Home › Courses▻Professional, Part-time and Evening Courses▻Science & Technology Studies (Bsc/Dip Modular)

Science & Technology Studies (Bsc/Dip Modular)

Expand all

Course Overview

The Modular Programme in Science & Technology Studies is a part-time programme which focuses on the knowledge and skill requirements of high-tech industries. The modular structure is designed with flexibility in mind, enabling students to balance study with work and other commitments and to accumulate credits over a time frame that suits their lifestyle. Learning is delivered jointly by NUI Galway and UL (University of Limerick) via a blend of distance and online resources, on-campus tutorials and labs, and company-based projects.  

The programme aims to:

  • provide students with a comprehensive grounding in the theoretical foundations of Science and Engineering
  • introduce students to areas of applied and specialist knowledge found in today’s high-tech environments
  • develop important managerial skills such as problem solving, decision making and advanced communication skills

Applications and Selections

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment is through assignments, written exams and in some cases practical laboratory sessions. Exams take place at the end of each semester. All modules from the programme will be individually assessed.

The programme is delivered by blended learning on a part-time basis. Candidates will receive learning materials in both online and in hard copy format for each module. Materials will be specifically designed for independent study and will be supplemented by supporting reading material and interactive learning resources where appropriate. The programme requires attendance on campus for approximately 10 hours per module, mainly on Saturdays.

Awards:
Diploma in Science & Technology Studies - on successful completion of 20 modules or 120 ECTS.
Bachelor of Science in Science & Technology Studies - on successful completion of 40 modules or 240 ECTS.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants under 21 years of age on January 1 in year of entry must meet the following minimum entry requirements: A minimum of HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) including; English, Irish, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science and any other subject recognised for entry purposes.

Applicants aged 21 years and older by January 1 in year of entry may enter as mature students.  In this case a pass standard in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is required. Apart from the requirement in Mathematics assessment of applicants will be on an individual basis to determine suitability to successfully undertake the course.

Applicants without a leaving certificate are encouraged to first complete the Foundation Course in Science, Engineering and Technology. Graduates of the Foundation Course are automatically eligible for entry to the Diploma.


Additional Requirements

Duration

Diploma 2-4 years; Degree additional 2-4 years

Next start date

August 2018 (Diploma & Degree)

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

25-30

Closing Date

 

Next start date

August 2018 (Diploma & Degree)

NFQ level

Level 7 (Diploma); Level 8 (Degree)

Mode of study

Blended-learning

ECTS weighting

Diploma: 120 credits, Degree: 240 credits, Specialist Diplomas: 30 credits

Award

CAO

PAC code

Course Outline

Diploma in Science & Technology Studies
The Diploma consists of 20 modules to be completed over a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 years. The modules on offer include:

  • Core modules which cover the foundations of Science, Engineering, Management and IT
  • Electives which allow students to specialise in an area of particular interest to them
  • Company-based projects to help students apply their learning in the workplace

Students who have successfully completed the Diploma can automatically progress to the Degree or the Specialist Diplomas.

Degree in Science & Technology Studies
The Degree consists of an additional 20 modules to be taken over 2 to 4 years. The core modules are largely in the areas of production science and operations and systems management. The elective streams will enable students to specialise and deepen their knowledge in the following areas:

  • Lean & Quality Systems
  • Medical Device Science
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Mechanical Design
  • Form & Function of the Human Body
  • Automation & Control

Download Science and Technology Studies brochure. 

Specialist Diplomas

  • Lean & Quality Systems
  • Medical Device Science
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Form and Function of the Human Body

Each specialist diploma consists of four inter-related taught modules and a project to allow individuals to upskill in a particular area or study in a highly focused area of interest.

Exemptions: Applicants who have completed accredited study in a relevant area may apply for exemptions. Credit may also be granted for demonstrable experiential learning. Exemptions may be granted up to a maximum of 5 modules in the Diploma cycle and 5 modules in the Degree cycle. Exemptions are considered by the programme board on a case-by-case basis.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Management roles in the following sectors: medical devices, biotechnology, scientific services , high-end and specialist manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food science, etc.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The programme is primarily intended to support those seeking career advancement in a variety of high tech industries such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and manufacturing. It will also appeal to those with a personal interest in Science and Technology.

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€3,800 p.a. (€380 per module)

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€4,300 p.a. (€380 per module + €500 p.a.)

 
A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment.  Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following: 

  • Job-seekers Benefit
  • Job-seekers Allowance
  • One-parent family allowance
  • Disability allowance
  • Community Employment Scheme
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Signing for social insurance contribution credits

Please download the 2017_18 Fees Scholarship Form for more information.

Find out More

 Niamh McHugh 

Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
NUI Galway
Tel: 091 495845
Email: niamh.mchugh@nuigalway.ie
http://www.modularbsc.ie/

What Our Student Say

Derrick

Derrick O'Hanlon |   Science & Technology Studies

Having last been in 3rd level in the late 80s/early 90s, I was nervous about returning to education, particularly in a different discipline. I am a business graduate originally so this is a big departure for me even though it is an area of interest. The support level provided by tutors and administrative staff is excellent, with queries of any type usually answered very promptly. The course material is presented in an easy to digest format and the collaborative tools provided through the Moodle software are simple and easy to use while being perfectly functional, not to mention practical laboratory sessions where appropriate.
Dara

Dara Kirwan |   Adult Learning Student

I have now completed a diploma and am continuing on to a degree through Adult Education in NUIG. I found the distance learning course a wonderful way to combine study with full time working. My tutors and course coordinators were all very helpful, always available for advice and guidance and I have also made many great friends. I would highly recommend it.

Downloads