Download or Print

1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate
5. Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing)

Course Fact File

Code	COPD
Duration	1 academic year
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	Cert
NFQ Level	Level 7
NFQ Award Title	Level 7 (Special Purpose Award)
Fees	€2,750 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Direct Applications (Round 1): 26 June 2026 Springboard+ Applications: 16 July 2026
Next Intake	September 2026
Venue	Online
Start Date	September 2026

Course Outline

The Certificate in Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing) provides essential knowledge and skill development for the role of operator in a pharma manufacturing environment. Tailored specifically for those currently in or seeking operator roles, the programme aims to equip participants with the skills demanded by pharma facilities in Ireland today.

This programme provides a complementary set of modules which allow the student to explore topics such as personal effectiveness, communication skills, motivation, problem-solving and decision-making, following standard operating procedures, as well as more technical areas such as pharmaceutical unit operations, workplace health and safety systems, supply chain management, risk management, cleanroom operations, quality and cGMP compliance systems.

The programme supports the adoption of new and enhanced approaches for students to optimise performance and impact onsite. For those hoping to return to the workplace in the role of operator, the programme offers participants the chance to become familiar with key workplace concepts, terminology and procedures while being supported in actively planning and preparing for their future careers within the sector. Therefore, the programme offers transferability of knowledge and skills across operator roles and sites within the Pharma sector.

The Modules for the Certificate are as follows:

• AD1035: Innovative Problem Solving and Decision Making
• AD1053: Technical Effectiveness l (Health, Safety and Environment)
• AD1934: Operations and Best Practice in (Bio) Pharma Industry 
• AD1093: Personal Effectiveness
• PF1801: Technical Effectiveness ll (Pharma Manufacturing)

Course Queries

For Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the Programme Coordinator Lorna Moloney at l.moloney@ucc.ie

For Online Application Support please click here. 

If you require further assistance with your online application please contact the Programme Administrator Julie Holland at julie.holland@ucc.ie. 

Course Practicalities

This course is delivered online on a part-time basis.

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.

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• Normally have Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 or an equivalent qualification
• English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score

Fees and Costs

Direct Applications

There are a number of places available on this programme for those applying directly to UCC as fee-paying applicants. 

The fee for this programme is €2,750.

• Applicants pay 50% of this fee on application.
• This fee is fully refundable if the programme does not run or you are not offered a place on the programme
• The remaining 50% programme fee is due by 31 Jan. 

Springboard+ Funding

There are a limited number of places available for this programme 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. 

Sponsorship

If your fees are fully or partially covered by your organisation, this is called sponsorship. You will need to apply as a sponsored applicant.

Springboard+ funded applicants are not eligible to apply with sponsorship and must arrange any reimbursement directly with their organisation (see above).

How To Apply

Those applying for Springboard+ funding may check their eligibility HERE.

If you wish to apply for Springboard+ funding for this course, you must do so via the Springboard+ website HERE.

You must choose one application route: 

• Apply for Springboard+ funding, or 
• Apply directly to the programme as a fee-paying applicant 

Please note that applicants who have already applied via the direct (fee-paying) route are not eligible to subsequently apply for Springboard+ funding. 

If your application for Springboard+ funding is not approved, you may have the option to apply as a fee-paying applicant, subject to availability of places. 

 

To Apply for this course as a full-fee-paying student, or if you are sponsored by your organisation, please follow the steps below: 

When you log into the Application Portal:

Click Apply Online

Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application 

 

During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:

• Birth Cert or Passport
• Passport Photograph 
• English Language Test Report [if applicable]
• Transcripts [if applicable]

Apply Now