The honours degree in polymer and mechanical engineering is offered in response to the demand for highly skilled graduates with training in mechanical engineering fundamentals, emphasising specific technologies and methodologies associated with polymer engineering. Polymer engineering is a core skill set that many employers in the medical device/healthcare sector look for in graduates. Other industries that polymer engineering is highly sought for are automotive, aerospace, packaging, electronics, construction, textiles, energy and chemical sector. Ireland’s polymer/medical devices sector is thriving and is recognised as one of the fastest developing in the world. More than 250 companies are currently developing and manufacturing a diverse range of medical devices and diagnostic products. The sector employs a highly skilled workforce – over 45% of employees in the medical device sector are qualified to graduate or postgraduate level.

The student must complete a paid six-month placement from January to June in the programmes third year. The placement carries 25 credits, and most fulfil prescribed criteria, to which the employer will agree in advance. Placements may be done in Ireland or abroad. Placements are readily available across the medical devices, pharmaceutical and broader advanced manufacturing sectors. Companies include Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Harmac, Trend, and Bausch and Lomb.