Science - Biopharmaceutical Science
Pursue an exciting career in science and find your niche. This course gives students the opportunity to study common science topics for the first 2 years before specialising into an Award option stream in Years 3 and 4; Biopharmaceutical Science or Environmental Bioscience.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Dundalk Institute of Technology | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 Years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Level 8 Honours Degree Courses (Level 8)
The standard minimum entry requirement for first year admission to Level 8 Honours Degree Courses at DkIT is:
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
⊲ INCLUDING At least two H5 Grades
⊲ AND Mathematics Grade O6 or H7
⊲ AND English Grade O6 or H7 OR Irish Grade O6 or H7
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade H6 or above in higher level mathematics in the Irish Leaving Certificate examination. This means that the maximum cumulative Leaving Certificate points total is 625. Bonus points will be awarded irrespective of the year in which the examinations were taken. The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the higher level mathematics subject (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for point’s purposes. Consequently, if higher level mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.
Foundation Level Mathematics
Foundation level mathematics will be accepted as a passing subject for Level 7 courses where Leaving Certificate Mathematics is not a specific subject requirement.
Foundation Level Mathematics does not meet the entry requirements for Level 8 courses.
The minimum Level 7 entry requirement in Mathematics is as follows:
F2 at Foundation Level
Or a O6 at Ordinary Level
Or a H7 at Higher Level
Where a grade of F2 or higher is achieved and Foundation Level Mathematics is acceptable for entry to a specific course, the following points scoring system will be used:
Grade Points
F1 20
F2 12
Note: Applicants are advised that despite the fact that Foundation Level Mathematics may meet the minimum Mathematics requirement for entry into some academic courses, some employers require Ordinary Level Mathematics or higher to meet minimum educational attainment for some positions.
Maths Entry Exam
We have now introduced a Maths Entrance Examination to those CAO applicants who did meet the basic maths entry requirement but not the additional Maths Entry Requirements for the Level 8 BEng (Hons) in Engineering (Common Entry), BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development. The exam aims to provide eligible applicants with a second chance to qualify for an offer. The exam is usually held at the end of August (after results have been issued) and applicants must pre-register to take the exam. To find out more information about the Maths Entry Exam please visit: www.dkit.ie/maths-entry-exam
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Holders of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) apply in the normal way through the CAO system. Points are awarded on the same basis as per the leaving certificate. The LCVP subject will be considered as a passing subject provided the student achieves at least a pass grade. This will apply to entry for honours degree (NFQ Level 8), and Ordinary Degree (NFQ Level 7).
The following points scoring system will be used
Grade Points
Pass 28
Merit 46
Distinction 66
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
The Leaving Certificate Applied Programme (LCAP) subjects do not meet the minimum entry requirements for admission to academic courses and are not considered as passing subjects. Holders of the LCAP may wish to undertake a QQI-FET course in order to gain eligibility for entry to third-level courses in DkIT
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Future Careers:
⊲ Biopharmaceutical Science
⊲ Technical consultancy
⊲ Industrial research
⊲ Quality Management
⊲ Analytical Chemistry
⊲ Medical laboratory science
⊲ Resource Management and Environmental Advocacy
⊲ Science administration or management
⊲ Teaching
Further information
September 2026
Who is a Mature Applicant?
Any applicant 23 years of age or over on 1st January in the year of entry to first year of a full-time course is considered to be a mature applicant. Dundalk Institute of Technology actively encourages applications on mature grounds and we reserve a minimum of 20% of places on all courses for applicants who access the programme via the mature entry route. Mature students register on all programmes and contribute positively to academic and campus life.
In recent years, mature students have represented approximately 15% of all first year entrants. The Student Learning and Development Centre provides a range of learning supports designed to assist mature students reach their full potential.
How do I decide on a course?
It is important that you make an informed choice. Our Undergraduate Handbook provides contact details of academic staff in each department. You should make contact with the relevant person – ideally, arrange a mutually convenient time to discuss. It is important to make sure that the course is in line with your career plans and that you are academically prepared for and suited to that particular area of study. Talking with academic staff on the course is also an opportunity for you to find out the level of demand for certain courses (among mature applicants) and to find out what the minimum criteria may be.
When do I have to apply?
To be considered as a mature applicant, you must apply to the CAO by 1st February. If the mature student quota is not filled with 1st February applicants, the decision may be taken to assess late applications to the CAO (i.e. those who apply to the CAO after 1st February). However, there is no guarantee that late applications will be assessed on mature grounds as the quota on each course may
be filled with 1st February applicants.
Have a question about applying as a mature student?
Contact
Eileen Lynch
Access Officer
T +353 (0)42 937 0236
E access@dkit.ie
W www.dkit.ie/maturestudents
https://www.dkit.ie/admissions/how-to-apply/cao-first-year-entry.html
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
What is Science?
Scientists are extremely important to modern society as they investigate the challenges and possibilities of the natural and technological world, from drug discovery and public health to environmental concerns. Biopharmaceutical science is the study of how biological molecules can be designed, manufactured and used as medicines.
Course Description
This course focuses on how to develop, analyse and produce new drugs while developing an understanding of the principal scientific challenges in the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products.
It prepares students for work on the cutting-edge medicines of the future (like monoclonal antibodies, mRNA vaccines, gene therapies, etc.) Students will also undertake training in a simulated (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing plant environment.
Work Placement
One work placement in Year 3.
Professional Accreditations
Students choosing the Biopharmaceutical Science Award will be able to participate in training at the National Institute for Bioprocessing and Training (NIBRT).
What will I study?
Year 1
Biology | Physics through Problem-Based Learning | Practical Skills in Science | Mathematics | Digital & Communication Skills | Chemistry
Year 2
Introduction to Organic Chemistry | Microbiology | Analytical Science | Molecular Biology | Biochemistry | Biopharmaceutical Therapeutics | Biotechnology | Environmental Principles and Policy
Year 3
Regulatory Affairs and GMP Compliance | Pharmacopoeial Characterisation | Immunology | Quality Management | Bioanalytical Science | Physiology & Pharmacology | Work Placement or Science and Employability Skills Module Option
Year 4
Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing and Regulatory Requirements | Biopharmaceutical Processing (Upstream) | Genomics and Bioinformatics | Research Project | Biopharmaceutical Processing (Downstream) | Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products
Course Contact
Sergio Moreira
E sergio.moreira@dkit.ie