MSc in Advanced Engineering Technologies

Polymer & Biomedical Engineering Pathways at TUS Athlone

The M.Sc. in Advanced Engineering Technologies at TUS Athlone is designed to support Ireland’s high-demand polymer, plastics, MedTech, biomedical engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors. Ireland is a global hub for these industries, and these Level 9 offerings address a key unmet need for advanced skills in polymer materials, biomaterials, medical device engineering and high-value manufacturing. TUS Athlone has a well-established national profile in polymer and mechanical engineering education, built on close engagement with industry.

Course Overview

This is a flexible Level 9 postgraduate framework with four award options. Unlike a generic engineering master’s, these programmes are built around the specific materials, processing, biomedical, medical device, quality and manufacturing skills needed by the Polymer and MedTech industry.

  • 90 ECTS M.Sc. in Advanced Engineering Technologies — includes a 30-credit dissertation or work-based professional practice project.
  • 60 ECTS Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in Advanced Engineering Technologies — full taught award without the dissertation stage.
  • Postgraduate Certificate — Polymer Engineering — focused upskilling in polymer systems, processing, characterisation and application.
  • Postgraduate Certificate — Biomedical Engineering — focused upskilling in biomaterials, biomedical science, medical device engineering and design.

Key Skills & Curriculum

The programme develops advanced, industry-relevant skills in:

  • Polymer Processing: Advanced polymer systems, processing, characterisation, injection moulding, extrusion, compounding and design.
  • Polymer Materials & Characterisation: Selecting, testing and understanding polymers for high-performance industrial and medical applications.
  • Biomedical Engineering: Biomaterials, biomedical science and physiology, and healthcare product development.
  • Medical Device Engineering: Medical device design, regulated manufacturing, quality, validation and regulatory affairs.
  • Sustainability & Advanced Manufacturing: Circular economy, sustainable technologies, applied manufacturing and industry-relevant problem solving.

Why take this course?

Ireland's polymer industry is currently booming, particularly in the Midlands and West.

Feature

Impact for You

Paid Work Placement

In Year 3, you complete a 6-month industrial placement. This often serves as a "long interview," with many students securing job offers before they even graduate.

MedTech Connection

Over 45% of employees in Ireland’s medical device sector are graduates; this course is a direct pipeline to companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Teleflex.

High Employment

TUS currently boasts the highest graduate employment rate in Ireland.

Sustainability Focus

You will learn about "Green Polymers" and reducing environmental loads—a top priority for Irish manufacturers in 2026.

Career Outlook

Graduates are well placed for technical roles across Ireland’s polymer, MedTech, diagnostics, healthcare manufacturing and advanced manufacturing clusters.

  • Polymer Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Medical Device Engineer
  • Process Development Engineer
  • Materials Engineer
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Validation Engineer
  • R&D Engineer

Entry Requirements

  • Level 8 Honours Degree, minimum Grade 2.2, in an appropriate Engineering, Science, Computing, Mathematics, Manufacturing or cognate discipline.
  • Equivalent qualifications or relevant industrial experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis under TUS Recognition of Prior Learning policy.
  • Non-native English speakers require IELTS 6.5 or higher.