Common Entry into Engineering

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Foundation

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC200

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 17,900 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Common Entry into Engineering

About

Overview

Maybe right now you’re just as interested in robotics as you are in renewable energy. That’s OK. It’s why we have a common entry programme for engineering. You’ll spend first year building a strong engineering foundation across maths, materials engineering and basic sciences, while also building skills like logical and critical thinking.

Then you’ll specialise in second year, going on to a challenging, cutting-edge course where you’ll build real expertise, whether that’s in mechatronics or sustainability engineering. Through lectures, labs, individual and group work, you’ll get hands-on experience with modern manufacturing processes, design, simulation and analysis procedures, and get skilled in programming and electronics.

In third year, you’ll go on a six- or 10-month INTRA work placement in Ireland or abroad in companies like Facebook, IBM, Intel, Google, Airbus and Pfizer.

And once you graduate, you may qualify to go straight on to complete a masters in your chosen field of engineering. Either way, your qualification is accredited and accepted globally, so you can bring your knowledge, skills and innovative mindset anywhere

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Leaving Cert

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of H4 Mathematics or H4 Applied Mathematics with H5 Mathematics.

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level C Mathematics.

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process and applicants must demonstrate:

o a genuine interest in the subject area/programme(s) they are applying for

o academic experience and/or evidence of competency in their chosen field of study

o an ability to engage and succeed in the subject area/programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Additional Criteria

This programme requires evidence of competency in mathematics, which would equate to a H4 in mathematics or H4 in applied mathematics with H5 in mathematics. This requirement is essential for this programme. Applicants can show their strength in this through formal examinations e.g. school leaving examinations, QQI-FET, access programmes or other third level qualifications. If applicants do not have any relevant examinations, they may be able to meet the requirements through their work and life experience, applicants must give examples of this experience to demonstrate their competency in these areas in their personal statement.

Advanced Entry

No Entry Path

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. Click here for further information on international applications.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

Our Engineering degree programmes have international recognition through agreements with Engineers Ireland. This enables graduates to practice as professional engineers in many countries, both in the EU and in the signatory countries to the Washington Accord.

Current signatories to the Washington Accord include: United States, Canada, Australia, China, Russia, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Malaysia, Turkey, South Africa, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Ireland, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Hong Kong China, Chinese Taipei, Peru, Korea.

DCU Career Services

"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.