Trinity or UCD

breadmond

I'm halfway through 6th year at the moment and i'v pretty much made up my mind that i want to do an undenominated engineering course in college. i'v narrowed it down to Trinity and UCD and i hear good and bad things about both places from different people. I'm wondering if anyone here has been to either college and if they have any opinions?
Thanks!

Went to Trinity. Ended up in Civil, Structural & Environmental. Liked it.

What area would you see yourself eventually branching into? Are you considering undenominated because you can't make up your mind yet?

Just since the other thread went this way...

If this thread just descends into a bitching contest I'll be handing out some bannings. Play nice!

tywy

Well I'm in UCD and when I was making my decision I was told that UCD had better facilities... I wanted to do Elec though so I went to UCD.

The impression I got from going to both open days was UCD had a more modern building. The UCD people knew what they were talking about a bit more - that was just that particular open day (in Trinity, to get you interested in Computer and Electrical Engineering the guy did a whole lecture on image processing instead of a broad overview).

There are a few things to take into consideration, do you have a vague idea of what you'd like to do, i.e you're between choosing Civil and Mech, if so go to UCD, it's only one year common and then you choose, whereas TCD as far as I know is 2 years common which was another reason why I didn't choose it because I knew I wanted to do Elec. Also are you into sports? Bare in mind that Trinity have a lot of their fields out in Santry whereas UCD have them on campus. Whereabouts are you living, would Trinity be easier to get to?

If you have any questions about UCD feel free to PM me. I'm in Final year Electronic Engineering.

godtabh

I went to Trinity and did Civil.

UCD was my first choice but it worked out very well in the end as getting to and from Trinity was a lot easier. Both courses you'll get the same out of i.e a job. Dont just base the decision on who has the best buildings. There is a lot more to it than that

tywy

kearnsr wrote: »

I went to Trinity and did Civil.

UCD was my first choice but it worked out very well in the end as getting to and from Trinity was a lot easier. Both courses you'll get the same out of i.e a job. Dont just base the decision on who has the best buildings. There is a lot more to it than that

Ah I know there's a lot more to it than that, that was just one factor in my decision.

Reputation was a big thing for me and the fact that it was only 1 year common.

breadmond

i'm starting to lean towards UCD a bit cos i'v heard that their sports and that are better. does anyone know anything about this 5 year masters thing they have going now? i'm not sure whether it's worth the extra year or not. i should realy ask some of this to my guidance councellor:p

breadmonkey

breadmond wrote: »

i'm starting to lean towards UCD a bit cos i'v heard that their sports and that are better. does anyone know anything about this 5 year masters thing they have going now? i'm not sure whether it's worth the extra year or not. i should realy ask some of this to my guidance councellor:p

That's the "Structural Engineering with Architecture" course. It's 3 years base degree (BSc I think) followed by a two year masters. I'm not sure if they end up with an MEng or an MSc. For the base degreei t's basically Civil except they don't do any of the hydraulics stuff and they have some small Architecture content. After that I'm not sure. I think they're currerntly doing some modules that we can do next semester. It's definitely primarily an engineering course though.

breadmond

there's another one aswell, its called engineering science, you do a three year Bsc in engineering then a two year masters in whatever kind engineering you prefer

godtabh

breadmond wrote: »

i'm starting to lean towards UCD a bit cos i'v heard that their sports and that are better.

Why would you base a decsion like this on better sports?

breadmond

well i would definetley base it on what college i'm gonna enjoy myself in more aswell as which course is better

bassman22

I did the UCD engineering course and for me it was no contest in the choice between UCD and trinity. UCD Engineering has a better reputation (or so I am told), and more choice than Trinity if you go the Undenominated route.

The 3 + 2 year thing is a new european standard in education that all colleges will eventually have to bring in. It is a three year bachelor of science with a two year master of engineering as far as i know.
In the new european system Bachelor of Engineering will no longer exist!

Also I don't see anything wrong with deciding where you are going to spend four or five years of your life on something other than the pure academic reputation of the college! There is more to life

The decision to go to UCD for me was also influenced by the range of sports clubs and the sports facilities available. Only thing is no swimming pool, its a killer!

folan

I did mine in maynooth, and i based mine on actual student feelings of the college and their IWE (work experience) record, and Im very happy with my decision. have you looked at what they do in similar, I knew people in UCD who had a very similar experience and loved their course, but i knew noone in trinity.

Also, the 3+2 is a good system, as bassman22 points out it will become the standard all european courses will have, but you would want to be comitted to the 5 years as the masters will be needed, especially if you want to be able to travel with your qual. And it raises your salary. or at least it does for me.

