Are we getting screwed over (BSc + ME)

TimeToShine

I am studying Engineering in UCD and as of last year the 4 + 1 option (BE followed by ME) has been done away with and replaced by a 3 + 2 (B.Sc followed by an ME). Now I was always a bit wary of this until I spoke to a friend doing the same course over in TCD and he said that this issue was brought up at their careers talk and it was firmly pointed out that UCD were almost "forced" to bring this in and that the students are essentially getting screwed.

Would it not make a lot more sense to get a BE and then an ME if applicable. If we're taking a science degree we are quite clearly being shafted as we took an extremely difficult route towards it. I could have done a far easier B.Sc and achieved a 1.1 and come back to UCD and done their masters. I can see prospective employers being far more impressed with a real engineering degree followed by a masters rather than a science degree, which almost shows that you haven't been using any real eng. principles as opposed to people with a BE.

I may be making a big deal out of this but I am strongly considering just doing the 4 year BE and then going somewhere else for the masters. There certaily is a masters program here which interests me but I don't want to be forced to take a science degree so I can do it.

Sorry for the long rant, i'd appreciate an alternative view on this. I'm currently signed on for the 3 + 2 but i'm strongly considering the switch back.

Thanks.

SuperInfinity

I would stick to the Bsc for the sole reason that after three years you might find you don't want to be an engineer.

Dilbert75

If ever you sit in front of me for an interview I can promise you that the least important details on your CV will be the letters in the qualification.

C.D.

It's irrelevant. Whoever in the careers section said this (friend of friend an all that) is clueless. Because Ireland is small country and there is little standardisation- B.A.I, BSc, BE etc. amongst all the institutions it matters not. I was actively involved in the graduate recruitment scene before I emigrated and once you have a Bachelors Engineering degree (whether the letters are a Bachelors in Arts, Science or Engineering) it matters not.

godtabh

What graduates must realise is that its the skill set at the end of your studies that are important.

I've a engineering degree and engineering science masters. Having both doesnt matter long term. Problem solving skills is what is need

mh1

hi, just read this and would like to add that if you have any interest in ever working in north america, a four year bachelors degree is essential. if i was you i would switch to the 4 year BE if you can. good luck.

Carawaystick

does the science degree/masters mean you've to pay 2 years postgrad fees? as opposed to one with a fulltime masters following a 4year engineering degree?

Does it tie you up for an extra year to get an engineering degree?

I was in DCU about the turn of this century, and no-one did the 5 year-get-the-masters thing. Now almost anyone can get a masters in a calender year, in many colleges.

I'd advise changing colleges to see how different beurocracies are run.