US913 Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Polymer & Mechanical Engineering at TUS Athlone

The US913 Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Polymer & Mechanical Engineering at TUS Athlone is specifically designed to feed Ireland’s high-demand MedTech and manufacturing sectors. Ireland is a global hub for these industries, and this course is one of the few that provides the specialized "polymer" toolkit companies are looking for.

Here is a summary tailored for someone entering the Irish polymer industry:

Course overview:

This is a 4-year Level 8 Honours Degree. Unlike a standard mechanical engineering degree, this course blends core mechanical principles with advanced polymer science. This makes you a "double threat" in the job market: you understand the machines (mechanical) and the materials they process (polymers).

Year 1: Common Entry

You start with Engineering Common Entry (US773). This allows you to build a foundation in math, science, and mechanics before committing to the Polymer stream in Year 2. It’s perfect if you know you like "making things" but aren't yet sure about the specific material science.

Key Skills & Curriculum

The program moves from general engineering to highly specialized industry skills:

  • Polymer Processing: Deep dives into injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding.
  • Product Design: Using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to create plastic components specifically for the medical and automotive sectors.
  • Material Science: Learning how to select the right polymer for high-performance environments (e.g., a heart valve vs. a car bumper).
  • Industry 4.0: Exposure to automation, robotics, and "Smart" manufacturing.

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 & Salary Outlook (2026)

  • Entry-Level Roles: Process Engineer, Polymer Technologist, Quality Assurance, Product Designer.
  • Earning Potential: Entry-level polymer engineers in Ireland currently start at approximately €48,000, with senior roles (8+ years) reaching €79,000+.
  • Location: While jobs are nationwide, there is a massive cluster of polymer activity in Athlone, Galway, Sligo, and Limerick.

Entry Requirements

  • Leaving Cert: Minimum of 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, including Mathematics and English/Irish.
  • CAO Points (2025): Approximately 302 points.
  • QQI Route: Holders of an Engineering Technology (5M2061) award with distinctions are also eligible.