BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering

What is Automation Engineering?

Modern automation engineering combines elements of electronic engineering, software, robotics, networking and data intelligence which are highly sought-after skills in sectors such as the pharmaceutical, medical and food industries.

As manufacturing industry transitions towards Industry 4.0, the increased need for data intelligence means that the shortage of automation engineers with the required skillset will become greater.

Industry 4.0 is the term used to describe the smart factory era where computers and automation come together via cyber-physical systems to monitor the physical processes of the factory and make de-centralised decisions. Such developments demand graduates with a blend of electronics, automation, networking and data intelligence skills.

Course Aims

The BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering course was designed in consultation with many of the principal employers of Electronic and Automation Engineers in the South East region with the aim of producing modern Automation Engineering graduates having the skillset required for current and future positions in this area.

Industrial Placement

In year three, students go on industrial placement for up to six month(s). This give the students a taste of what professional practice is all about, how the industry operates and how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice. It also reinforces industrial links between WIT and the automation engineering industry in Ireland and abroad.

Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering:

2 subjects: H5

4 subjects: O6/H7

English or Irish: O6/H7

Mathematics: O2/H6

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering:

Advanced Entry - Years 2, 3 or 4

Non-EU Applicants

QQI FET/FETAC Entry

QQI FET Progression Entry Route

Mature Entry Route

Students who complete other engineering courses at WIT, or another third level institution, at ordinary degree level or equivalent, may apply to transfer onto this course at the third year stage. Students who complete level 6 higher certificate programmes in engineering may apply for entry into this course at the second year stage.

We offer bespoke English language programmes to international students and graduates who require additional English language support before commencing their undergraduate or postgraduate study at WIT. The aim of this programme is to assist students in:

• developing their knowledge of English for Academic Purposes
• developing their critical thinking skills
• learning to become effective self-directed learners and researchers
• enhancing their social and inter-cultural skills by integrating into student life in Ireland.

The B.Eng (Hons) in Automation Engineering (with Data Intelligence) provides a graduate with such skills with particular emphasis on:

Industrial Control

Robotics

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Vision Systems

Data Intelligence i.e. automated storage of manufacturing information to a database & querying same

Project Management

Industrial Networks

Standards, Validations and Verification (including best safety practices from an engineer's viewpoint e.g. programming with a view to safety concerns)

Graduates for the BEng (Hons) in Automation Engineering may find employment in the following areas:

Automation Engineering

Control Engineering

Research & Development

Test and Measurement

Data Intelligence

Network Management

Production Support

Follow on Study

Graduates may apply to study postgraduate courses including the MEng in Electronic Engineering, MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering, Master by Research and PhD programmes.

• In order to make an application, you must first register and create an account with PAC.

• An application can be made by a student, or by an agent on behalf of the student.

• You will need access to a credit card to facilitate payment of the application fee of €50. You will be unable to complete the application process until payment has successfully been made.

• Upload all relevant documentation and scanned copies of your CV and Transcripts. Alternatively, you can post them to the PAC centre in Galway and they will upload them on your behalf