Dr Sean McSweeney
Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Munster Technological University
Niall Morris
Head of the Department of Mechanical, Biomedical & Manufacturing Engineering & Head of Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Management Systems (CAMMS), Munster Technological University
Joseph Walsh
Head of School and Director (IMaR) Research Centre, Munster Technological University
Academic institute with strong industry links is driving engineering excellence, with government-backed innovative teaching methods and global collaboration.
The Faculty of Engineering at Munster Technological University (MTU) has a rich heritage going back two centuries. “Our roots trace back to the Royal Cork Institution in 1807, which initially focused on science training,” explains Dr Sean McSweeney, Dean of Engineering. “Later, the Crawford Municipal Technical Institute emerged in 1912 and Cork Regional Technology College (RTC) in 1974, simultaneously RTC Tralee emerged in 1977 with both successor institutions, ITT and CIT merging into MTU in 2021.”
Industry-driven and research-focused engineering
Today, the faculty spans multiple campuses. “We are one of the largest engineering faculties in Ireland, with 350-400 staff and around 5,555 students. Our nine academic departments and seven independent research and innovation entities support a,” says Dr McSweeney.
Employers actively validate courses while guest speakers, sponsorships and partnerships enhance student learning. “Many faculty members bring decades of experience having previously worked in industry, and we don’t create any modules without direct industry input,” he explains.
The faculty also drives innovation through research, with over €20 million in annual income. “Our research is deeply applied, with industry collaborations ensuring real-world impact,” he adds. “We’re committed to future-proofing our capabilities by integrating sustainability with cutting-edge technology across all disciplines.”
The faculty ensures research and
educational offerings remain cutting-edge.
Blending tradition with educational innovation
The engineering faculty is committed to producing industry-ready graduates, balancing tradition with advanced technological solutions. “All our programmes are built with strong industry links, ensuring a constant feedback loop that keeps our curriculum relevant,” says Professor Joseph Walsh, Head of the School of STEM. “Work placements are embedded across all courses, providing students with real-world experience, which makes them highly employable.”
A key initiative driving their success is the REEdi model, launched in 2020 with backing from the Higher Education Authority and ongoing engagement from Engineers Ireland. “We reimagined the traditional four-year degree by integrating industry-based learning in the final two years,” explains Prof Walsh.
“Students spend their first two years in class-based learning, then transition to paid industry placements while continuing their studies through a blended approach, where they have access to immersive VR and AR technologies,” he adds. “We are proud to be integrating this immersive VR technology alongside traditional teaching methods, allowing students to engage with complex engineering concepts while on placement — something we hope to extend to other programmes.”
The first cohort, placed in 2022, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and industry partners. This not only gives students the ability to obtain hands-on experience but to earn while they learn.
Meeting the needs of evolving engineering field
The university’s engineering faculty plays a key role in regional development by actively engaging with industry, academia and the wider community. “We work closely with local companies to ensure our students and graduates meet the evolving needs of the industry,” says Niall Morris, Head of the Department for Mechanical, Biomedical Manufacturing and Engineering.
Joint initiatives with universities, such as an MSc in Medical Device Development with UCC, further enhance educational offerings. “These partnerships allow us to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring our graduates are highly skilled and employable,” adds Morris.
Future-proofed learning and connections for students
The university also advances progress through award-winning projects such as the Innovative Product Development module. “This module brings together students from engineering, business and marketing to tackle real-world industry challenges, which has achieved national, international and Engineers Ireland awards,” he explains.
With strong links to globally recognised companies, the faculty ensures research and educational offerings remain cutting-edge. “Our industry connections are vital, they shape our curriculum and future-proof our graduates,” insists Morris. “We also train companies to work at the highest level; when we update student modules, we use this real industry evidence to ensure our graduates are always prepared to meet the highest professional standards.”
With strong links to industry, a cutting-edge research department and a commitment to contemporary education, MTU’s engineering faculty continues to shape the future of engineering across Ireland and beyond.
