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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Higher Diploma and Postgraduate Cert/Dip
5. Bioanalytical Chemistry

Course Fact File

Code	PCBCM
Duration	1 year
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	PG Cert
NFQ Level	Level 8
NFQ Award Title	Level 9
Fees	€3,600 (90%-100% Springboard+ Funding Available) See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	General Applications:28 Aug 2026 Springboard+ Funding Applications: 16 July 2026
Next Intake	October 2026
Course Delivery Method	Online
Start Date	October 2026

Course Outline

A limited number of Springboard+ Funded places are available for this programme. Please see Fees and Apply Now sections below for full details. 

The Postgraduate Certificate in Bioanalytical Chemistry is a level 9 qualification that will provide knowledge of bioanalytical chemistry as applied in the biopharmaceutical industry. This programme is delivered over the course of 3 semesters and consists of 5 modules. These modules aim to deliver a broad scope of industry relevant bioanalytical topics and is targeted at individuals looking to upskill or continue to develop their professional development. Modules will deliver a more in-depth appreciation of the latest trends of bioanalytical techniques and state of the art analytical technologies being implemented by the biopharmaceutical industry. Training in a wide range of methods of bioanalytical chemistry analysis and chemometric skills, literature searching, troubleshooting and presentation skills will be provided.

Students will be ready to work in the Biopharmaceutical industry on completion of this Postgraduate Certificate in Bioanalytical Chemistry. They will have a broader awareness of bioanalytical technologies and techniques and be better prepared to fulfil new and emerging roles in Quality Assurance and Quality Control within the Biopharmaceutical industry. This Certficate gives students a broad foundation of Bioanalytical techniques and assays and their application in the Biopharmaceutical industry. The Biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector is very strong in Ireland with an investment of $10 billion in developing new facilities over the past 10 years. As a sector it is seeing a strong demand for new skills to be developed as this investment leads to new jobs and roles within the industry.

The industry advisory board from the taught postgraduate programmes in Analytical Chemistry has been very proactive to partner the Biopharmaceutical sector with the School of Chemistry and consult on the design and implementation of the curriculum for this new Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Modules Include: 

• CM6008
• CM6024
• CM6028
• CM6029
• CM6031
• CM6039

Course Practicalities

A key aspect of the programme is the partnering with several industries that provide valuable insight, skills and knowledge that bridge the gap between academic teaching and industry practice. Proactive collaboration with industry in the design and delivery of the curriculum is an innovative approach that will enhance the student learning experience. Towards these ends the course will consist of:

(i) Online lectures

(ii) Virtual Laboratory work

(iii) Industry workshops

(iv) A desk-based research review project

All of the lecture material is delivered asynchronously via pre-recorded lectures that the students can review anytime they want at their own time and pace. The programme will also be delivered online via TEAMS for any live online workshops, seminars and briefings. The virtual laboratories are delivered via Labster on Canvas.  Workshops are also recorded and students have a choice to attend these live during the online sessions or watch back at a later time that suits them. This flexibility has been built into the programme to enable those working in industry to study the content at a pace that suits their personal circumstances.

 

Assessment

• All of the assessments are continuous assessments which must be submitted online.
• Student may complete the assignments at their own pace up to the stated deadline for submission.

 

Who Teaches this Course

Professor Eric Moore

Why Choose This Course

Skills Gaps in the Biopharmaceutical Industry

This programme has been designed to enable graduates to meet priority skills needs for the biopharmaceutical sector. It links strongly to Regional development and NDP/Project Ireland 2040 objectives, responding to the needs of the biopharmaceutical industry to provide more skilled personnel

Improved Opportunities for Employment

The content delivered in the Bioanalytical programme is very relevant to the skills in the Biopharmaceutical sector and students on completion of the programme will have improved opportunities for employment. The new modes of teaching, industry relevant content and innovative methods of delivery, including the use of virtual reality technology (labs and virtual gaming) have significant input from key industry partners (in particular the industry relevant case studies and workshops). This Certificate will also provide students with opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills and enhance their student experience through an online course delivery and direct contact with Biopharmaceutical industry representatives.

 

Skills and Careers Information

• A job readiness component is included within the Bioanalytical Project and Transferable Skills Development module.
• In addition to the presentation, communication skills, time management, project management and information literacy students career advice, support and guidance will also be given e.g. CV clinics (online sessions with career advisors).
• The programme also have new skills for students to learn such as virtual laboratories where digital education tools (Labster) will be used to enhance the student learning experience.

Requirements

Applicants must have:

• a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in Science (BSc), Process Engineering or Chemical Engineering.

English Language Requirement:

Where English is not your first language applicants are required to submit a copy of a UCC approved English Language Test/Exam.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Under RPL applicants who do not meet the above academic entry requirements may be considered for admission and will be assessed on a number of factors including:

• Academic Achievement
• Prior Work Experience
• Personal Statement.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is: €3,600

For further information on fees and financial supports please click here. 

 

Springboard+ Applicants  

There are a limited number of places available for this programme (Certificate) funded by Springboard+.  

• Jobseekers and returners may be eligible for a 100% fee subsidy. These applicants will be given priority. 

• Those in employment may be eligible for a 90% fee subsidy.   

• • If awarded Springboard+ funding, these applicants will need to pay the remaining 10% fee on registration (non-refundable).  

• • If an applicant's organisation wishes to pay their fees in part or in full, the applicants must pay the 10% on registration and any arrange any reimbursement with their employer/organisation directly. 

How To Apply