Best of luck in eng, its a tough one but very worthwhile and many parts are throughly enjoyable.

godtabh

bassman22 wrote: »

I did the UCD engineering course and for me it was no contest in the choice between UCD and trinity. UCD Engineering has a better reputation (or so I am told), and more choice than Trinity if you go the Undenominated route.

In the real world that makes no difference at all if you went to Trinity or UCD. Same goes for your grades (in the first job it maybe important but then it comes down to experience).

I dont know what subject choices UCD have.

bassman22

yeah you're right there, most places may not worry too much whether you came from UCD or Trinity!

demc7

I'm doing the 3+2 engineering science degree in UCD, I think it's pretty good because lots of the people doing the BEng 4 year degree are thinking of doing the masters after it, so I'll get in 5 what they'll get in 6 years. Also there is loads of flexibility in the first 3 years, I'm in second year now and you have 3 compulsory modules and 9 options, it's great if you want to just do the certain subjects that interest you. (eg do all the good civil ones but then do a few elec ones on the side).

And of course the masters is optional, I may decide next year to finish and just take the BSc degree.

godtabh

demc7 wrote: »

I'm doing the 3+2 engineering science degree in UCD, I think it's pretty good because lots of the people doing the BEng 4 year degree are thinking of doing the masters after it, so I'll get in 5 what they'll get in 6 years. Also there is loads of flexibility in the first 3 years, I'm in second year now and you have 3 compulsory modules and 9 options, it's great if you want to just do the certain subjects that interest you. (eg do all the good civil ones but then do a few elec ones on the side).

And of course the masters is optional, I may decide next year to finish and just take the BSc degree.

I lenght of the masters are usually only 1 year (for taught anways) so if you did a 4 year degree plus a one year masters you would still finish at the same time.

ALso if you finsih after 3 years you dont get an honours degree do you?

Red Alert

Be careful! Check if you've to pay to do your masters, but realistically all colleges will need that. The BSc(Eng) degree probably won't allow you practise as a professional engineer. I doubt the IEEE would look favourably on it in the E&E field anyway which pretty much renders it useless.

folan

well im not 100% on the IEEE, but the iet has given positive feed back on the 3+2, mainly on completing the 5 years total. However, bear in mind that the 3 year BSc is NOT the same as the 4 year BEng. you come out as a lower grade engineer, above that of a current diploma but below a current degree.

Masters are often covered with skills conversions grants, and so can lowe rthe cost, but in this case i would be pretty sure it isnt, as you need the honors 4year course to qualify.

TheAmateur

breadmond wrote: »

I'm halfway through 6th year at the moment and i'v pretty much made up my mind that i want to do an undenominated engineering course in college. i'v narrowed it down to Trinity and UCD and i hear good and bad things about both places from different people. I'm wondering if anyone here has been to either college and if they have any opinions?
Thanks!

I don't believe it! I was about to ask the exact same question! Man I love these boards!
The feedback I got from people so far favours UCD, but Trinity is easier for me to get to... actually DCU is just down the road from me but the common entry there isn't great. I'm leaning towards the computing or electronic side. I've got to fill out this damn form... help?

folan

I did computing, but in the end of the day, once your and engineer, your first job will make the most difference, and they will ask more about your final year project than your degree, as they are similar enough quals anyway.

My final year project was electronics based.

Im sure most people here will agree, look at the module list and see which interests you more.

godtabh

folan wrote: »

I did computing, but in the end of the day, once your and engineer, your first job will make the most difference, and they will ask more about your final year project than your degree, as they are similar enough quals anyway.

My final year project was electronics based.

Im sure most people here will agree, look at the module list and see which interests you more.

Not sure about the final year project. Could be different for different fields but mine wasnt worth a toss. I was asked about it but it didnt play any major part in any interview I've ever done.

TheAmateur

Yep, knowing that it (most likely) wont make a big difference career-wise which one I (hopefully) end up in, I'm trying to base the decision on the course structure and ease of access. Problem is, I prefer UCD's course structure, but Trinity would be way easier to get to. And I'm thinking of four years of early mornings here, so that carries a lot of weight:D
Just out of curiosity, what are the engineering grads on here up to now? Is it easy to get a good job? I've been reading all kinds of stuff about the Irish economy needing engineers right now, plus it seems like a pretty stable area of employment... I think...

To put it brief - you'll be very employable with an engineering degree. Of course, it depends what you want to do. Mech isn't exactly booming with jobs from talking to grads from last year, or at least in the areas they'd prefer. The place I work (highways mostly) hired around 15 new starts in the past year to half a year, and it's not a huge company, in Ireland at any rate.

