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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Biotechnology

Course Fact File

Code	MSCBTY
Duration	1 Year Full-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
EU Fees	€8,000 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Non-EU Fees	€27,000
Closing Date	6 March 2026
Non-EU Closing Date	28 November 2025
Start Date	7 September 2026

Course Outline

The MSc Biotechnology at University College Cork is a one-year full time postgraduate programme designed to equip graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for careers in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.

Students experience a unique blend of academic-led, industry-informed teaching on campus, combined with a six-month work placement at leading biopharmaceutical companies during which time students complete a six-month research project and dissertation. This immersive placement connects academic theory with real-world practice, offering hands-on experience and training with cutting-edge technologies and a direct pathway to future employment.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum has been updated to reflect advances in biologics development and manufacturing as well as in cell and gene therapies,— areas directly aligned with the needs of the biopharmaceutical companies where our students complete their work placements/internships.

Key features include:

•  New Core modules in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), Cell Immunotherapy Manufacturing, and Laboratory-based Technical and Analytical Skills
• Training in biosafety, aseptic techniques, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and GMP/GLP-compliant documentation
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, recombinant DNA technologies, and protein analytics (CRISPR/Cas9, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting,)
• Development of scientific reasoning, data analysis, reporting, and bioprocess monitoring skills

Programme Structure

The MSc Biotechnology consists of:

• Eight core modules delivered over two academic terms (Sept–Dec & Jan–Apr) – see list of modules below
• Extensive lab-based practical sessions and workshops in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, data analytics, and career development
• Industry site visits, guest lectures, and networking opportunities
• A six-month work placement/internship with research project dissertation (April–Sept), supervised jointly by an academic and an industry mentor

Industry Connection

The programme is continually shaped by input from key stakeholders and professionals across the biopharmaceutical sector, ensuring graduates gain the skills and experience employers value most.

 

Core Modules

Semester 1 – Sept-Dec 2025 (30 credits)

• BC6001 Cell and Molecular Biology (5 credits)

• PF6301 Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation, Secondary Processing and Regulation (10 Credits)

• BC6016 Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products - includes laboratory training sessions. (10 credits)

• BT6007 Practitioner Based Skills in Biotechnology (5 credits)

Semester 2 – Jan-April 2026 (30 credits)

• BC6013 Laboratory-based Technical and Analytical Skills - includes laboratory training sessions. (10 credits)

• BC6015 Cell and Gene Therapy (5 credits)

• BC6017 Cell Immunotherapy Manufacturing Science and Technology (5 credits)

• PE6008 Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)

Work Placement/Internship (6 months) – April-Sept 2026

• BT6005 Dissertation in Biotechnology (30 credits)

Research Project and Industry Work Placement/Internship

Students are required to complete a six-month individual research project in a selected area of science relevant to the ongoing work and research activities of their industry work placement/internship.

Course Practicalities

The curriculum consists of approximately 250 contact hours over two academic terms (October to December and January to March), consisting of eight core course modules, two sets of laboratory-based practical sessions, career service workshops and an industry lecture series.

The course will:

· educate you in fundamental cell and molecular biology.

· introduce you to cell and gene therapy and recombinant DNA / genetic engineering technologies and the application of cell and gene therapy in human disease.

· cover the basic scientific concepts which underlie advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).

· introduce you to molecular biotechnology, eukaryotic-, prokaryotic- and recombinant DNA technologies and their application in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.

· introduce you to the principles of process and biochemical engineering;

· provide you with an understanding of the role of process validation and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry, and give you an awareness of the latest trends in good manufacturing practise (GMP), laboratory, and validation practices.

· provide you with skills in the following areas: teamwork, technical writing, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, networking. presentation and communication, project management, skills for work placement.

· provide you with the opportunity to conduct and complete a body of independent research in a biotechnology-related area and present your research findings in a minor dissertation.

During the third academic term (April to September), students complete their six-month research project on a topic related to biotechnology, biopharmaceutical or biomedical research during their work placement. Industry-based projects in these areas are managed by a dedicated career and work placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which you prepare for and are interviewed by staff from companies interested in hosting students for work placement. All research projects are undertaken in consultation with an industry based supervisor and UCC based academic supervisor and examiner.

This innovative, interdisciplinary course draws its faculty and course content from across the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) including our Biochemistry, Pharmacy, and Process Engineering Schools. Additional lectures are provided by staff from local biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies.

Why Choose This Course

This is one of the most popular and well-established MSc in Biotechnology courses in Ireland and one of the most popular MSc courses in UCC. The national and international success of this course is attributed to the industry-led curriculum offered to students and the opportunity to apply for and complete a six-month placement in the biopharmaceutical industry. Alumni of this course enjoy high job satisfaction and excellent opportunities to further their career development.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

During the third academic term (April to September), students complete a six-month research project on a topic related to biotechnology, biopharmaceutical or biomedical research during their work placement. Industry-based projects in these areas are managed by a dedicated career and work placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which students prepare for and are interviewed by staff from companies interested in hosting students. All research projects are undertaken in consultation with an industry based supervisor and UCC based academic.

Skills and Careers Information

The course is suitable for students wishing to extend their specific undergraduate degree knowledge in biotechnology, with additional education and training and the opportunity to gain ‘real-world’ experience of working in the biopharmaceutical industry. This links academic theory and study to real industry work practise, the latest technology and the possibilities for future employment.

It allows you to follow a number of career pathways. Each year, 90% of MSc Biotechnology graduates gain employment within industry, while 10% decide to pursue PhD opportunities nationally and internationally.

Requirements

• Candidates must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in a subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme. Relevant subjects typically include any subject in the molecular life sciences.
• Graduates with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience can be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for places following interview and assessment by the Director of the MSc (Biotechnology) Programme.

Candidates must be approved by the MSc (Biotechnology) course team and/or the Director of the MSc (Biotechnology) Programme. The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the basis of the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree or interview

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is €8,000.

The Non-EU fee for this course is €27,000.

Bench Fee: Please be advised that a €1,000 bench fee is also required, payable directly to the department.

How To Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants): Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Deposit: Please note that successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 on acceptance of their place.

EU applicants please note: EU applicants should expect to hear of a decision on their application within a short period after their application.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 28 November 2025

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