Download or Print

1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate
5. An Introduction to BioPharmaceuticals and Advanced Personalised Therapies - CPD Cert

Course Fact File

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	26 June 2026
Course Delivery Method	Online
Venue	Online
Start Date	22 Sep 2026

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.

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. 

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 (Tuesday).
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.

A provisional schedule is available to view here: CCPDIB Provisional Schedule UCC 2026

 

 

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

Programme Entry Requirements: 

• Applicants should hold a level 8 degree or equivalent with a second class honours grade II.

English Language Requirements: All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See the UCC English language proficiency requirements. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Applicants who do not meet the programme requirements may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here. 

To be considered, applicants should be able to demonstrate sufficient previous educational/professional/industry experience. View the RPL for applicants guide here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/ .

As part of the application, you will be required to submit:

• A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
• A letter of reference from your employer. 
• Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your work experience and prior learning - please refer to the RPL Learner Guide for details on appropriate evidence.

Fees and Costs

The fee for this programme is €1,250 

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

BioPharmaChem Skillnet Fee Subsidy:

Partial funding is available from the Biopharmachem Skillnet for 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

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]
• Programme fee

All applications must be made via BioPharmaChem Skillnet. 

Apply Now