Lero and CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing have partnered with the University of Limerick (UL) to deliver Ireland’s first qualification at level 10 (DEng) funded through the national apprenticeships programme: The Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng).

How a professional doctorate differs from a traditional doctorate
The traditional doctorate, the PDEng programme focuses on preparing candidates for an academic career and is thus focused on training people to rigorously address scientific problems which can result in a contribution to knowledge that can be published in the peer‐reviewed scientific literature.

Professional doctorates recognise the existence of research activities which can be described as professional practice. The context for this DEng programme is the practitioner workplace and the focus is on solving real‐world problems faced in the daily work‐place. The scope of these problems can be sufficiently large to be addressed in a significant piece of research planned and conducted over a period of time and which can ultimately result in a DEng award.

Process Instrumentation & Automation involves the measurement and control of physical quantities (temperature, level, pressure, flow and many others) used in advanced manufacturing systems.

Engineers use instrumentation and control to monitor and maintain processes for improved production, quality, and safety in manufacturing facilities in the Pharmaceutical, Food & Drinks, Water/Wastewater, Oil & Gas industries among others.

The innovative BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining key modules from the MedTech, Pharma, and Food processing industries. The programme equips students with cutting-edge, industry-relevant skills, preparing them for roles as operators, technicians, or supervisors in high-growth sectors.

This honours degree combines a solid business foundation with specialist expertise in procurement and supply chain management. You’ll develop the skills to manage complex global supply networks, make data-driven decisions, and lead sustainable, value-focused operations.

Product design is the practice of developing an idea into a finished product. This involves deciding the size, shape, and materials to be used to best fit the function of the item. Graduates will be capable of applying engineering principles in order to evolve a product’s development cycle from initial concepts to manufacturing stage.

This programme has been developed to produce graduates with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work in today’s demanding design fields.

Product Design is about shaping the world around us. Most objects, from toys to medical devices and from furniture to consumer electronics are subject to product design.

This is possible because product design is a versatile process that can be applied to many different contexts. At its core, product design is about understanding people and how they experience and interact with their surroundings. This kind of training enables graduates to help make the world a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable place.

Explore how ideas become real products through hands-on design, drawing, and prototyping. This course blends creativity with technology, giving you practical experience in materials, 3D modelling, and digital fabrication. You’ll learn to design with purpose blending creativity, sustainability, and real-world problem solving.

Product Design students will learn about manufacturing design, methods and processes, ergonomics and human centred design, product design and innovation, and human centred product development.

Other topics on the programme include Photography, Digital Media, Design History and Theory, Creative Problem Solving, Business and Entrepreneurial skills and an Ethical and Sustainable Design ethos.

Product designers are key to innovation in the modern world. As technological competence spreads globally, businesses are placing greater focus on achieving market success through design. A highly practical course, with an emphasis on project-based learning, workshops, laboratory sessions and group work.

Opportunity to take a six-month, full-time work experience placement, in a relevant employment setting.

Product design is the process of creating, developing, and refining products and systems to solve problems, enhance quality of life and address local and global challenges. Responsible, impactful design is foundational to the product design process, and our students ensure their solutions are useful whilst adhering to sustainable best practice.

Product Design & Technology is delivered in a design studio environment, cultivating a culture of creativity, peer learning and transdisciplinary exploration. The core design modules are based on project work, and problem solving that focus on collaboration, human centred design, and sustainable design processes. Complementary modules are taught in parallel, on topics such as human factors, psychology, manufacturing, engineering, project management, and entrepreneurship.

On the course you learn the skills of being a designer, sketching, model making/prototyping, creative problem solving, visual communication and working as part of a team. You will be using programmes like Solidworks, Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design and more.  

This course presents the opportunity to gain and develop practical production skills in film, television and live action and to keep pace with the ever-changing technology and practices.

Building on existing skills and competencies you have learned through working or studying in a creative environment, this course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the practical management and process for creative production.

This course will provide learners with a command of the practical management of industry standard digital animation productions, primarily 2D animation but also 3D and VFX.

The course has been developed with industry partners in Ireland and the state agency with responsibility for skills development for the screen sector in Ireland, Screen Skills Ireland.

Each student will complete a live production plan as part of this course. They will have an opportunity to apply the skills they have learned on the course in a real world context.

This course embeds skills, knowledge and confidence in culinary techniques, food preparation, tasting, plating and student self-evaluation. It enables students to acquire knowledge and skills in menu planning, menu design, food nutrition, meal serv­ice, food science, personal effectiveness and word processing. Students will prepare classical culinary dishes, classical sauces and cuisines from around the world. Students will be given the opportunity to gain EHAI Food Safety Certification (Awarded by Envi­ronmental Health Association of Ireland), valid for a period of five years.

This one year full time Pathways programme equips the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the catering trade and in hospitalities, the course aims to provide the learner with the opportunity to develop their own natural abilities in professional cookery and to gain experience in the catering trade, explore their creative ability, develop confidence in working within the catering industry.

Are you looking to start a new career or enhance your existing skills? Whether you’re an avid gardener or have a passion for creative design, this Professional Floristry course will help you develop the skills you need to create stunning floral and plant arrangements for commercial and special occasions.

Beyond the practical skills, this course will also equip you with the knowledge needed to succeed in a retail florist career. Our theory classes will teach you how to set up a shop, manage health and safety requirements, and improve your IT skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your expertise and pursue your dreams in the world of floristry.

This one year floristry course will equip learners with the skills needed to create and arrange floral displays for many occasions including birthdays, Christenings, anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions.

This course is designed to provide students with the techniques and knowledge required to gain a recognised qualification in Hairdressing allowing them to progress to employment in a salon environment.