their academic studies by pursuing higher degrees by research (e.g., MEng and PhD), or through taught postgraduate programmes (e.g., MSc, MEng, and MBA).

The programme can be undertaken as either a four-year (Bachelor of Engineering, BEng) degree programme or a five-year (Master of Engineering, MEng) degree programme. All students would initially enter the BEng degree programme route, and can either graduate with a BEng 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 MEng degree programme at the end of the fourth year rather than graduating with a BEng degree.

At the end of the second year, students on the Electronic and Computer Engineering degree programme would select a major option from five major options – Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotic Engineering, Electrical Energy Engineering, and a General option. Core subjects studied will be augmented by student selected elective subjects that allow the student to identify a focus of specific interest.

The programme of study thus offers excellent choice, thereby enhancing the range employment prospects and future career choice options for the student.

Graduates of the Electronic and Computer Engineering programme will build successful careers in a wide range of application areas, including research, design and development of:

• Mobile and Wireless Systems
• Software Engineering
• Computer Systems and Networks
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Security and Forensics
• Game Systems
• Telecommunication Systems
• Integrated Circuit Technology
• Energy Production & Distribution Systems
• Smart Energy Management
• Electrical Power Systems
• Sensors and Sensor Networks
• Biomedical Electronics
• Automation Control Systems
• Robotics
• Automotive and Aerospace electronics

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. The new BE in Electronic and Computer engineering will be accredited once students have graduated from the programme, in accordance with Engineers Ireland rules.