Expand+The programme is intended for applicants who have an Upper Second Class Honours Degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or chemical science. This includes a BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physi...

Hide-The programme is intended for applicants who have an Upper Second Class Honours Degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or chemical science. This includes a BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.

Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology or with proven relevant industrial experience may be considered for places. The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree and experience. A significant amount of lab experience will be required, e.g. a laboratory based project or equivalent component(s), at a senior stage of the student's degree.

2 academic references will be required, at least one to be from a science faculty member

Early Applications

In previous years, all spaces on this suite of programmes have been offered by May of the previous academic year. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. English Language qualifications include a minimum score of 550 (213 computer based) for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or 6.5 (with a score of 6 obtained in each category) for International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted such as the Cambridge Certificate. Tests used as evidence of language proficiency must have been completed within the last 12 months.

Expand+Features.
The UCD MSc Biotherapeutics programme has a global, multidisciplinary perspective with contributions from national and international academics and experts.

A key feature is your participation in a research intensive 6 month laboratory-...

Hide-Features.
The UCD MSc Biotherapeutics programme has a global, multidisciplinary perspective with contributions from national and international academics and experts.

A key feature is your participation in a research intensive 6 month laboratory-based project on the development of new antibody molecules and antibody engineering. This is a highly sought after element for prospective employers, and will make graduates more visible in industrial and academic applications upon graduation.

The programme's taught component will comprise of modules to enhance skills and understanding of the biotherapeutics industry prior to your research project, including microscopy, bioprocessing, recombinant DNA technology, biotherapeutics discovery, etc.

The programme also gives focus to professional and personal development, equipping graduates with communication, team-working and other professional skills required for industrial and academic settings.

Expand+MSc Biotherapeutics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
MSc Biotherapeutics will provide the theoretical background, practical training and ancillary workplace skills that will equip graduates with the essential tools for a successful caree...

Hide-MSc Biotherapeutics

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
MSc Biotherapeutics will provide the theoretical background, practical training and ancillary workplace skills that will equip graduates with the essential tools for a successful career in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry both in Ireland and abroad. 

Expert faculty and senior industry practitioners working at the forefront of their disciplines
Hands-on practical experience in bioprocessing
Large research component in hi-tech research lab
Company visits and access to The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) on campus

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The programme is intended for applicants who have an Upper Second Class Honours Degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or chemical science. This includes a BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.

Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology or with proven relevant industrial experience may be considered for places.

Course Description
This programme will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the development of biotherapeutics, beginning with pre-clinical modelling and target identification together with antibody engineering, biochemical and biophysical characterisation, and development issues for bioprocessing. Systems biology of biotechnological processes and approaches to the analysis of proteomics based discovery data will be covered in detail together with mathematical modelling, bioinformatics analysis and data integration strategies. Regulatory issues, and innovation and commercialisation strategies, will also be covered. Mammalian cell culture and bioprocess laboratory structure will be comprehensively covered in addition to novel approaches to therapeutic development. A practical drug discovery laboratory project will form a significant component of the experience of how candidates are identified and brought through the development pipeline.

Expand+Stage 1 - Core

Professional Career Development BIOC40180
Bioprocessing Laboratory CHEN40090
Biotherapeutic Pipeline I PHAR40200
Biotherapeutic Pipeline II PHAR40210
Systems Biology in Drug Dev PHAR40220
Project in Biotherapeutics Dev PHAR4023...

Hide-Stage 1 - Core

Professional Career Development BIOC40180
Bioprocessing Laboratory CHEN40090
Biotherapeutic Pipeline I PHAR40200
Biotherapeutic Pipeline II PHAR40210
Systems Biology in Drug Dev PHAR40220
Project in Biotherapeutics Dev PHAR40230

Stage 1 - Option

Biomedical Diagnostics BIOC40110
Pharmacology and Drug Development BIOC40170
The Business of Biotechnology and Science BMOL40120
Biological Imaging BMOL40180
Multicellular Systems BMOL40190
HCS Microscopy CELB40160
Recombinant DNA Technology MICR40010
Microbial and Animal Cell Products MICR40020
Emerging Issues in Biotechnology MICR40100
Regulatory Affairs in Science PHAR40240