South East Technological University (SETU) has a long-standing history of electrical engineering education and training in the southeast region, with its Department of Engineering Technology serving students and industry partners for more than 50 years.

Through its Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) (Hons) in Electrical Engineering and related programmes, the university is a leader in this discipline.

Electrical engineering graduates at SETU have a proven record of thorough knowledge in engineering, scientific principles, and engineering practice skills. At SETU, students develop a deep appreciation for the complex and varied work environments of the electrical engineer professional.

The development of SETU’s honours degree programme came about in direct response to regional and national needs. Reports such as the Regional Skills Fora Insight 2023, the South East Regional Skills Forum and Engineering the South East Skills Survey 2024, the National Energy and Climate Plan 2023 to 2023, and the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2023 identified training and upskilling opportunities of national impact. These ambitions aligned with SETU’s own strategic plan, ‘Connecting for Impact’, which aims to strengthen the talent base of the southeast across disciplines.

SETU electrical engineering students site visit at Celtic Interconnector facilitated by Design Group.

A path to real-world success

In 2011, the degree programme was launched at NFQ level 7, followed by the addition of the level 8 degree in 2018. To date, more than 100 students have graduated from both programmes with full employment in related industries.

Dr Ken Thomas, head (Waterford) Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, describes the significance and success of the course: “The establishment of the honours degree in Electrical Engineering was a pivotal point in developing overall engineering education at SETU. The programme has achieved continued success in supporting and producing industry-ready professionals whose work has notable impact at societal level.”

Well-rounded approach

SETU’s degree course focuses on three key areas of electrical engineering: electrical power and renewable energies; electrical services; and automation and robotics.

Siobhan Wall, lecturer and programme leader, says: “At SETU, our aim is for graduates to emerge from our programmes as well-rounded electrical engineers. With us, students will study electrical power and renewable energies which covers the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions.

“Lectures and tutorials in electrical services explore the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings, including security systems, lighting, and regulatory standards. While modules in automation and robotics introduce learners to electronic systems, industrial automation, robotics, and control technologies used in modern electrical engineering applications."

SETU electrical engineering students site visit at Ballymacarney solar farm facilitated by Suir Engineering.

Student testimonials

Ciara McMillan, graduate of the BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering, speaks about the experience of earning her degree at SETU. She recalls growing up around the construction industry via her family. While deciding what direction to take after secondary school, she remembers visiting SETU’s Open Day event and having the opportunity to meet staff and students from the engineering courses.

“I began my engineering studies via SETU’s common entry route. This opportunity was beneficial as it gave me a taste of each discipline across automation, energy electronics, civil, and electrical engineering. My focus centred on electrical engineering, an area I found fascinating.

“Over the next few years, I gained huge exposure to the field, from hands-on projects guided by industry-experienced lecturers to study trips in Copenhagen and Amsterdam. I also completed an eight-month placement in Milan where I worked on a data centre project.

“Those experiences taught me as much about resilience and teamwork as they did about engineering. They strengthened my ability to adapt to the professional environment and to real-world projects.” 

SETU electrical engineering students site visit at ESB Network Training Centre Portlaoise.

McMillan mentions representation among her classmates: “Being the only woman in my class was a unique experience. It was daunting at first, but I quickly realised that I belong there just as much as anyone else. My classmates and lecturers were always supportive. I was proud to represent women in an area in which we’re still under-represented.

“Looking back, I’ve grown so much, not just in knowledge and skills, but in confidence. I started my university journey unsure of where I belonged. I’m leaving proud of how far I’ve come." 

Academic programme with an industry focus

A key component of SETU’s honours degree programme is its industrial placement in year three. The placement offers students a valuable opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world settings. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, technologies, and processes.

“Through work placement, students develop practical problem-solving skills, enhance their understanding of professional work environments, and build essential soft skills such as teamwork and communication,” says Wall.

“We are lucky at SETU to have our regional industry partners who facilitate this experience for our students. We’re fortunate to have strong relationship with companies such as Suir Engineering, Bord na Mona, Neodyne, Bausch+Lomb, Kirby Engineering, and SSE Great Island. Some of our students have also gained experience internationally through placements across Europe and the US.”

Through SETU’s many industry partnerships, students also have wider opportunities for site visits, work fairs, company sponsorship and bursary opportunities that greatly strengthen employability post-study. 100% of graduates have found employment across a list of companies, roles, and the sectors after their time at SETU.

Representatives from SETU and TUS celebrate the launch of the Certificate in High Voltage Electrical Systems course collaboration.

Expansion through inter-university partnership

In 2023 SETU partnered with Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to develop a part-time programme in high voltage electrical systems. The level 6 Certificate in High Voltage (HV) Electrical Systems was designed to upskill electricians and electrical engineers in this area through a blend of theoretical and practical learning.

On the course, participants develop industry-recognised competence in areas such as high voltage electrical installations, grid connections, substation maintenance, and switching facilities.

“High voltage skills are in urgent demand across Ireland, and internationally,” explains Dr Mary Doyle-Kent, head of Department of Engineering Technology at SETU.  

“At SETU, alongside our colleagues at TUS, we recognised the need for additional and accessible training and upskilling for electrical professionals. To meet this need, we knew that delivering a course on a part-time and blended-learning basis was crucial. The certificate course also uses a work-based model that allows students to earn 30% of course credits in the workplace. This approach has significantly increased access for learners which is evident in course uptake.” 

Upskilling at work

Vinnie O’Connor, of Dornan Engineering, completed the Certificate in HV Electrical Systems in 2024. He credits the course with enhancing his day-to-day work processes: “I work with a large electrical contractor and managing medium voltage (MV) packages is usually within our remit. Typically, this work is sub-contracted to an external partner for support, but since completing the course with SETU, I am better placed to assist sub-contractors in areas such as safety, testing, commissioning, and general construction.

“The course covers protection, switchgear, substations, the electrical grid, and various other HV topics which play a part in most construction projects. I’m very pleased to have taken up the course. While it is challenging, I believe it has enhanced my knowledge and interest in HV engineering.”

Looking to the future of the discipline at SETU, Wall adds: “Over the past 15 years, SETU has built a strong reputation for excellence in electrical engineering and is now focused on expanding its portfolio of industry-driven training programmes for the southeast region. The construction of the new engineering building, scheduled for completion in 2028, represents a major milestone in supporting this continued growth and innovation.”

For more information, visit setu.ie or, https://www.setu.ie/courses/beng-hons-in-electrical-engineering