Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering
Ronan Mc Namee was no stranger to ATU Donegal
when he returned as a mature student,
having previously completed a Level 8
(Hons) degree in Accounting. On graduation
with his business degree,
a managerial job in retail offered
Ronan an opportunity
to travel and experience life.
During this time, Ronan reflected on and
researched his career choices and concluded
that his lifelong interest in engineering was worth
exploring.
“My love for math and achieving
tangible results inspired
my decision to study
Civil Engineering. I
love to see the finished
building project”.
Civil Engineering is concerned with
the infrastructure that contributes to modern
civilisation. Civil Engineers are involved in
planning, design and construction of facilities
for living, industry and transport.
The return to education went smoothly for
Ronan when he began a BEng in Civil Engineering at ATU Donegal.
“It was exciting and daunting to be back
studying. The small class sizes provide a
personal learning environment and where it was
easy to ask questions and participate in class
discussions, making it fun. It meant that I we could get involved
and have a hands-on experience of what
we were learning. Rather than watching a
demonstration, we actually got to perform
the practical activities. I enjoyed the practical learning most of all.
The supports for students are incredible. The Curve, which is
a learning centre within the college, provided
me with extra support for maths with
additional tutorials whenever I needed it.
“The lecturers at ATU Donegal were excellent. They
were always approachable and happy to
help, even outside class times. They provided
great encouragement for all of us and they
went above and beyond to help us with
employment opportunities.
While at ATU Donegal, I was introduced
us to CHH Construction Engineers, who offered me a summer placement.
This was an invaluable opportunity to get real-life
experience. During my time working with
CHH, I was involved in the design, planning
and construction of dwellings, housing
estates and warehouses in Sligo and Galway.”
Since graduating in 2018, Ronan has
continued his civil engineering studies to honours degree level at Trinity
College Dublin, winning both the Crampton Prize and the
Morgan Sheehy Prize with another ATU Donegal classmate and graduate, Jack McDevitt, for their project work.
“The research project in third year at
ATU Donegal, providing me with research skills and knowledge,
has really helped me to accomplish my dream
of progressing to a Masters in Civil Engineering”.
My fondest memory of ATU Donegal is the people
whom I met along the way. The small class groups size
encouraged me to mix with all my classmates
and we often worked together and supported
each other on projects. We have stayed in
contact and we still meet up.”
Ronan works commencing an internship
with DBFL Consulting Engineers Ireland,
who are one of Irelands leading engineering
consultancies with offices in Dublin, Cork and
Waterford.
“Studying at ATU Donegal has
provided me with
exceptional experience
and opportunities”.