Agricultural Engineering – BEng

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Technological University of the Shannon - Moylish Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Level 7) in Agricultural Engineering (US769) at Technological University of the Shannon is designed for students who want to work directly with modern farm machinery, engineering systems, and agricultural technology. It blends hands-on practical training with core engineering knowledge to prepare graduates for real technical roles in the agricultural machinery and services industry.

This programme is well suited to students who prefer practical, workshop-based learning and are interested in how tractors, engines, hydraulics, and modern farm equipment actually work in real-world settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in agricultural engineering through modules such as Agricultural Engineering Science and Maths 1, Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Technology, and Introduction to Tractor Engineering and Workshop Processes. The focus is on understanding basic engineering principles, farm machinery components, hydraulics, diesel engines, and essential workshop skills that support later advanced learning.

Year 2

In the second year, the programme becomes more applied with modules including Intermediate Tractor Engineering, Hydraulics and Control Systems, and Agricultural CAD and Design. Students develop practical diagnostic skills, learn to work with electrical and hydraulic systems, and gain experience in computer-aided design, often combining college learning with industry-linked training to strengthen real-world competence.

Year 3

The final year focuses on advanced technical learning and professional development through modules such as Computing in Agricultural Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, and a major Project and Industrial Placement. Students deepen their expertise in machinery diagnostics and engineering systems while completing a substantial industry placement that helps prepare them for employment after graduation.

Focus Areas:

Agricultural machinery engineering, tractor systems, electrical and electronic systems, CAD design, hydraulics and diagnostics, workshop technology, engineering mathematics, industrial placement, agricultural technology, machinery maintenance

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to diagnose and repair complex agricultural machinery systems, apply engineering principles to real agricultural problems, use CAD tools for design and modelling, and work confidently in modern agricultural engineering and machinery environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This programme is aligned with the needs of the agricultural engineering industry and includes a structured industrial placement, helping students gain real workplace experience and develop job-ready technical skills before graduation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Technological University of the Shannon is known for strong industry engagement in engineering programmes, with a focus on practical training and work placement, contributing to high employability outcomes for graduates in technical and engineering sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the Agricultural Engineering (US769) programme at Technological University of the Shannon gain strong practical, hands-on experience from the beginning of the course, working alongside real engineering equipment and industry-standard machinery. A key feature of the programme is its close connection with the Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, where students train in a highly practical environment, along with workshop-based learning at the Moylish campus.

Rather than focusing only on theory, students spend a large part of their time working directly with tractors, hydraulic systems, electrical diagnostics, and agricultural machinery. They also complete a substantial industrial placement, giving them real experience in garages, dealerships, and engineering workshops, helping them build confidence and industry-ready skills before graduation.

Experiential learning in this programme is supported through a range of practical environments and tools:

Fully equipped engineering workshops for tractor maintenance, engine diagnostics, hydraulics, welding, and mechanical systems practice
Hands-on training with agricultural machinery such as tractors, transmissions, and modern farm equipment systems
Electrical and electronic diagnostic tools used for testing and repairing sensors, wiring systems, and control units in modern machinery
Computer-aided design (CAD) labs for engineering drawing, design work, and modelling of agricultural equipment
A structured industrial placement of around 30 weeks in agricultural dealerships, engineering firms, and machinery workshops, with opportunities for real industry exposure
Project-based learning where students design, build, and repair agricultural equipment such as trailers and mechanical systems
Access to engineering-focused library and learning resources to support technical study and project work
Learning experience shared between TUS Moylish campus and Salesian Agricultural College, combining academic study with practical, industry-style training

More details on facilities and learning environments are available on the official Technological University of the Shannon programme page for Agricultural Engineering (US769).

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Agricultural Engineering (US769) programme at Technological University of the Shannon are well prepared to move directly into technical roles within the agricultural machinery and engineering sector. The programme develops strong practical and diagnostic skills, so students are ready to work confidently in real workshop and field environments. Common career paths include agricultural service technician, machinery diagnostics technician, field service engineer, and dealership or workshop technician.

This strong industry focus supports excellent employability and clear career progression:

The Careers Service at Technological University of the Shannon supports students with CV preparation, interview coaching, job searching, and employer connections during and after the course
A 30-week industrial placement is built into the programme, and many students secure full-time roles with their placement employers after graduation
The course is closely connected with agricultural engineering employers, dealerships, and machinery service companies, helping students gain direct industry exposure
The Level 7 engineering qualification is widely recognised and provides a solid foundation for technician-level and supervisory roles in the agricultural engineering field
Graduates benefit from strong employment prospects due to the programme’s emphasis on hands-on training, real machinery experience, and workplace readiness

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this programme, students can progress to a Level 8 honours degree in engineering or related fields at Technological University of the Shannon or other higher education institutions. This allows them to specialise further in areas such as mechanical engineering, engineering management, or advanced agricultural technology, opening up wider career and leadership opportunities in the future.