BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Automotive & Automation Systems) at Waterford Institute of Technology

Advances in automotive technology have resulted in a rapid growth in innovative features such as driverless cars and collision avoidance. These features require sophisticated software that can sense and interpret the environment around them. Similarly, high-tech industries are embracing new smart manufacturing technologies whereby industrial systems can communicate and cooperate to improve efficiency.

What is the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Automotive & Automation Systems)?

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Automotive and Automation Systems) is a full-time, four year, honours degree course of study that can be chosen within the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing Common Entry Route. This course is designed to equip students with the specialist knowledge and practical skills required for employment in the automotive and automation sector. Both Irish-based and overseas companies seek skilled graduates who are able to create innovative software solutions for the automotive industry.

Industry Collaboration 

Through ongoing collaboration with industrial partners, students gain access to state of the art tools, processes and technologies used in this sector, covering a range of topics such as embedded software development, driver assistance systems, industrial automation, and automotive software design. This knowledge and skillset are not only sought after in the automotive and automation industry, but also in aerospace and other embedded software engineering environments.

Career Opportunities for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Automotive & Automation Systems):

The explosion in advanced infotainment, comfort and safety features in modern cars is generating a huge demand for graduates with the necessary embedded software systems development skills to create these advanced systems. The Electrical and Electronic systems in premium vehicles accounts for almost 50% of the production costs of the car and of that about 20% is the cost of developing vehicle software. The automation industry is also seeing a growth in demand for software-controlled processes and production lines to meet consumer and regulatory demands. There are many exciting roles available to graduates of this programme, such as:

• Automotive Software Developer

• Embedded Systems Developer in the automation, robotics and medical devices industries

• System integration roles with major car manufacturers and suppliers

• Control systems development for motor sport. One of our past graduates has worked for Red Bull Racing, Haas F1 and the Ferrari F1 team

• Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Developer. For example, developing object and pedestrian detection systems for autonomous vehicles

• Process control software developer for factory automation and robotic assembly lines.
   

Industry Partnerships

The Automotive & Automation Programme has many close links with the leading automotive software suppliers in Ireland, the UK and Germany, and these provide unique opportunities for you to interact with leaders in the industry. You will also use the same industry standard automotive software development tools in our laboratory that are used by all of the major car manufacturers. This gives you a distinct advantage on graduation as our unique partnership with the leading industry tool supplier gives us access to all of the latest embedded systems tools and technologies.

We also liaise closely with the leading automotive and automation technical recruitment company in the UK to monitor recruitment trends in the industry and identify employment and placement opportunities.