That whole stuff you hear about companies loving engineers for their problem solving skills... well, it's actually true! I know a lot of people who finished with engineering when they got their pieces of catskin, and have gone into financial and other areas.

It's a good degree to have, imo. Tough going, especially final year, but definitely a good degree.

folan

depending on the stream you do, it is not all that easy to get jobs directly related to your stream, but there are plenty of good jobs out there. However, in ireland, its not as good as it used to be, as many large engineering companies are letting alot of workers go, intel and hp for example, dell may be following, and are opting for the new economies in the east, where new markets are emerging. This may lead to an abndance of engineers in smaller companies, and eventually a saturation.

However, thankfully you arent stuck to just being an engineer, marketing firms etc cry out for engineers for, as Myth said, their problem solving skills. meaning that your qualification would be one of the best possible.

Dont mind an early morning, if your up an hour early in the morning but enoying yourself, its far easier than getting up an hour later and hating every minute of it.

godtabh

Civil/Structural engineering wise you wont have a problem getting a job. Things are slowing down but there is still plenty of work out there.

My company (former company from 4 today) is looking for a lot of people. My new company (as of 9:30 on Monday) are looking for a lot of people. At all levels as well.

My friend who did mech only got a job 3 years after he left college. He didnt look that hard at getting one but there wasnt much out there to get.

Dont know anythign about elec but my cousin who is the last year of his eletronic degree in DCU has a job lined up in Intel when he finishes.

TheAmateur

Hey thanks for all the replies and help. I went with UCD first, Trinity second. Now all I need to do is the hard part:D

M450

I never considered UCD considering I lived in Leixlip and didnt have the option of moving out... so I went with Trinity and I'm very happy with it.

I applied with the intention of doing either Civil or Mech, but ended up choosing Computer Engineering!! Thats why I think these courses are great... from the LC you dont have a clue what each of the areas of engineering entail. So UCD and Trinity give you enough time to find out and realise what you enjoy doing.

In trinity you get a BAI which is recognised internationally, plus a BA in maths because we have to do so much of it!! Although it's just an ordinary degree and doesnt matter much compared to your BAI...
... but at least you can sign your name: Joe Bloggs BA,BAI

godtabh

M450 wrote: »

... but at least you can sign your name: Joe Bloggs BA,BAI

and MIEI

and me soon to be MA,MSc

kearnsr

kearnsr wrote: »

and MIEI

and me soon to be MA,MSc

The MA replaces the BA... but, eh, no-one would know otherwise

godtabh

Myth wrote: »

The MA replaces the BA... but, eh, no-one would know otherwise

Does it place the BA? I've asked losts of people and its 50/50. I've emailed college but good look getting an answer on that.

Tell you what. Ask in a thread in the Trinity forum, and someone called xeducat will give you the most accurate answer you can find on it!

I always assumed that you replaced/upgraded it. I've seen a few lecturers in college with BAI MA after their names, so I naturally assumed that they were correct. Fatal mistake, I know

Squirrel

I'm doing common entry Engineering in DIT and from what I heard before I went in it was highly reccommended. I had UCD down on my CAO because it was easier for me to get to but didn't get the points. I was disappointed at first but now I think it was for the best.

Myth

Myth wrote: »

Mech isn't exactly booming with jobs from talking to grads from last year, or at least in the areas they'd prefer.

It is always difficult to start off in Mech because the learning curve is so steep your not earning your keep for the first few years.

godtabh

Myth wrote: »

Tell you what. Ask in a thread in the Trinity forum, and someone called xeducat will give you the most accurate answer you can find on it!

I always assumed that you replaced/upgraded it. I've seen a few lecturers in college with BAI MA after their names, so I naturally assumed that they were correct. Fatal mistake, I know

I've read the threads. Probably didnt take it what ever xeducat said.

Doenst affect me for awhile so wont worry about it till then

GenericUser

TheAmateur wrote: »

Hey thanks for all the replies and help. I went with UCD first, Trinity second. Now all I need to do is the hard part:D

Thats what i did many years ago.
1:UCD, 2: TCD
I didnt get the B in maths that UCD required so I went to trinity instead.
Loved every day of it (with some notable exam related exceptions), liked it so much I stayed another four years!
Important things to note, UCD is moving to 3+2 early = good for accreditation etc, Trinity havent yet, but the BAI is accredited for another few years yet.
Consider your commuting time, as we all know dublin is a bitch to get around. Youll have plenty of 9am starts, so if you say live in blanch, you will spend a hurrendous amount of time getting to and from UCD.
Its kind of sad to say, but you really do have to factor these things in.
Ended up in pure electronics myself. Good course(very academic theoretical / not so much hands on).

