The automation and instrumentation industry plays a critical role in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and engineering, ensuring that processes are efficient, precise, and controlled. With the increasing demand for automated systems across industries, professionals in this field enjoy excellent job opportunities in Ireland and worldwide. Job opportunities vary from roles in system design to maintenance and troubleshooting, making it a highly rewarding career choice (the career tab will give you me information on this). This Level 6 Certificate in Automation and Instrumentation is ideal for individuals looking to return to education or advance their careers. Whether you're seeking to upskill or build on existing qualifications, this program offers strong academic support and highly experienced lecturers with years of industrial knowledge. Students are provided with all the guidance they need to succeed, especially if they require additional assistance. On completion of this certificate, students are eligible to enter the online level 7 bachelor’s degree in Mechatronic Engineering. The course is delivered fully online, meaning there's no need to attend classes on campus. While some practical sessions can be completed in Sligo, these are optional. Students can attend live lectures or watch recordings at their convenience, making it easy to study around other commitments. The online lab work can be done in your own time, and the program runs over the course of one academic year. If you need extra help with mathematics or other subjects, support is always available. Key modules will deliver knowledge in: Instrumentation, Automating Pneumatics, Programming and Interfacing. There is also a one-year math module in the programme. This two-semester long math module would normally be delivered in one semester. By spreading it out over two semesters, students have more time to get through the material. This program is suitable for international students. Upon completion, you will earn an accredited certificate recognized throughout Europe via the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). International students benefit from the fact that they don’t pay higher fees and are not affected by time zone differences, as lectures can be downloaded for offline study. Additionally, students avoid travel costs, making this an accessible and cost-effective educational option. Not enough time? If you think that completing the certificate in one year is too much demanding on your available time, then we have an alternative.There is an option to complete the certificate (module by module) over a two-year period. Or you can just complete the modules that you are interested in, get the credits, and don’t complete the certificate. With the latter option, the gained credits are potentially transferrable to different programmes and have European recognition.If you are interested in completing the certificate over two years, then you must complete the modules in the right order as most modules follow on from each other. The modules are delivered in sets of two and the sets are not related to each other. In the table below you can see the order. First ModuleFollow-on ModuleInstrumentation 1Instrumentation 2Programming FundamentalsProgramming Communications and InterfacingPneumatic/E-Pneumatic and Hydraulic SystemsAutomation ProgrammingIntroduction to engineering Mathematics (This module runs for a full academic year) To select either of the two options, click here for the Advance Centre and set the NFQ Levels Filter to 6. Here you will see the modules as in the table above and you can select the relevant modules (Quality Assurance module is not part of the certificate). If you have any questions about the registration through the Advance Centre, please email louise.ogorman@atu.ie If you have questions about the programme/module delivery, please contact rudie.coppieters@atu.ie
| Course Category | Computers & IT (Information Technology) |
| Course Type | Online Learning |
| Course Start Date | 1st January 1970 |
| Course Duration | 1 year |
| Course Fee | 2450 |
| Entry Requirements | Entry to the programme is open to candidates who have completed phase 6 of a relevant craft certificate or equivalent. Graduates who have not obtained this minimum may incorporate other equivalent qualifications and relevant work experience and apply for assessment via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie . What level of RPL do you expect to meet academic entry requirements? About 5 years of relevant work experience or if prospective students have done some relevant training courses. Some knowledge can be acquired through non-formal ways of education. What should you have an interest in applying for this programme? Have an interest in automation and solving problems. Should they work in a certain sector e.g. HSE? The sector is not relevant; whenever there is automation, there will be an automation technician or engineer. Our students work in all areas of production. This could be energy, Wind Farms or Turbine providers, Medical, Medical Devices, Robotics, Food and Beverage or any other manufacturing company. |
| Career Path | Completing the Certificate in Automation and Instrumentation would enable you for a range of roles in the fields of industrial automation, control systems, and instrumentation. These positions are typically focused on maintaining and improving automated systems in manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and other industries. Some job roles you could be eligible for include: Automation Technician: Working on the installation, maintenance, and programming of automation systems (PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics).Instrumentation Technician: Calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation equipment that measures and controls variables like pressure, temperature, and flow in industrial processes.Control Systems Technician: Implementing control systems for industrial machinery and processes, ensuring optimal performance.Maintenance Technician (Automation/Instrumentation): Performing preventive and corrective maintenance on automation and instrumentation equipment in industrial settings.Process Control Technician: Monitoring and adjusting automated control systems to optimize production efficiency and product quality.Field Service Technician: Providing on-site technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automation and instrumentation systems in various industries.These jobs are typically in industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, energy, and utilities. Automation and instrumentation skills are in high demand, so job prospects are generally strong, especially with the increase in automation in the afore mentioned industries. |
This new and innovative Level 8 BSc Honours Applied Industrial Science (Add-On) intensive workplace-based programme offers a new mode of study blending workplace-based activities and learning with online academic study.
This new and innovative Level 7 BSc Applied Industrial Science (Add-On) intensive workplace-based programme offers a new mode of study blending workplace-based activities and learning with online academic study.
At some point in our lives we all benefit from Biomedical Science.
This programme, in addition to offering a minor award at level 6, is designed as a one-year online qualifier to allow holders of craft qualifications and others with substantial relevant work experience to progress to the level 7 BEng in Electronic Engineering.
