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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
Fees	See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

Our MSc Biotechnology is a one-year programme designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry. This is achieved through a combination of academic-led industry-informed course work on campus in UCC and a six month work placement typically in a leading biopharmaceutical company during which time, the student also completes an industry relevant research project.

The curriculum has been developed with input from staff at all levels in the biopharmaceutical industry, to provide you with the necessary life and work skills required by these employers. In addition, the six month work placement opportunity provides students with additional training and the ‘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.

This MSc Biotechnology programme consists of eight core modules, one elective module, laboratory-based practical sessions, career service workshops which include CV preparation and interview training, visits to industry sites, and a six-month research project. Students interview for work placement opportunities provided by industry where they complete their six-month project. This is a competitive process and students are strongly encouraged to apply and interview for all available positions. Like other academic programmes, work placement opportunities are not guaranteed. However, each year over the last 5 year period, about 90% of MSc Biotechnology graduates gain work placement within industry, while the remaining 10% typically pursue PhD opportunities nationally and internationally.

Students complete a research project and study the following eight core modules and one of two elective modules:

Core Modules

BC6001 Cell and Molecular Biology

BC6015 Cell and Gene Therapy

BT6006  Practitioner Based Skills in Biotechnology

CM6011 Modern Methods in Analytical Chemistry

MB6004 Advanced Molecular Microbial Biotechnology

PF6301  Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation, Secondary Processing and Regulation

PS6001  Plant Genetic Engineering

PE6008  Bioprocess Engineering

Elective Modules

BC6005 Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products

MB6003 Functional Foods for Health (5)

Research Project and Industry Placement

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 your industry placement.

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, one of two elective modules, a set 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 plant-biotechnologies, 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.
• introduce you to the principles of food and industrial microbiology;
• 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, Microbiology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Plant Science, and Process Engineering Departments. 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

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 2 weeks after the EU closing date has passed. 

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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