Designed in collaboration with industry partners, the part-time programme will support engineering professionals in developing technical, research and leadership capabilities.

Munster Technological University (MTU) has launched a new master’s of engineering in integrated manufacturing engineering, as a means of meeting the growing demand for advanced engineering skills across Ireland’s manufacturing sector. 

The level nine, part-time programme, which will be delivered from the MTU Kerry campus, will aim to develop skills in sustainable manufacturing, industrial automation, artificial intelligence, data engineering and Industry 4.0 technologies. 

Taught over five semesters via a flexible learning format and created by the university’s Rethinking Engineering in Education in Ireland (REEDI) team, the course will work to develop the technical, research and leadership capabilities needed to lead digital and sustainable transformation within modern manufacturing environments.

MTU said it had held consultations with key industry partners across the medtech, pharma, food, electronics, automotive and engineering services sectors, and identified strong demand for expertise in sustainable manufacturing, digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 technologies. Employers also highlighted the need for advanced engineering skills to support the twin green and digital transitions shaping the sector.

Starting in September 2026, the programme is described as best suited to engineering professionals working in manufacturing and related industries who are aiming to upskill or progress to a level nine qualification, as well as graduates of engineering and science programmes interested in developing advanced manufacturing research and innovation expertise. 

Commenting on the launch, Dr Fiona Boyle, the head of department for STEM at MTU and director of REEDI, said, “Ireland’s manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly, and employers are seeking engineers who can combine deep technical expertise with the ability to lead research, innovation, digitalisation and sustainable change within their organisations. 

“This new master’s programme was developed in direct response to those needs, providing a flexible pathway for engineering professionals to advance their skills while remaining connected to the workplace.”

In late May, Engineering Skillnet and business representative body Ibec unveiled a new strategic plan, ‘Engineering a Skills-First Future 2026-2029’, which also aims to address industry skill issues. 

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, learners and the Engineering Skillnet steering committee, the plan involves identifying talent gaps and mapping emerging technologies to ensure Ireland’s engineering workforce remains agile, productive and globally competitive.

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