Apprenticeship - Principal Engineer

This qualification is aimed at those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The DEng acknowledges that significant research takes place within the practitioner’s workplace, therefore, the context for this DEng programme is the practitioner workplace and the focus is on solving real-world problems faced in the daily work-place.

The DEng Apprenticeship will equip apprentices with a diverse knowledge of technology principals, disruptive inventions and new designs, processes and techniques, as well as substantial knowledge at the cutting edge of industry and the forefront of academic research.  Through problem-solving, heuristics, theory of inventive problem solving, technical analysis and critical evaluation, apprentices will gain the ability to significantly contribute to the creative process.

The aim of a Professional Doctorate programme is to produce a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a DEng, is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The DEng acknowledges that significant research takes place within the practitioner’s workplace. Candidates are required to make a contribution to both theory and practice in their field, and to develop professional practice by making a contribution to (professional) knowledge.

How it Works

This four year programme is structured for blended delivery of online learning and face to face sessions which minimizes time ‘off the job’. You must successfully completed the qualifier module (PP8001) to be offered a place on the PDEng.  The programme includes:

• The PP8001 is the Professional Portfolio qualifier. This will give you an understanding of the structure of the Professional Doctorate; how to develop a professional portfolio and how to deliver a unique contribution to professional knowledge. You will be required to identify a problem that is significant to your industry or profession and to propose an appropriate approach to solving this problem.
• 270 credits of work. The bulk of the credits, 180 are allocated to the output of your in-company research. This is delivered as a dissertation as is the culmination of your work.
• 12 modules delivered over four years combining traditional distance education with online learning and approximately 4 day face-to-face per semester.
• A dedicated supervisor to support participants.
• Participation in a Community of Practice.  This will allow participants to interact and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities.
• Support from an industry mentor within the company throughout the apprenticeship.

For professionals who wish to:

• Evaluate the relevance of current and emerging theories and practices within your area.
• Formulate effective solutions to complex, real-world problems common to your field.
• Apply current research to practical problems in the workplace.
• Design rigorous research that expands the professional body of knowledge in your field.

• Alongside your modules you will be participating in a Community of Practice (CoP). This is an important component of the programme
• Mentoring - recording your meetings with your mentor
• Forums

• Employers must be approved by SOLAS and commit to support the apprentice throughout the programme
• Candidates would typically hold a 2.1 honours degree in a relevant area and five years’ experience.
• The successful completion of the qualifier module (Professional Portfolio PP8001) prior to being offered a place on the programme

Fees for 2020/2021 are as follows:

Qualifier Module €250

For successful Qualifier Module candidates who are eligible for the programme:

Student application fee €35

Annual fee* €900

*Student contribution based on 2020/2021 figures which are set nationally