| Code | CCPDIB |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| NFQ Award Title | Certificate in Continuing Professional Development |
| Fees | €1250 (BioPharmaChem Skillnet Fee Subsidy: €875) See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 8 September 2025 |
| Next Intake | November 2025 |
| Course Delivery Method | Online |
| Venue | Online |
| Start Date | 25th September 2025 |
Course Outline
This programme aims to provide students with an introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of diseases and how this informs the design and manufacture of biological therapies.
The course emphasises protein and vaccine-based treatments and explore emerging gene and cell therapies along with personalised treatments.
Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive introduction to molecular and cellular biology as it pertains to diseases
- Deep dive into protein and vaccine-based therapies, plus emerging gene and cell therapies
- Focus on large-scale drug and vaccine manufacturing processes
The course will provide a basic understanding of how our bodies work, and how this can change in disease. It will then consider the rationale behind the development of biotherapeutics and the design of biological drugs - with an emphasis on the processes and management involved in the largescale manufacture of protein drugs and vaccines. Participants will be introduced to the concepts associated with the personalisation of medicines, and novel applications associated with cell and gene therapies. Through a flexible online delivery, learners will benefit from pre-recorded and live webinars which facilitate an engaged learning environment while also supporting self-directed study.
Module
BC5007 Introduction to BioPharmaceuticals and Advanced Personalised Therapies
- Part 1 – Focuses on the design and manufacture of protein BioPharmaceuticals and looks at regulated upstream and downstream processes.
- Part 2 – Covers future medicines that are already beginning to revolutionize disease treatment and facilitate the delivery of personalized therapies, including gene therapies, advanced vaccine therapies and cell-based therapies – demystifying the terminology and introducing the concepts
Both course delivery and continuous assessment facilitated online
Course Practicalities
This part-time course is delivered over 8 weeks, with classes held one evening per week (Thursday).
Learning is a blend of:
-
Recorded topic introductions (available online anytime)
-
Weekly evening webinars (live tutorials)
-
Discussion boards and interactive activities
Students are expected to complete self-directed study and continuous assessment assignments in between sessions.
Why Choose This Course
Expert Collaboration: Jointly designed by UCC’s School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and BioPharmaChem Skillnet. Both have considerable expertise in the delivery of post graduate BioTech/ BioPharma courses at Levels 8 and 9.
Industry-Relevant: This programme is specifically tailored for those aiming to enter or upskill in BioPharma. It is designed to meet knowledge and skills shortages in the industry to help you expand your career development opportunities.
Industry-Experienced Faculty: This programme is delivered by experienced lecturers and industry experts.
Up-to-Date Content : This programme will introduce you to key fundamentals of biomanufacturing and novel biotherapeutics. If you are looking to achieve a basic understanding of existing and emerging therapies in the BioPharma and Life Sciences sector, this course is for you.
Skills and Careers Information
This course was created in direct response to a skills gap identified by BioPharmaChem Skillnet, following consultation with key employers in the sector.
The BioPharma industry in Ireland continues to grow rapidly, and recent EGFSN reports highlight the challenges companies face in sourcing people with the right experience.
This introductory course is designed to help bridge that gap – supporting both upskilling and reskilling for a wide range of roles, including technical, operator, quality, and management positions.
Requirements
This NFQ Level 8 Certificate in Continuing Professional Development: An Introduction to BioPharmaceuticals and Advanced Personalised Therapies is designed for graduates who hold a NFQ Level 8 qualification and who wish to receive an introduction to the biopharmaceutical and advanced therapy sectors. Provision will also be made for candidates who hold sufficient previous educational/professional experience.
Applicants should hold a level 8 degree or equivalent with a second class honours grade II.
A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements, but who have sufficient equivalent professional qualifications and significant industrial experience.
These applicants will be considered under RPL and assessed on the following factors:
- Academic achievement
- Prior Work Experience
- Letter of Reference
- Personal Statement
All applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual section lower than 6.5, as per UCC requirements outlined at the following link:
Fees and Costs
General Applicants:
€1250
For further information on UCC fees and financial supports please click here.
BioPharmaChem Skillnet Fee Subsidy:
Partial funding is available from the Biopharmachem Skillnet to eligible candidates
- Skillnet Funding can only be applied where the employer pays the course fees on behalf of the student.
- Self-employed applicants can avail of the subsidy.
- BioPharmaChem Skillnet will issue the invoice directly to you or your organisation.
- Public-sector and companies outside of the Republic of Ireland are not eligible for the subsidy but can still apply directly to UCC to participate in the course
- Applicants who are not eligible for the BPC subsidy will be invoiced directly by UCC.
Those subsidised by BioPharmaChem Skillnet will pay a reduced fee of €875
Click here to view and register for this subsidised rate:
How To Apply
Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:
- You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
- Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
- You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
- We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
- You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/PowerPoint etc. once registered.
During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
- Application Statement
- Birth Cert or Passport
- Passport Photograph
- Curriculum Vitae
- English Language Test Report [if applicable]
- Transcripts [if applicable]