"If you know that engineering is the course for you but are unsure of which stream would suit you best, then the Common Entry course is for you." SETU student, Aidan Burke
Aidan is a current Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Sustainable Civil Engineering student. He started his undergraduate studies common entry Engineering course. He is a past pupil of Árdscoil Na Mara, Tramore, Co Waterford.
A great taste of multiple streams
From attending multiple SETU open days, asking countless questions, and gathering as much information as I could, I decided SETU was the right college for me to study Sustainable Civil Engineering when applying through CAO. Three main factors influenced my decision: the common entry engineering course, the fact that SETU is a top-rated college, and the small class sizes.
I knew I wanted to do engineering after secondary school, however, which branch I was going to pursue was a difficult and important choice. The common entry route at SETU gave me a great taste of the multiple streams offered. Since I have always been fascinated by construction and the process of small pieces coming together to create a completed project, I decided the Sustainable Civil Engineering course was for me. When deciding where I wanted to do engineering, I was not certain if staying in Waterford was right for me. However, the University was on my doorstep swung my decision in favour of studying at SETU. Living only out the road in Tramore made studying here much easier too as I am very familiar with the area.
Small class sizes were another factor that I did not initially consider when choosing SETU, yet it is one of the many advantages I noticed going to SETU. There is always good interaction with lecturers and many student supports are available if I ever need them. In modules, lecturers know everyone by name and I never feel that I can't ask for help if I don't understand something.
New Ross Bypass
The site visit to the New Ross Bypass while in its finishing stages and speaking with one of the Project Managers was a definite highlight so far. It was very interesting to listen to the many challenges that were encountered and solved in innovative ways during the project. The most interesting innovations for me were the construction of a manmade island in the middle of the Barrow to allow the construction of some of the piers and the extensive use of falseworks throughout the project.
The benefits of common entry
If you know that engineering is the course for you but are unsure of which area would suit you best, then the Common Entry course is for you! If you are like me and are interested in the construction industry, then I would highly recommend the Sustainable Civil Engineering course.
