| Code | PDCGT |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | PG Dip |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| EU Fees | Free or 90% funded. See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | Applications Now Closed For 2023 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Start Date | 11 September 2023 |
Course Outline
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy at UCC is a one-year programme designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in the rapidly developing field of advanced therapeutic medicinal products. 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.
On this programme, you have the opportunity to participate in training at the state-of-the-art Cell and Gene Therapy Training and Research Facility at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). This will expose you to a realistic simulated training environment that prepares you for real-life work situations. With this course, we aim to broaden your professional development by challenging you to use critical thinking to overcome industrial problems and develop transferable skills.
A key aspect of the programme is our partnership with the NIBRT which provides valuable insight, skills and knowledge that bridge the gap between academic teaching and industry practice. Our active cooperation with industry in curriculum design and delivery will enhance the learning experience and prepares you for employment in this sector.
The Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy diploma is a level-9 programme consisting of ten modules, totalling 60 credits, including career development workshops, and significant laboratory training experience.
Modules
- BT6004 Skills-based Education and Training in Biotechnology (10 credits)
- BC6005 Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (5 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 ATMP (5 credits)
- BC6011 Genetic and Applied Genomics (5 credits)
- BC6012 ATMP Manufacturing Science and Technology (5 credits)
- BC6013 Laboratory-based Technical and Analytical Skills (10 credits)
MSc Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy: Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy, who have passed all modules within the PG Diploma, and have received an aggregate mark of 50%, will be eligible to progress to the Master of Science in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy. The MSc Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy is a full-time programme which comprises a work-related research project (BC6014), worth 30 credits, carried out primarily in an industry or academic research laboratory over six-month period during one academic year. The MSc will not be funded as part of the HCI Pillar 1 initiative and students will be required to self fund this Masters. Eligible Graduates should contact the programme coordnator or course director directly to apply for the MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy. The cost for the MSc is €3,000.
Course Practicalities
This course will be delivered in a blended manner comprising online recordings, course notes, learning exercises, and face-to-face teaching. This blended learning embraces the ‘flipped classroom’ approach, facilitating a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
We draw our faculty from NIBRT staff and UCC academics and scientists studying, developing, and manufacturing new biological medicines. Additional lectures are provided by staff from local biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Student workload will be up to 20 hours per week with a minimum of 20 additional study hours per week.
Semesters 1 & 2
During semesters 1 & 2, face-to-face classes/workshops will run on Thursdays from 14:00-17:00 on the UCC Campus. Lectures and course notes will also be available online, giving you the flexibility to cover the material at your own convenience during the week, with no requirement to be present in person or online at a particular time.
Semester 3
During semester 3, all our students participate in a significant UCC-based laboratory training experience on the UCC Campus. While some aspects of this can be completed online, there will be a requirement for you to attend a 5-day training session at the University during one of two consecutive weeks in June.
In addition, during semester 3 students participate in 2 days of on-site practical training at the Cell and Gene Therapy Training Facility at NIBRT, Dublin. There will be a requirement for you to attend a 2-day training session at the Cell and Gene Therapy Training Facility at NIBRT during one of two consecutive weeks in June.
Assessment
Examination and assessment will be by continuous assessment and will consist of online Canvas assessments as per UCC Marks and Standards.
Why Choose This Course
Why study Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy?
Lead by advances in research and medicine, there is an ongoing revolution that is changing how we prevent, treat, and cure, many previously incurable, life-altering conditions and diseases. Research in advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs), including cell therapies, gene therapies, mRNA-based medicines and novel vaccines, contributes to the development and manufacture of new advanced therapeutics, which offer better medicinal and treatment opportunities for patients.
It is predicted that 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. We are collaborating with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Dublin, to offer a programme 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.
Who should apply?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy is suitable for those of you wishing to pursue a career in the biopharmaceutical, and/or healthcare industries. It is designed for graduates in 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 for those of you who have experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and who wish to progress your knowledge and diversify your 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
There are no structured placement or study abroad opportunities provided directly through the PG Diploma, however, candidates spend two days at the NIBRT Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy Training Facility in Dublin.
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 programme are highly employable regionally, nationally, and internationally.
What sort of jobs would this course prepare me for?
This programme ideally prepares you for quality and manufacturing roles in the biopharmaceutical industry. On successful completion of the programme, you should be capable of working in a regulated biopharmaceutical sector, including the development and manufacture of ATMPs.
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. You will also have the opportunity to participate in on-site practical training at the Cell and Gene Therapy Training and Research Facility at (NIBRT), Dublin.
Are there any career workshops included as part of this course?
In the BT6004 Skills Based Education And Training In Biotechnology module, you are required to complete coursework related to practitioner and professional skills related to the practice of biotechnology including skills in the following areas: teamwork, technical writing, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, networking, work placement, presentation and communication, project management, and presentations on current topics and on practices in Biotechnology.
Requirements
Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a relevant science, engineering or medical health sciences programme.
A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements. These applicants will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed on the following factors:
- Academic achievement
- Prior Work Experience
- Letter of Reference
- Personal Statement
All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See our English language proficiency requirements.
Fees and Costs
Places will be subsidised under the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 as follows:
- Standard EU Fee: €9,300
- 90% Subsidised Fee: €930 payable by the applicant.
- 100% Subsidised Fee: No course fee is payable by the applicant.
See What will it cost? on the HCI webpage for more information.
How To Apply
Applications for 2023 are now closed.
- If you have a Springboard+ account - please apply here
- If you are new to Springboard+ - please apply here
- When you log in to your existing account or register for a new account, go to the courses tab at the top of the page and search for the course you are interested in applying for. Further instructions can be found in the 'How to Apply' section of the Springboard+ webpage.
Candidates are advised to apply early as high demand is anticipated and places are limited. Applications will NOT be assessed until all supporting documentation has been received. Please ensure that you have the documentation below available at the time of application.
For mainstream applications, you will need:
- Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications
- Personal / Motivation Statement - In 300 words or less, please state:
- 1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
- 2) How you meet the programme entry requirements.
- Current CV
- Copy of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers
For applications considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you will need:
- Copies of transcripts and parchments for any previous relevant educational qualifications
- Current CV
- References where applicable
- Personal / Motivation Statement - In 500 words or less, please state:
- 1) Why you wish to study this programme at University College Cork
- 2) How you meet the programme entry requirements.
- Copy of an up to-date University approved English language exam e.g. IELTS, TOFEL, Duolingo etc., for non-native English speakers.
Eligibility Requirements:
All applicants must -
- be living full time in the Republic of Ireland
- hold a valid Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
- have lived in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for 3 out of the past 5 years
- meet the nationality/visa requirement i.e.,
- you are an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss national OR
- you have a Stamp 4/Stamp 4 EU FAM, Stamp 5, or Stamp 6 on your Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card or GNIB card.