Short Course: Intelligent Manufacturing
Applications Closed
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. Overall, the module content will examine the three following aspects of intelligent manufacturing;
- Additive manufacturing (AM), as a new emerging concept in manufacturing.
- Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), as an example of advanced manufacturing using traditional methods.
- Industry 4.0/Internet of Things (IoT), as a shift in industrial practise where the ‘Cloud’ interacts with manufacturing and industrial protocols.
Term dates
Start date: Tuesday 27 January 2026
This course requires on-campus attendance, at our Belfast campus, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, during Semester 2 in 2026.
The short course is timetabled for the following days:
Weeks 1 – 12
Tuesday 27 January 2026, 2:15pm – 5:15pm to Tuesday 14 April 2026, 2:15pm – 5:15pm
Weeks 2 – 9
Wednesday 04 February 2026, 12:15pm – 2:15pm to Wednesday 25 March 2026, 12:15pm – 2:15pm
* Please note, dates and timetabling may be subject to change.
* The university Easter vacation begins Monday 30 March 2026 and ends on Friday 10 April 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.
