New MTU Masters to target engineering talent gap

Munster Technological University (MTU) has today launched a new Masters of Engineering in Integrated Manufacturing Engineering, developed in response to growing demand across Ireland’s manufacturing sector for advanced engineering skills in sustainable manufacturing, industrial automation, artificial intelligence, data engineering and Industry 4.0 technologies.

The new Level 9 programme marks a significant milestone as the first taught Master’s programme in engineering to be delivered from the MTU Kerry Campus. Designed in collaboration with industry partners, the part-time programme will support engineering professionals to develop the technical, research and leadership capabilities needed to lead digital and sustainable transformation within modern manufacturing environments.

MTU engineering Masters

The launch comes at a time of continued pressure on Ireland’s engineering talent pipeline. According to Engineers Ireland’s From Awareness to Action – Advocating for Engineering Outreach report, Ireland will require an additional 22,300 engineers to meet future economic and industry needs. Engineers Ireland’s Barometer Report 2025 also found that 53% of employers identified a shortage of graduate engineers as a major recruitment challenge, rising to 79% for experienced engineers, with 90% expecting skills shortages to remain the same or worsen in the coming years.

Delivered over five semesters through a flexible blended learning format, the MEng in Integrated Manufacturing Engineering combines online delivery, immersive masterclasses and applied workplace learning. A key feature of the programme is a substantial industry-aligned research project, enabling learners to address real-world challenges within their own organisations while continuing to work.

The programme has been developed by MTU’s Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland (REEdI) team, following consultation with industry partner companies across manufacturing sectors including MedTech, Pharma, Food, Electronics, Automotive and Engineering Services. This consultation identified strong demand for expertise in sustainable manufacturing, digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 technologies, with employers highlighting the need for advanced engineering skills to support the twin green and digital transitions shaping the sector.

Dr Fiona Boyle, Head of Department-STEM and Director of REEdI said: “Ireland’s manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly, and employers are seeking engineers who can combine deep technical expertise with the ability to lead research, innovation, digitalisation and sustainable change within their organisations. This new Master’s programme was developed in direct response to those needs, providing a flexible pathway for engineering professionals to advance their skills while remaining connected to the workplace.”

She added: “This is also an important milestone for MTU’s Kerry Campus. As the first taught Master’s programme in engineering to be delivered from the campus, the MEng in Integrated Manufacturing Engineering reflects MTU’s commitment to expanding postgraduate engineering education in the region and supporting the future skills needs of industry across Ireland.”

Professor Joseph Walsh, Vice Dean of Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Engineering at MTU, Director of the IMaR Research Centre said: “This programme exemplifies MTU’s commitment to delivering industry-relevant, research-informed education and strengthening the connection between higher education, applied research and enterprise. Through the involvement of the IMaR Research Centre in its design and delivery, learners will benefit from direct engagement with cutting-edge research and strong industry collaboration while developing solutions to real-world manufacturing challenges. This close alignment between research, education and industry will equip graduates to drive innovation and support the future competitiveness and sustainability of Ireland’s engineering sector.”

Donal Griffin, Operations Coordinator Astellas Ireland said “Astellas is proud to support the launch of MTU’s Master of Engineering in Integrated Manufacturing Engineering. Building on the strong collaboration established through the REEdI programme, this initiative reflects the value of industry–academia partnerships in developing the next generation of engineering talent for advanced manufacturing in Ireland.”

The programme is aimed at engineering professionals currently working in manufacturing and related industries who are seeking to upskill or progress to a Level 9 qualification, as well as graduates of engineering and science programmes interested in developing advanced manufacturing research and innovation expertise.

The MEng in Integrated Manufacturing Engineering will welcome its first intake in September 2026.

For further information on the programme, visit: https://www.mtu.ie/courses/tleinmem/

See more breaking stories here.