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Fundamentals of Digital Design and Solidworks CAD (L6, 10 ECTS)

  • Location: Online

  • weeks: 12

  • Fees: Funded by the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026. See Fees Section Below.

  • Level 6

  • Course Type Flexible and Professional Learning

  • Study Mode Part Time

  • Department Mechanical & Automobile Engineering

  • Start Date 02/09/2026

Course Overview

This programme aims to give learners a solid grounding in the fundamentals of Computer Aided Design using SolidWorks, building confidence in core CAD skills such as sketching, 3D modelling, assemblies, and basic engineering drawings. Learners will develop essential design linking and problem solving abilities while gaining the practical knowledge needed to apply CAD effectively in STEM and engineering contexts.

More Information

  • This course aims to:

    • Navigate the SolidWorks user interface confidently.
    • Create, save, open, and manage part, assembly, and drawing files.
    • Understand basic CAD terminology.
    • Create fully defined 2D sketches using geometric constraints and dimensions

    The software used in this course is “SOLIDWORKS 2026”

    Please see link below for PC requirements for running the software:
    System Requirements | SOLIDWORKS

    Once you are a registered student on the course you will be provided with a guide on how to download the educational home use licence for this software.

  • Leaving Certificate

    or

    A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English or Irish and Mathematics (minimum O5/H6)

    or

    Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) 
    If you do not meet the academic entry requirements listed above but would like your application assessed under RPL please select YES on the online application form. Please include any relevant work experience/further information relevant to your application under the ‘Additional Information’ section.

    English Language: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements. Please note that we do not request proof of English language qualification or proficiency.

  • Classes will be delivered 100% online over 12 weeks on Tuesday evenings from  7-10pm.

    Start Date

    Student ‘Welcome Induction Session’ will take place online on the evening of Wednesday 2nd September 2026.

    Programme delivery will commence the following week on Tuesday 8th September 2026

    The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.

  • Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college.  The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.

  • Combination

  • Micro-Credential

    Certificate in Engineering in Fundamentals Of Digital Design & Solidworks CAD (Level 6, 10 ECTS)

  • This course is funded by the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026 programme and fees are subsidised at 80% for all eligible learner categories.

    Full Fee is € 950

  • *Limited Places*

    Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    The programme will close once the maximum number of applicants is reached.

    Final closing date for any unfilled places will be the 19th July 2026.

    Programmes run subject to viable numbers.