Agricultural Engineering Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University – Galway City

Program Overview

The BEng (Hons) in Agricultural Engineering at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is designed for students who want to combine mechanical engineering with agricultural science to solve real-world farming and food production challenges. It is well suited to students who are interested in machinery, practical engineering, and sustainable agriculture systems.

Students gain the skills to design, develop, and maintain modern agricultural equipment while building a strong foundation in core engineering principles such as mechanics, energy systems, and agricultural production technologies.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students focus on building strong engineering fundamentals. They study subjects such as Mathematics, Engineering Science, Engineering Drawing and CAD, Programming, and Engineering Workshop Technology. This year is mainly about developing problem-solving abilities, technical drawing skills, and basic understanding of mechanical and agricultural systems through practical learning.

Year 2

In Year 2, students move into more specialised engineering topics. Modules typically include Mechanics, Materials Engineering, Fluid Power Systems, Agricultural Science, and Electrical Systems for Engineering. At this stage, learners begin applying engineering theory to real agricultural machinery and systems, supported by lab work and hands-on projects.

Year 3

The third year introduces more advanced agricultural engineering concepts. Students study areas such as Machine Design, Farm Power Systems, Thermodynamics, Control Systems, and Agricultural Machinery Systems. The focus shifts towards design thinking, applied engineering solutions, and project-based learning aligned with industry practices.

Year 4

In the final year, students work at a professional engineering level. Key modules include Advanced Agricultural Systems Design, Project Management, Research Project or Dissertation, and Innovation in Agri-Technology. A major individual project is completed, often based on real industry or agricultural engineering challenges.

Focus Areas

Agricultural machinery design, mechanical engineering systems, farm power and energy systems, sustainable agriculture technology, automation in agriculture, agri-food engineering, environmental engineering applications, engineering design and manufacturing

Learning Outcomes

Apply engineering science to agricultural systems, design agricultural machinery and equipment, solve practical farm engineering problems, integrate mechanical and electrical systems in agriculture, manage engineering projects effectively, apply sustainability principles in agri-technology solutions, conduct technical research and analysis, prepare for professional engineering roles in industry

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This programme is aligned with recognised engineering industry expectations and prepares graduates for professional roles in agricultural engineering, machinery design, and related technical sectors. It supports progression into engineering careers within agriculture, manufacturing, and agri-tech industries.

Reputation (Employability)

ATU is known for delivering industry-focused engineering education with strong practical training and excellent graduate employability. Students benefit from a hands-on learning approach that prepares them for careers in agricultural engineering, machinery manufacturing, and the wider agri-food sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the BEng (Hons) in Agricultural Engineering is built around hands-on, practical learning so students are constantly applying what they learn to real engineering and agricultural situations. You won’t just stay in lectures—you’ll spend time in workshops, laboratories, and field-based environments working with machinery, systems, and engineering tools used in the agri-sector.

The programme places strong emphasis on learning by doing, with design projects, group engineering challenges, and industry placement opportunities that help you build real workplace experience. Students also work closely with modern engineering software and equipment, preparing them for the expectations of today’s agricultural and engineering industries.

Experiential Learning in this programme includes a mix of practical training, technical labs, and real-world industry exposure:

Hands-on engineering workshop training in machining, fabrication, and agricultural equipment systems
Use of CAD and engineering design software for modelling and developing agricultural machinery
Laboratory-based practical sessions in mechanics, materials testing, fluid power, and electrical systems
Agricultural science and farm systems practicals linked to real farming environments and production systems
Group engineering design projects that focus on solving real agricultural machinery and systems challenges
Structured industry work placement to gain real professional experience in agricultural engineering settings
Training with engineering tools, instruments, and testing equipment used in machinery design and analysis
Access to university engineering facilities, workshops, and learning resources that support design and prototyping work

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BEng (Hons) in Agricultural Engineering at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) are well prepared to step directly into the engineering and agri-tech industry, where their skills are in strong demand. Most graduates move into roles focused on designing, maintaining, and improving agricultural machinery and systems, or working in technical support and engineering development within the farming and agri-food sectors. Typical early career paths include agricultural design engineer, field service engineer, machinery technician, and agri-tech systems engineer.

Progression & Future Opportunities: ATU places strong emphasis on employability through practical training, industry engagement, and dedicated student support services.

ATU Careers and Employability Services support students with CV preparation, interview skills, and connecting with employers in engineering and agricultural sectors
Work placement opportunities during the programme often lead to graduate job offers or strong industry references
The programme maintains strong links with the agricultural machinery and engineering industry, helping students access real job opportunities
The degree is professionally aligned with engineering industry expectations, supporting long-term career development and recognition
Engineering graduates from ATU generally experience strong employment outcomes in technical and industry-based roles after graduation

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can progress to postgraduate study in areas such as Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Energy Systems, or other related engineering fields. Some graduates also move into research roles or specialised development positions within industry or academic institutions.