Short Course: Intelligent Manufacturing
About
This module will introduce students to two major themes in 21st century Advanced Manufacturing; Additive Manufacturing and Industrie 4.0.
Within Additive Manufacturing, the module will demonstrate the different commercially available techniques and will cover new developments informed by research. Advantages and disadvantages of the techniques will be described, using examples from a range of industrial fields.
In the Industrie 4.0 (or Industry 4.0) section of the module, students will be introduced to the principles of the fourth industrial revolution, bringing together smart sensors, automation and data exchange within manufacturing.
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to optimise 3D models for Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes, specify appropriate AM technologies for a given application, as well as have an appreciation and understanding of the data driven nature of the fourth industrial revolution (Industrie 4.0) and associated smart technologies.
Term dates
Start date: January 2026
Attendance
Students will be required to attend class approximately 4 hours per week.
Location
This course is delivered on the Belfast campus.
Teaching and Assessment
Lectures will be used for the communication of information and principles relating to Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0.
Tutorials will be used to build upon the knowledge disseminated during lectures, including the demonstration of computer-aided design (CAD) techniques for Additive Manufacturing, 3D printing, and related Additive Manufacturing processes.
Practical sessions will enable students to implement the techniques learned during tutorials in order to bring a design from CAD file through the Additive Manufacturing process, as well as carry out computer-based data analysis exercises.
Learning and Teaching methods will be supplemented by online content.
100% Coursework
Written assignment (Coursework) [50%]
Additive Manufacturing Assignment
A 10-page report that describes:
- The process of producing a part using one of the additive manufacturing processes available at Ulster University, based on a project that the student undertakes during the practical sessions.
- A concise review of the advantages and disadvantages of one Additive Manufacturing technique, to be assigned by the module co-ordinator.
Written assignment (Coursework) [50%]
Industry 4.0 Assignment
A 10-page written assignment that discusses the implications of Industrie 4.0 in a chosen manufacturing sector. This report should cover the breadth of Industrie 4.0, from sensor integration, IoT, process automation, data collection and analysis and Artificial Intelligence.
Career Options
Engineering related job roles across a wide variety of sectors including manufacturing, mechanical, biomedical, and design.
Academic Profile
Taught by Dr Patrick Lemoine and Dr Ming-Wei Chang
Further Information
Modules
This is a 15 credit module short course - see the about section for details of content.
Entry Requirements
An Honours or non-Honours degree, HND or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline.
GCSE maths, minimum grade C
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications cannot be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time across all institutions who offer courses as part of SkillUp. You will only be permitted to study one course at Ulster in each academic year or a maximum of two microcredentials up to 45 credits per semester.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Software and Digital from the drop down box. Then select Intelligent Manufacturing from the next drop down box.