Important things is, do well in your leaving and enjoy college!
Good luck in future.

godtabh

GenericUser wrote: »

Thats what i did many years ago.
1:UCD, 2: TCD
I didnt get the B in maths that UCD required so I went to trinity instead.
Loved every day of it (with some notable exam related exceptions), liked it so much I stayed another four years!.

Thats what happened to me.

Eoin D

Forgive me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression that in Trinity you graduate with a Bsc Where as in UCD you graduate with a Beng?

I'm a final year student in Civil engineering UCD at the moment and UCD was my first choice. In the long run it's work experience that counts more than the college you went to so really it doesn't make too much of a difference. The education you get in UCD is considered far more theoretical but the way UCD is going these days I don't know if I could stick it any longer, modularisation and all that jazz...

Eoin D

Eoin D wrote: »

Forgive me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression that in Trinity you graduate with a Bsc Where as in UCD you graduate with a Beng?

Nope, you get a BA and a BAI from Trinity. Which, as you mentioned, makes no actual difference in terms of quality of degree.

godtabh

As I've mention before (maybe not on this thread) once you've a year or so of experience it doesnt matter what degree you got. Your degree will more than likely only influence your first job.

I've never shown my degree to any employer. It never made a difference what college I went too. As it happens in my first job it was 50/50 tcd ucd, second job 60/40 to tcd and my new job its about the same (2 lads from my class also work there).

iommmmm

im interested in the civil eng side but wat wud be a better degree civil/structural /enviromental frm the tcd common entry or the civil eng degree from the ucd eng omnibus

iommmmm

does anybody know wat the course structures are like for common entry engineering in ucd and trinity??????????

Roxy.Randrome

iommmmm wrote: »

does anybody know wat the course structures are like for common entry engineering in ucd and trinity??????????

Well I'm in first year Eng in UCD. I didn't enter through the omnibus, although many of friends entered that way. I'm doing Chemical Engineering but the first year of all UCD engineering is mainly a common year. In the first semester/term all your modules and lab times etc are pre-selected for you. You have 6 modules per semester. In the second semester there are three mandatory modules, you get to select the lab times, one option module to be chosen from a specific branch of engineering (Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Elec) and two other "horizons" modules which can be either engineering or from any other area that interests you. As far as the rest of the degree goes, you choose which branch of engineering you prefer and just join that class for the rest of the degree. It's also worth bearing in mind that if you do enter denominated engineering in first year, as long as you choose modules that keep your choices open, you can change from your chosen type of engineering to another if you prefer.

Jonathan

I'm in TCD.


1st two years are common.

After that you can specialise in either

• Civil, Structural and Environmental
• Mechanical and Manufacturing
• Computer
• Electronic
• Joint Computer and Electronic

No interest in doing civil so I can't offer much help that way

Johnny86

Any reason you've ruled out NUI Galway.
You can do undenomianted in 1st year and then branch in many different denominations. Best of all is part of the course is during 3rd year you gon on 5months work placement..its how i got my job.

Plus Galway is cheaper than Dub to live in (unless ur living at home).
Great city that you can walk around and dont need taxis and buses and luas everywhere you go...god i live galway!

gubbie

Eoin D wrote: »

Forgive me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression that in Trinity you graduate with a Bsc Where as in UCD you graduate with a Beng?

I'm a final year student in Civil engineering UCD at the moment and UCD was my first choice. In the long run it's work experience that counts more than the college you went to so really it doesn't make too much of a difference. The education you get in UCD is considered far more theoretical but the way UCD is going these days I don't know if I could stick it any longer, modularisation and all that jazz...

Eoin you should know that we're getting a BE

I thought UCD did more types of Engineering. From what was mentioned in Trinners, UCD also do Electrical and Biosystems. But I suppose that doesn't matter if you've made up your mind

Overall definatly go somewhere that offer good prospects for internships. Eoins right, you do really need experience

Eoin D

gubbie wrote: »

Eoin you should know that we're getting a BE

I know I know, silly me. Have one now and thats all that matters :cool:

iommmmm

can some1 tel me the pros nd cons of doin engineering in trinity or ucd cheers...

Jonathan

iommmmm wrote: »

can some1 tel me the pros nd cons of doin engineering in trinity or ucd cheers...

Ehhhhh... What type of Eng you wanna do first?

iommmmm

its d 2 year common in tcd nd d omnibus in ucd

mathew

Omnibus means common (its actual definition is: comprising of many elements).

Difference is TCD have a 2 years of common study where as UCD have only one year.