Key enabling technologies lead to breakthroughs where significant problems in society are resolved with a technology that is suddenly possible. This course provides learners with an opportunity to embark on a research and innovation journey, by understanding the leveraging impacts achievable with four of the six key enabling technologies identified by Europe in areas such as Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, Micro-/nano-electronics, and Artificial Intelligence.

The PG Cert is envisaged as the first year of a three-year part-time postgraduate journey. Completion of modules in the second year results in a PG Diploma (+30 ECTS, 60 total). The third year is a research-intensive year and will result in an MSc in Key Enabling Technologies (+30 ECTS, 90 credits).

This course seeks to upskill employees who are seeking leadership roles in the twin transformation of manufacturing towards sustainability and digitalisation. It will provide learners with a comprehensive knowledge of R&D concepts in manufacturing, including simulation, automation, materials, processes, and manufacturing technologies. It will enable them to apply knowledge to design, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes and systems using digital simulation or prototyping techniques.

Participants will demonstrate their understanding by undertaking project activities.

Informed by three reports: IBEC Manufacturing Report 2023/4, The OECD Future Skills Report for Ireland 2030, and the Irish Medtech Report "Talent to Thrive" 2024, the course is strategically positioned to provide employees with additional cross-cutting skills in problem-solving, leadership in the transformation of manufacturing systems, and the commercial acumen required to justify innovation. 

Aims of the programme:
The PG Cert in Key Enabling Technologies aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills to operate research-led enterprises, focusing on areas like advanced materials, manufacturing, micro-/nano-electronics, and AI. It supports research, innovation, and upskilling for leadership roles in sustainable and digital manufacturing. The course emphasizes applied learning, workplace relevance, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address future skill needs in Ireland's economy.

Progression:
This is a 30 ECTS graduate course which awards a University level PG Cert in Key Enabling Technologies upon successful course completion. Successful candidates may progress in subsequent years to PG Diploma or an MSc in Key Enabling Technologies award.

The course will consist of three 10 ECTS modules. Three modules can be selected from the list:

• KE1146: Enterprise Simulation for Digital Twinning with Research Project.
• KE1144: Robotics & Automated systems with Research Project.
• KE1147: Materials Science & Processes with Research Project.
• KE1143: Manufacturing Technology with Research Project.
• KE1145: Programming, Sensor, & Actuators with Research Project.
• KE1142: Enabling (Laser) Technology for Advanced Manufacturing with Research Project.
• KE1148: Rapid Prototyping & Pilot Production with Research Project
• KE1140: Design of Engineering Systems with Research Project
• KE1141: Scalable Science, Technology and Innovation with Research Project.

Each module features a substantial workplace project component, and students are encouraged to join the course with an industry-based project concept. This approach provides valuable opportunities to build transferable skills that can be applied directly in professional settings.

Career Opportunities

 The PG Cert in Enabling Technologies will prepare students for careers in areas such as: 

• Research & Development functions in medical device companies 
• Research & Development functions in the wider manufacturing workforce 
• Leadership roles in the transformation of manufacturing systems towards sustainability and digitalization  

Dr Adam Collins
Lecturer, School of Natural Sciences, Physics

Dr Gerard O'Connor
Personal Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Physics

Mr Padraig Conneely
Lecturer, School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

The course is delivered part-time through a blended learning approach. Learners will be provided with online materials for each module, specifically developed for independent study. These will be complemented by recommended readings and interactive resources where relevant. In-person attendance is required for approximately 10 hours per module, typically scheduled on Saturdays.

Assessment is carried out through a combination of assignments, written examinations, and, where applicable, practical laboratory work. Examinations are scheduled at the end of each semester, and each module is assessed individually.

Course queries:
sciencetech@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Director(s):

Professor Gerard O’Connor

Physics, School of Natural Sciences

College of Science and Engineering

E: gerard.oconnor@universityofgalway.ie

T: 091 492513

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL).

If you wish to apply but you do not meet the minimum entry criteria, please contact the programme administrator to discuss RPL eligibility (This may involve an interview to determine if you are suitable for the course.) ​  

Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications for entry purposes, but have relevant work experience in cybersecurity or business risk management, may also be entitled to apply under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Further, students may apply for exemption(s) from some programme courses based on equivalent courses already completed. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website

The PG Cert in Enabling Technologies provides the student with several transferable skills, including: 

• Teamwork: Through team-based work and collaborative learning activities. ​
• Communication: Enhanced via group learning activities and project presentations.
• Creativity and Innovation: Developed through experiential learning, research projects, and problem-solving tasks. ​
• Leadership: Focused on transforming manufacturing systems and driving innovation. ​
• Problem-Solving: By predicting problems and formulating solutions through critical thinking and research. ​
• Commercial Acumen: Gained through modules like "Scalable Science, Technology and Innovation," which include business strategy, financial metrics, and customer discovery.
• Technical Skills: Practical experience in areas such as automation, digital simulation, rapid prototyping, and advanced manufacturing technologies. ​
• Research Skills: Including the ability to select and employ research techniques and secure competitive advantages from research activities. ​ 

These skills are designed to prepare learners for leadership roles and innovation in manufacturing and related industries.

Applicants should hold one of the following:

• an undergraduate bachelor’s degree 1st or 2nd class honours in any discipline (level 8), along with three years of relevant industrial experience;
• an ordinary bachelor’s degree or 3rd class honours undergraduate degree (level 7), along with five years of relevant industrial experience;
• a recognised professional qualification and five years of relevant industrial experience.

Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry criteria are encouraged to contact the programme's administrators to discuss eligibility through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and may be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the course.

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here. 

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent. 

 More information on English language test equivalency are available here.

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here. 

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.

 Closing Dates

Rolling intake up to Friday 28 August 2026

 Notes

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.

Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Application Process

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here. 

Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for each the following September.  

Further Information

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.