DCU Prospectus 2026

92 Course Structure Teachingmethods include conventional lectures, extensive tutorials (particularly in Year 1), laboratory exercises and projects. As a result, youwill gain the ability to model and analyse the dynamics of a wide range of technological systems, as well as learn a creative and innovative approach to problemsolving.  The curriculumof Years 1, 2 and 3 and the coremodules in Year 4 are common to all ECE students. At the end of Year 3, you may opt to follow the IntegratedMasters route once you achieve aminimumH2.2 classification based on the average performance in Years 1, 2 and 3. In Year 4 (and optional Year 5 for the IntegratedMasters), you select amajor option and gain relevant skills through major-specificmodules and an individual undergraduate project. The options for majors reflect modern trends in electronic and computer engineering, as well as research priorities within the School of Electronic Engineering. Currently the course offers the following 4majors, which wewill adapt over time to ensure that our graduates always have themost relevant and up-to-date technology and expertise:  Major ElectronicDevices and Systems (BEng only) – This specialismprovides in-depth knowledge and practical skills in the design, development, and integration of hardware and software systems. It covers awide range of topics including electronic devices, analogue and digital circuit design, embedded systems, andmicrocontrollers. Major inMachine Learning – This specialism focuses on the application of modern artificial intelligence and data analytics techniques, particularly in the context of edge computing. Major inNanotechnology and Photonics (MEng only) – This specialismwill help youmaster electronic and photonic devices at the molecular and atomic level, and develop the knowledge required to produce functional electronic and photonic devices of nanometre dimensions. Major in the Internet of Things (IoT) – The IoT has the potential to profoundly transform theman-made environment we live in. The IoT’s transformative power lies in its ability to connect and gather data from various objects and environments, enabling smarter decision-making, automation, and improved efficiency across sectors. This major prepares you to carry out research andwork in this rapidly growing area. Youwill have the opportunity to do an individual major-relevant capstone project in Year 4 (or in Year 5 for the IntegratedMasters). Your project will allow you towork in a specialist area of your choice, and to apply the electronic and computer engineering skills that youwill have acquired. You can demonstrate your innovative capabilities, capacity for independent learning, and technical expertise. All final year students in the Faculty of Engineering andComputing have the opportunity to showcase their final year projects to leading industrymembers and potential employers at the end of their final semester. It also allows potential employers to see the high standard and the broad range of development work you have carried out throughout the course. This display is hugely popular with industry partners and drawsmany prospective employers keen to hireDCUgraduates. In addition to the traditional engineering focus onmathematics and design, a strong software and programming theme runs through our ECE course. In this, youwill learn about, C, C++, Java, embedded systems, Linux andWindows operating systems, data structures and algorithms, hardware description language, object- oriented programming, and in 2 of the Year 4majors, web application development. This thematic strength reflects an enduring need in industry for software specialists who have a strong knowledge base in electronics, systems, signal processing and hardware interfacing. INTRAWork Placement In Year 3, youwill undertake a paid work placement through the INTRA programme, lasting 6months for most students, and 10months for those on the integratedMEng pathway. INTRA offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your CV, boost your employability, and apply your academic knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, positioning you competitively in the jobmarket. Whilemost placements are basedwith businesses in Ireland, there are also opportunities to gain international experiencewith some of theworld’s leading companies. For more information, please visit dcu.ie/intra. Other recent INTRA employers with a global reach include Accenture, AOL, AnalogDevices, Cisco, Bypress Semiconductors Ireland, Deloitte and Touche, Mastercard, Synopsys, SAP Ireland, Tektronix Communications, Xilinx and Xerox. BEng andMEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering Gain the knowledge and skills to be at the heart of innovation