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2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy

Course Fact File

Code	xxx tbc
Duration	12 Months
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
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.
Credits	90
Start Date	07 September 2026

Course Outline

Our MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy is a one-year programme designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in the rapidly developing field of advance therapeutic medicinal products.

The MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy curriculum is a combination of academic course work, laboratory-based training on campus in UCC and a six-month work placement, typically in a relevant academic or clinical research environment or biopharmaceutical company during which time, you also complete a subject-relevant research dissertation. The curriculum consists of nine core modules, 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 employers 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. Our active cooperation with employers in curriculum design and delivery enhance the learning experience and prepares you for employment in the sector.

Modules

Students complete the following 90 credits of core modules and research dissertation.

• BC6016 Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (10 Credits)
• BC6006 Gene Editing, Therapy and Manipulation (5 credits)
• BC6007 Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Repair (5 credits)
• BC6008 Fundamentals of Vaccines (5 credits)
• BC6009 Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Human Diseases (5 credits)
• BC6010 Clinical and Ethical Applications of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (5 Credits)
• BC6013 Laboratory-based Technical and Analytical Skills (10 Credits)
• BC6017 Cell Immunotherapy Manufacturing Science and Technology (5 Credits)
• BC6018 Chemistry, Manufacturing & Control (CMC) Regulatory Compliance for ATMPs
• BC6014 Research Dissertation in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (30 credits) 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this programme, students will be able to:

• Discuss the theory and concepts that define and differentiate cell and gene therapy and the wider scientific and cultural contexts in which they are being developed and applied.
• Define the underlying principles of cell and gene therapy, including the molecular mechanisms involved in gene regulation, gene delivery, and cell-based therapies.
• Discuss strategies available for developing a vaccine and explain the significance of critical antigens, immunogens, and adjuvants in developing effective vaccines.
• Understand the regulatory landscape surrounding cell and gene therapy development and will be equipped to navigate the complex regulatory requirements.
• Recognize the ethical considerations involved in developing and administering cell and gene therapies, including issues related to patient consent, privacy, and access.
• Apply laboratory techniques, such as mammalian cell culture, bioassays, gene editing, and genome sequence analysis, that are used in cell and gene therapy research.
• Work in interdisciplinary teams with scientists and regulatory experts to advance the field of cell and gene therapy.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically discuss and reflect on ethical and social aspects of using immune, gene or cell therapy.
• Complete a body of independent research in an industry-relevant area and present research findings in a minor dissertation.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically discuss ATMP CMC regulatory compliance, manufacturing strategies, and technology transfer challenges.

Course Practicalities

The curriculum consists of approximately 250 contact hours over two academic terms (October to December and January to March), consisting of nine core course modules, a set of industry-informed laboratory-based practical sessions and career service workshops.

During Semester 3 (April-September), students engage in a six-month work-integrated learning experience, applying their academic knowledge to real-world challenges in biopharmaceutical or biomedical research. Employer-based projects are coordinated by a dedicated work placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which students prepare for and are interviewed by staff from employers interested in hosting students. For those pursuing careers in biomedical research or further academic study (e.g., a PhD), investigative laboratory-based research projects are available across diverse scientific fields under the guidance of an academic supervisor. All research projects are undertaken in consultation with an academic supervisor and examiner. Those in the industry also have an industry supervisor.

Why Choose This Course

Why study Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy?

It is predicted that advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) represent the next wave of biopharma innovation and growth. In Ireland, many new and established biopharmaceutical companies are rapidly expanding into ATMP research and development, and manufacturing. This rapid growth has led to a shortage of skilled personnel and an increased demand for trained personnel in such a quickly evolving area. This MSc programme is specifically designed to expand Ireland’s expertise in ATMP and vaccine manufacturing by both upskilling those already in the industry and providing training to individuals seeking to gain employment in ATMP and vaccine research, development, and manufacture.

This industry-informed curriculum is delivered by academics and scientists studying, developing and manufacturing new biological medicines, to provide you with the necessary skills required by employers in the biomedical research, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The course is suitable for students wishing to extend their specific undergraduate degree knowledge, with additional education and training and the opportunity to gain ‘real-world’ experience of working in an academic or clinical research environment or biopharmaceutical industry. This links academic theory and study to real work practice, the latest technology and the possibilities for future employment.

Who should apply?

This MSc programme is designed for graduates in a relevant science, engineering or medical health sciences who have an interest in upskilling and gaining employment in either clinical and academic research areas, or in the development and manufacture of advanced therapeutics in the biopharmaceutical sector.

This programme would also be suitable to candidates who have experience in the biopharmaceutical industry who wish to progress their knowledge and diversify their skills to meet the demand for trained personnel in the fast-evolving areas of cell therapies, gene therapies, mRNA-based medicines, and novel vaccines.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

MSc participants can perform their work-based research project in any location internationally deemed suitable by their academic mentor.

Skills and Careers Information

What is the biopharmaceutical industry like in Ireland?

Over the past two decades, Ireland has established itself as a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and has been tremendously successful in attracting multinational companies to establish manufacturing operations across the country. Ireland is home to more than 85 biopharmaceutical sites and 9 of the to 10 global pharmaceutical companies have substantial operations in Ireland. In recent years there has been an upsurge in research and growing cell and gene therapy investment.

Nationally and internationally, new and established biopharmaceutical companies are expanding into the development and manufacture of advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs), including cell therapies, gene therapies, mRNA-based medicines, and novel vaccines. This is paralleled by increased demand for the employment of skilled personnel and increased demand for trained personnel in such a quickly evolving area.

Graduates of our Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy programmes are highly employable regionally, nationally, and internationally.

What sort of jobs would this course prepare me for?

The MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy is a highly specialized degree that prepares you for careers at the intersection of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and translational medicine. This program equips you with advanced knowledge of cell biology, molecular genetics, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR), biomanufacturing, regulatory science, and clinical translation—skills that are in strong demand across academia, industry, and healthcare. Some common industry roles include, Cell and Gene Therapy Scientist/Research Assistant, Process Development Scientist, Quality Control/Quality Assurance Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Associate and Clinical Trials Coordinator.

Will I get exposure to the pharmaceutical industry in this course?

Given that Cork is a global biopharmaceutical hub, this course will have direct input from these companies, via guest lectures and site tours. During Semester 3 (April-September), students complete a six-month work placement, applying their academic knowledge to real-world challenges in biopharmaceutical or biomedical research. Employer-based projects are coordinated by a dedicated work placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which students prepare for and are interviewed by staff from employers interested in hosting students for a six-month work placement.

 

Requirements

Entry Requirements - Direct Entry

• Applicants must have obtained at least a Second-Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a laboratory-based science subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme. 
• Applicants with a Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a laboratory-based science subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Applicants with qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for places following interview and assessment by the Director of the MSc Programme.

Applicants must be approved by the MSc course team and/or the Director of the MSc Programme. The number of places is limited, and selection will be made based on performance in the applicants’ primary degree or interview.

Fees and Costs

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.

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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