| Code | MRESBE |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months Full-time; 24 Months Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time |
| Qualifications | MRes |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
Course Outline
The MRes in Biotechnological Engineering is a full-time programme running over 12 months Students will undertake a research project that spans the full year, leading to submission of a thesis. It is also possible for industry-based students to carry out their project part-time over 24 months, with the permission of the Programme Director.
The research project to the value of 70 credits will be performed under the supervision of a member of UCC academic staff, either in their research laboratory or in the SUSFERM Fermentation Science Research Centre at UCC. Participating supervisors are Principal Investigators from the Schools of Microbiology, Engineering, Food and Nutritional Sciences, or Biochemistry & Cell Biology. The specific project will be designed in consultation between the student (applicant) and the Supervisor and will typically relate to an aspect of biotechnology, from microbial strain engineering to bioprocess development.
Students will also take four course modules to a value of 20 credits on subjects related to their research project and on generic and transferable skills, with an emphasis on scientific writing, oral presentations, and general research skills. The list below is indicative, with students also able to select other relevant modules in consultation with the Course Director. To ensure balance, students should select at least one module (5 credits) each with an MB/ML code, a PE code and a PG code, or equivalent.
Students take 20 credits as follows:
- MB6004 Advanced Molecular Microbial Biotechnology (5 credits)
- ML6005 Molecular Techniques in the Life Sciences (5 credits)
- PE3014 Food and Bioprocess Engineering (5 credits)
- PE6008 Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)
- PG6001 STEPS – Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies (5 credits)
- PG6009 Information Literacy Skills (5 credits)
- PG6014 Scientific Outreach and Communication (5 credits)
- PG6015 An Introduction to Research Integrity, Ethics and Open Science (5 credits)
Course Practicalities
Identification of a supervisor and a project
Students only apply to this programme after they have identified a supervisor and discussed a research project. Interested students may contact the Programme Director for a list of prospective supervisors or can identify and contact prospective supervisors directly from the home pages of the academic Schools listed above.
Orientation and Induction
Students participate in a university-wide research induction event, complete a laboratory health and safety training session, and meet with their Supervisor and the Programme Director to discuss their research student learning plan, including the selection of modules.
Research Project and Dissertation
The largest component of the MRes degree is the research project and you will select or design a project, together with your supervisor, and begin your research in Week 2. This project work will comprise the foundations of your MRes dissertation.
Additional Research training
Students will be able to participate in regular seminar series held in the various academic Schools supporting the programme. Students will also have opportunities to receive dedicated training in the SUSFERM Fermentation Science Centre.
Why Choose This Course
This course is suitable for students who are interested in exploring a career in research. Students in the programme are excited about the potential for biotechnology to have positive impact on society. This may be areas like the use of microbes for production of novel foods, the development of bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived chemicals, the use of microbes for carbon capture or biofuel production, or any other application of biotechnology to advance sustainability and economic development.
Sustainability is at the heart of modern biotechnology, and students in the programme will perform research projects on topics that help solve sustainability challenges in society.
The research projects are anchored in the SUSFERM Fermentation Science Centre, a flagship Centre in UCC that is focused on sustainable fermentation for applications in food and the bioeconomy. The Principal Investigators affiliated to the Centre are located in different academic units (Schools) but all are international experts running high-performing research teams. You will join one of these teams and have the opportunity to work with, and learn from top quality scientists. One of the unique strengths of the programme is the interdisciplinary ethos of SUSFERM; thus, you will be able to link with experts in other disciplines to increase the value and impact of your research.
The course will equip graduates with an excellent set of skills for pursuing a subsequent research career, whether in industry or academia. For industry, the research and problem-solving skills, as well as the technical skills in the project itself, are highly valuable in the burgeoning biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors. For academia, graduates will be highly competitive for PhD positions in Ireland or internationally, or will have the opportunity to directly secure research positions in academic teams or Centres.
Requirements
Applicants must have achieved the minimum standard of a Second Class Honours Grade 1 (NFQ, Level 8), or equivalent, in a relevant biological sciences or engineering subject area. Examples of these subject areas include, but are not limited to, biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, process engineering, and chemical engineering.
You must have secured the agreement of an academic supervisor and need to undertake an interview with this prospective supervisor prior to making a formal application. Applicants will need to supply details of two academic referees. Final approval rests with the Programme Director.
Industry-based applicants
Applicants based in industry can apply to undertake a 2-year part-time MRes. The decision on entry to the programme will be based on the proposed project suitability, the candidate’s academic qualifications, their subsequent experience, motivation, and references. In cases where the applicant does not meet the academic entry requirement, approval may still be possible under the UCC recognition of prior learning (RPL) framework. The approval of the Programme Director is required.
English language requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. See our Postgraduate English Language Entry Requirements page for more information.
For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. See our Qualification Comparison by Country page for more information.
International/non-EU applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure, visit the international student's information page.
For more information contact the International Office.
Fees and Costs
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
How To Apply
See our How to Apply page for more information.
The best way to find a prospective supervisor is to review the staff bios and research activity in the relevant discipline. Once you have narrowed down your search, you must make direct contact with the prospective supervisor to initiate a conversation and informally discuss your proposal, their availability to supervise, and any funding opportunities.