CourseCast

The Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering is structured to provide students with a real-world aviation work environment. In this episode, we hear about the programme and the state-of-the-art facilities that are available to students, preparing for them for the wide array of careers available to graduates of this course.We also find out about modules, projects, placement opportunities and lots more from Class Tutor Dr Edmond Tobin; fourth year student of Aerospace Engineering Ben Fitzpatrick; Kumbirai Chibanda who is doing a Masters in Flight Test Engineering at SETU and Luke Connolly, a PhD student who did the undergrad course and is working on an exciting aerospace project involving drones.

In this episode we hear all about Family and Community Studies -  a four year level 8 programme that equips graduates to work within the community and voluntary sector. It is a new course at SETU, beginning in 2026. Guests on the podcast Victoria McDonagh, Head of Department of Social Care & Early Childhood; Jane McGrath, Programme Leader for the BA and BA Hons in Family and Community Support Studies; and Triona McCormack, Manager, Tintean Housing Association, gave insights into the course itself and into the jobs available in the community and voluntary sector. You can also hear details on modules and placement opportunities over the three (or four) years, what makes the course unique, and how graduates can go on to further studies.

This episode focuses on the Bachelor of Engineering (Common Entry) at SETU. Lecturer on the programme David Williams outlines how the course is structured, explaining the process of specialisation from Second Year. Current students Bevin Bowdren and Lukas Malik, describe their experiences so far, outlining travel and placement opportunities and the parts of the course they particularly enjoy. Graduate Grace Malone talks about her current role as a Civil Engineer and what that entails. David and the guests also delve into the vast career opportunities for engineering graduates, as well as dispelling some myths about the course, and addressing the gender balance in the profession.

Here, we focus on the BA (Hons) in Social Science, a multi-disciplinary three-year course. This wide-ranging programme offers students the opportunity to understand and critically analyse contemporary Irish society and Ireland’s place in an increasingly globalised world.Programme lead Dr John McNamara outlines what Social Science is all about; drilling down into the various modules, and giving a flavour of the many and varied careers, and further studies options, available to graduates.First year Social Science student Niamh Purcell and recent graduate Imelda Morrissey spoke about the course itself, highlighting how it helps students engage in critical thinking (crucial in today's world). They also talk about how the programme fosters a sense of social justice in students and helps them view society from the perspectives of all social groups.

Here, we hear all about the BA Hons in Design (Visual Communications) at SETU. There are options to study this programme at both the Waterford and Wexford campuses. On this episode, Mary O'Neill is joined by course lecturer at the Waterford campus Dr Fiona Dowling, recent graduate Laura Dempsey (who designed the cover for this podcast series); and current fourth year students in Waterford Denis Kononov and Kristian Ryan. The topics covered included what Design / Visual Communication is all about, the type of roles graduates find themselves in, and some surprising elements of both the programme and how it's applied to working life. The guests highlighted how the programme at SETU does not require a portfolio, which means students learn from scratch. They also discussed the sometimes contentious topic of AI in Design, outlining why it can never replace humans.

This episode of CourseCast is all about the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) programme - a new course at SETU, with focused scientific, clinical and professional training in the practice of veterinary medicine. Mary was joined in studio by Dr Mary Kate Burke, Programme Development Lead; Eilidh Thompson – farm animal lecturer; and Dr Richard Ryan, a mixed-practice vet and owner of Archersfield Veterinary Clinic in Kilkenny City. They discussed what prospective students can expect from the course; its content, the practical elements and professional training, some misconceptions about the profession, as well as outlining the wide array of career opportunities in veterinary medicine,

This episode focuses on a new course, the Master of Pharmacy at SETU - a five -year programme that integrates periods of experiential learning placement. Mary was joined in studio by Dr Claire Lennon, Head of the Department of Pharmacy; Dearbhla Walsh, Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at the Department; and by Daragh Connolly who owns Connolly's Pharmacy in Dungarvan, County Waterford. Daragh is also Vice President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, based in The Hague and representing 4.5million pharmacists and and 160 member organisations. They discussed the course content, the importance of having a pharmacy course in the South East, minimum entry requirements, and how you can apply.

This episode of CourseCast focuses on Home Economics at SETU - a new, comprehensive three-year honours degree that combines scientific, social, and applied learning to prepare graduates for life and work in families, communities and broader society. Mary is joined by Dr Aileen Murphy, Programme Director, and Dr Don O'Neill, Head of Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism at SETU. They discuss the course content, the state-of-the-art facilities at SETU, the types of careers available to graduates and how prospective students can apply.