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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Higher Diploma and Postgraduate Cert/Dip
5. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences - PG Cert

Course Fact File

Code	PCPRS
Duration	1 year
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	PG Cert
NFQ Level	Level 9
NFQ Award Title	Minor
Fees	€4,500 (90%-100% Springboard+ Funding Available) See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Springboard+ Applications Close: 16 July 2026
Next Intake	September 2026
Venue	Blended Learning
Start Date	September 2026

Course Outline

A limited number of Springboard+ funded places are available for this programme. Early application is advised.

• Do you have an interest in developing your career in regulatory or quality roles in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries?
• Do you want to enhance your employment prospects with a new and emerging career pathway? 

This Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences may be the right course for you!

The PGCert in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences at UCC has been designed to address the current and future skills demands of the pharmaceutical sector.

Fast-track your career in the pharmaceutical industry by gaining expertise in the application of regulatory affairs within the pharmaceutical industry and develop skills in using science- and risk-based methodologies for drug development and manufacturing.

This programme explores exciting and emerging topics in the pharmaceutical industry.

Through engaging with real-world challenges, students enhance their critical-thinking abilities and build versatile, transferable skills essential for advancing their careers in this fast-evolving and dynamic sector.

Modules:

PF6026: Pharmaceutical Technology and Unit Operations with Regulatory Insights

PF6027: Pharmaceutical GxP and Regulatory Science

PF6029: Biotechnology-derived and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs)

PF6032: Bioprocessing Unit Operations

PF6038: Skills Development in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences

 

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to: 

• Develop manufacturing processes which apply quality-by-design principles for a range of medicines including small molecules, biopharmaceuticals and ATMPs.
• Critically evaluate the regulation of medicinal products.
• Identify opportunities to accelerate the integration of emerging science and technology in medicines’ development.
• Evaluate major process parameters and critical quality attributes for different manufacturing processes, including conventional medicines, biologics and advanced therapy medicinal products
• Interpret the regulatory requirements for approval, licensing and manufacture of medicinal products in the EU, with reference to the relevant EU legislative frameworks

 

Course Queries

For any other Academic Queries and Course Content Queries please contact the programme team here: MSCPRS@ucc.ie

For queries related to Springboard+ funding and application support, please contact Lorna Moloney: ace.springboard@ucc.ie

Course Practicalities

Lectures & Programme Schedule

• This programme combines online learning with in-person workshops in Cork.
  • In-person sessions will take place on the last Friday of each month.
  • In weeks without an in-person session, live online classes will be held on Thursday afternoons (typically starting at 3pm or 4pm) via Microsoft Teams, each lasting approximately two hours.
  • These online sessions will run most weeks in Semester 1 and around once per month in Semester 2.
  • A full timetable will be provided in advance of course commencement.

• Lectures, course notes, and other materials are made available on the learning platform, allowing students to engage with the content at their convenience during the week.

Assessment

This programme is assessed through continuous assessment including essays, multiple choice questionnaires, presentations and research posters.

Why Choose This Course

What exactly is regulatory science?

It's the field dedicated to developing innovative tools, standards, and methods to evaluate the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. Given the rapid advancements in manufacturing technologies and the diverse range of medicinal products, it's imperative that our quality assessment methods remain adaptable yet rigorous, guaranteeing safe and effective treatments for patients worldwide. 

How does this regulatory science programme differ from regulatory affairs courses?

It is important to distinguish this regulatory science programme from traditional regulatory affairs courses. While regulatory affairs courses typically focus on current regulations and compliance requirements, our diploma adopts a broader, science-driven approach to drug product development and regulation. By integrating regulatory affairs with core scientific principles, this programme equips students to address challenges creatively and deliver science-based solutions to real-world industry problems. 

Who should consider applying?

This programme welcomes graduates from various backgrounds, including science, health-related fields, quantitative business, and more. Whether you're looking to transition into the pharmaceutical industry or seeking to enhance your existing expertise, this PGCert is tailored to meet your needs.

Skills and Careers Information

A Gap Gateway

Regulatory science is a crucial skill gap in Ireland, as highlighted by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report (2024). This programme is your gateway to a dynamic career in quality and regulatory affairs.

Progression

On successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences students may apply for the MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences programme and may be eligible for exemptions for modules already completed.

Graduates work in

Graduates of the UCC Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences programmes typically go on to build careers across Quality Assurance and Control, Manufacturing, and Regulatory Affairs, as well as a broad range of other roles within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries

Requirements

Applicants Must Meet the Following Programme Requirements:

• A Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any of the following subject areas: chemical, biological and medical sciences, pharmacy, mathematical and computer science, engineering, public health, and business information systems.

Applicants must also provide a CV & personal statement. Eligible applicants may also be invited for an interview.

Applicants Applying for Springboard+ Funding Must Meet the Springboard+ Eligibility Criteria: 

Which can be viewed here: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility 

Recognition of Prior Learning

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have relevant experience in a related field such as the chemical, biological and medical sciences, pharmaceutical industry, engineering, public health, business information systems sector, etc. To demonstrate relevant experience, applicants will be assessed on the following criteria and an interview may also be required.

• Academic achievement
• Work experience
• Personal statement
• Reference

Fees and Costs

Springboard+ Funding 

There are a limited number of places available on this programme funded by Springboard+. 

• 90% fee subsidy for those in employment 
• 100% fee subsidy for jobseekers/returners (These applicants will be given priority) 

Early application is advised.

How To Apply

Springboard+ Funding Applications

There are a limited number of places available on this programme funded by Springboard+.

Before you apply, you must check your eligibility for funding here: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility 

You must apply for this programme via the Springboard+ website here.