Bachelor of Technology (Education) in Materials and Engineering Technology

About You

If you are interested in modern technologies and have a flair for working with people, then this programme might suit you.

Why Study Technology and Education in Materials and Engineering Technology at UL?

UL's School of Education is the largest post-primary teacher education provider in the state and is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Education programmes. University of Limerick is also ranked within the top 75 universities in Europe for excellence in teaching and learning.

This degree with specialism in the teaching of Metalwork and Technology, is designed to produce graduates with technological and engineering skills to satisfy the needs of the Irish second level school system in relation to teaching Metalwork, Technical Graphics and Technology at Junior Cycle, and the subjects Technology, Engineering and Design & Communication Graphics at Leaving Certificate.

• This programme of study is unique to UL -  the only degree course of its kind in Ireland
• The School of Education at UL is one of the largest suppliers of teachers in Ireland - the reputation of our graduates and their tradition of success are well established in schools around Ireland
• You can go straight into teaching after graduation, no further study at postgraduate level is required
• In this program, you will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that will prepare you to shape the next generation of engineers
• You can avail of dedicated design and manufacturing facilities where you will develop your understanding of teaching in an applied environment, using mechanical design, manufacturing and robotics
• In the ‘Sumo-bot’ module you will design, manufacture, and program a robot to battle other robots
• A recent survey from the Higher Education Authority found that education graduates have the highest starting salary of any group of graduates

The programme is four years in duration, and is organised into streams in the following subject areas:

• Education
• Manufacturing Technology
• Technical Graphics
• Design
• Electronics and Information Technologies
• Materials and Engineering Sciences

The material in each stream has been carefully selected to be relevant to the requirements of the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate syllabi in the Technology subjects. An element of design is incorporated throughout, with emphasis on design-based activities and independent learning as the course progresses. Pedagogy, the theory of teaching, is incorporated throughout the programme.

Year 1
The first year concentrates on developing essential knowledge and skills in the key areas of Education, Manufacturing Technology, and Technical Graphics, in addition to the related areas of Mathematics, Materials Science, Electrotechnology.

Year 2
The start of year 2 sees preparation for Teaching Practice and introduces the concept of Design. Semester four features six weeks of Teaching Practice preceded by four weeks of preparation.

Year 3
The areas of Materials Technology, Electronics, Automation as well as advanced topics in Manufacturing Technology and Technical Graphics are the focus of Year 3. There is a particular emphasis on design-based learning and problem solving as well as the management of these activities in schools. Education & Society is also explored.

Year 4
In the fourth year of the programme, you will further develop your teaching skills and apply your knowledge and skills in a final year project. Semester seven includes ten weeks of teaching practice. The final semester deals with advanced topics in education and technology. Your final year project will be completed during this semester also.

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

In addition, applicants must hold an O3/H7 grade in Mathematics and an O4/H7 in at least one of the following: Applied Mathematics; Biology; Physics; Chemistry; Construction Studies; Computer Science; Engineering; Physics with Chemistry; Agricultural Science; Technology; Design & Communication Graphics /Technical Drawing.

The University’s Special Mathematics Examination is not applicable to this programme.

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

As a teaching degree, graduates of this programme are eligible for appointments to all second level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools) and for admission to the open register for Secondary Teachers. The graduates of the programme will be able to teach Engineering, Design and Communications Graphics & Technology.

Follow-On Study

Graduates from the programme have the opportunity to pursue further study in the disciplines of Engineering or Education. There are a number of taught masters degree programmes in UL that can be taken up by graduates of the programme. In addition, graduates can register for higher degrees by research in either engineering or education that lead to masters or PhD qualifications.

Want to find out more about possible careers with this degree? Click Here