Skip to main content

Course Search

Course Search

Course Search

Precision Engineering (Add-on) – BEng (Hons)

  • Campus: Moylish, Limerick City

  • years: 1


Course Overview

This Level 7 degree in Precision Engineering has been designed with industry to respond efficiently and effectively to the needs of the Precision Engineering industry. This is the equivilent of third year Precision Engineering as a one-year add-on programme to existing qualifications or experience.

The programme focuses on the key factors required in the design, manufacturing, and assessment of high value components in the materials processing sector with specific emphasis in metal cutting and related processes. This is a workshop/lab based programme with hands-on experience on state-of-the-art CNC machines, CAM software and metrology equipment. Learners will work as individuals and in groups on a variety of industrial standard engineering projects.

Features of the Programme

  • Programme flexibility to work and learn, one year course, but can be undertaken part-time over two years
  • Develops a deep knowledge of materials, design and manufacture through the utilisation of modern technology
  • Developed in conjunction with world class companies in response to a shortage in highly skilled qualified engineers
  • High practical content in CNC Machining, Metrology, Materials and Statistical Process Control
  • Uses industrial equipment to solve real industrial problems
  • Allows for maximum learning and self-development
  • Facilitates progression to Level 8 programmes within TUS and other colleges/universities

Contact Details

Ciarán O’Loughlin

Email: Ciaran.OLoughlin@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must satisfy a minimum entry requirement of a pass in a relevant Higher Certificate (Level 6) in Engineering, Science or Technology with an average performance of at least 40% or an equivalent qualification to a Higher Certificate (Level 6) overall with appropriate prerequisite subjects or a pass in a relevant Higher Certificate (Level 6) with one-year relevant work experience.

Course Modules

  • Advanced CNC Machining

    Credits: 5

    The learner will develop a greater depth of knowledge in current advanced industry standard CNC tooling technology and quality standards, analyse tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing, and machining strategies for greater machining efficiency. The learner will program, set up, and operate CNC 5 axis milling machines and lathes with advanced turning and milling capability.

    The learner will use industrial standard computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software for complex components. These complex components will require the learner to investigate advanced techniques to machine parts with complex 3D surfaces, use simultaneous 5-axis motion and to use advanced milling techniques on turned components.

    The CAM software will allow the learner to simulate machining on multi axis machining centres and turning centres to verify programmes before post-processing and transferring the data to the machine controller. The learner’s knowledge of ISO programming will be developed for more advanced CNC machining techniques, sub programming, programming offsets, and the development of macros, advanced canned cycles, multiple‑part environment, and multiple‑component machining.

  • Advanced Six Sigma and Metrology

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces the learner to advanced six sigma tools appropriate for the precision machining industry and other regulated industries such as medical device and aerospace manufacturing. The statistical aspect of the module uses techniques for analysing multiple production systems with the aim of identifying sources of error and variation. They are also used for identifying critical underlying factors and how they interact with other variables in the system. This will enable the learner to develop process optimization plans using design of experiments.

    On completion of this work the learner will also have gained the knowledge employ methods for maintaining improvements so that they can be sustained over a prolonged period.

    Due to the close relationship between the module content and the requirements for the medical device industry, this module introduces the learner to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) which are the cornerstone of the process validation system in any regulated manufacturing environment.

    The metrology aspect of the module provides the learner with the skills to programme co-ordinate measurement machines (CMMs) for complex geometrical shapes such as hip and knee orthopaedic implants. On completion of this section of the module the learner will have the knowledge to create a part programme for the inspection of a complex component in accordance with the engineering drawing, interrogate the data collected from the CMM programme and create a customized report to determine if the component has reached the required quality standards.

  • Materials and Mechanics

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to improve the learner’s knowledge and understanding of materials and processes used by engineers. Learners will apply relevant mechanical equations to practical problems by physically testing components and case studies to enable them to select both correct materials and processes.

    Learners will understand how to quantify the environmental impact behind these choices Learning is enhanced with the use of a material selection software package, Learners will analyse mechanical components that are exposed to complex loading.

  • Applied Mechanical Engineering Mathematics

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.

  • Process Planning

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to improve the learner’s knowledge and understanding of process planning in a precision engineering environment.

    The learner will develop a knowledge of modern manufacturing processes through the completion of coursework in a practical workshop environment and will critically analyse the strategic usage of the manufacturing processes for specific components to increase the manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability of modern precision engineering industries. The module will also discuss the integration of manufacturing techniques to the learner with focus on the precision engineering industry Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The role, implementation and monitoring of process planning in a modern precision engineering industry is analysed.

  • Group Project

    Credits: 5

    This module involves active learning where learners participate in an applied based group project. The group project topic may have industrial links and involves the practical application of research, design, engineering principles, materials analysis, and manufacturing. The group project allows for team development where each member has a defined role to play in the development of a project solution.

    This module also incorporates professional development, which aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills, in order to prepare for work placement and employment. Transferrable skills such as project management and organisation, creative problem solving, technical writing and presentation skills are developed in this module.

  • Engineering Work Placement

    Credits: 15

    This module is the work placement element for candidates on the Level 7 Degree and Level 8 Honours Degree programmes in Precision Engineering. The aim of this module is to give learners the opportunity to apply the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that they have gained in previous stages of their programmes while being employed in a supervised professional engineering industry.

    The Engineering work placement is a semester long 5-month period. This will give learners 20 weeks of placement in an engineering organisation (January to May). During this time the learners will aim to transfer and build upon the knowledge, skills and competencies that they have gained in the previous stages of their programme. This enhanced learning will be used by candidates who are continuing onto a Level 8 programme.

    On successful completion of the work placement the student may stay on with the employer for the duration of the summer.

What can you do after this programme?

Graduates will typically be employed in one of the following roles:

  • Precision engineer in a world class machining environment
  • Applications engineer utilising CAD/CAM to maximise utilisation of machines tools
  • Design Engineer and Development of Complex components
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Production engineer
  • CNC machinist and programmer
  • Materials engineer
  • Process control engineer
  • Equipment test engineer/technician
  • Engineer in the medical device, human implant, and Life Sciences Industries

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 8 Precision Engineering programme within TUS or elsewhere.

Similar Courses

TUS Limerick Agricultural Engineering Student

Course Type: Undergraduate – CAO

Agricultural Engineering – BEng

Study Mode: Full Time

Level 7

Years 3

CAO points 303

Course Code US769

TUS Limerick Mechanical Engineering Students

Course Type: Undergraduate – CAO

Mechanical Engineering – BEng (Hons)

Study Mode: Full Time

Level 8

Years 4

CAO points 318

Course Code US911

TUS Limerick Engineering Technology Management Students

Course Type: Undergraduate – CAO

Engineering Technology Management – BEng (Hons)

Study Mode: Full Time

Level 8

Years 4

CAO points 319

Course Code US909

TUS Agricultural Mechanisation Student

Course Type: Undergraduate – CAO

Agricultural Mechanisation – Higher Certificate in Engineering

Study Mode: Full Time

Level 6

Years 2

CAO points 254

Course Code US651

TUS Limerick Automotive Engineering and Transport Management Students

Course Type: Undergraduate – CAO

Automotive Engineering and Transport Management – BEng (Hons)

Study Mode: Full Time

Level 8

Years 4

CAO points 314

Course Code US915

TUS Limerick Automobile Technology Student

Course Type: Undergraduate – CAO

Automotive Technology – Higher Certificate in Engineering

Study Mode: Full Time

Level 6

Years 2

CAO points 301

Course Code US650