Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | Munster Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
3 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Standard Entry (School Leavers) Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades, including:
• Mathematics (O6/H7)
• English or Irish (O6/H7)
Preference may be given to applicants with science or technical subjects such as:
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Engineering
• Applied Maths
Advanced Entry / Progression Pathways:
Applicants with the following may be eligible for advanced entry (typically to Year 2 or 3, subject to RPL or credit mapping): QQI Level 5 or Level 6 Awards in:
• Process Technology
• Engineering Technology
• Science (Laboratory Techniques, Applied Science, etc.)
• Pharmaceutical Operations
Relevant modules must include a combination of:
• Process operations or control systems
• Laboratory or quality systems
• Mathematics or problem-solving
Apprenticeship graduates in relevant disciplines may also be considered, particularly under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route Mature Applicants (23+) Mature learners (aged 23 or over on January 1st of the year of entry) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants will be assessed based on:
• Relevant work experience (e.g. in manufacturing, pharma, food, or biotech sectors)
• Personal statement/interview
• Evidence of motivation and capacity to succeed in a technical and academic environment Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and portfolio submission may support entry or module exemptions.
International Applicants International applicants must:
• Meet equivalent academic qualifications
• Provide evidence of English proficiency:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), with no band lower than 5.5
- Have documentation assessed through NARIC Ireland or similar credentialing bodies
Additional Considerations:
• Applicants may be invited to an interview or information session.
• Entry may also require occupational health clearance or GMP training prior to placement in regulated environments.
• Strong emphasis is placed on motivation, applied learning potential, and commitment to industry engagement.
• Due to restrictions on non-EU student visas which typically do not permit full-time work placements, non-EU student may not be eligible for consideration for a place on the programme. Admission to the programme will be coordinated and determined by the ETB through a comprehensive selection process, in collaboration with MTU.
All candidates must submit to the ETB:
• A completed application form
• A personal statement outlining their interest in and suitability for the course
• An interview, where candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their work, aspirations, and motivations
Progression from Year 1 to Year 2:
Students must obtain a Merit grade in the Certificate in Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations (Code PG22610), which comprises Year 1 of this programme, to progress to Year 2 of this programme.
Careers / Further progression
Career Options:
Graduates may enter roles such as:
• Manufacturing Associate
• Environmental Monitoring Technician
• Validation Technician
• Production Supervisor (entry-level)
• Regulatory Compliance Assistant
• Continuous Improvement Associate
Continuous Improvement Associate Industries:
• Biopharmaceuticals & Pharmaceuticals
• Medical Devices
• Food & Beverage Manufacturing
• Chemicals & Materials Processing
Progression:
The opportunity to progress academically includes:
• Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Technology, Industrial Engineering, or related disciplines
• Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)Process Plant Technology
• Level 8 Certificate in Process Data Analytics
• Postgraduate certificates (e.g., in Quality Assurance, Validation, or Lean Systems)
• Professional accreditation through industry bodies (e.g., ISPE, Engineers Ireland)
Further information
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• Students registered in Year 1 pay no student contribution and no capitation fee.
• Students in Year 2 and Year 3 must pay the Student Contribution Charge.
• The Student Contribution Charge is an annual charge which is set by the Government for all full-time third-level students.
• Students can apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) for a grant which, if approved, may cover 100% of the Student Contribution Charge.
Student Contribution Charge:
The Student Contribution Charge for the academic year is €3,000. This is an annual charge which is set by the Government for all full-time third-level students. Students can apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) for a grant which, if approved, may cover €500, 50% (€1,500) or 100% (€3,000) of the Student Contribution Charge. If students withdraw before 28th February, SUSI will only fund 50% of the Fee Grants above. The student will remain liable for the balance due in Semester 1.
Apply to the Admissions Office MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Application Deadline: 1st September 2025.
Overview
The innovative BSc in Process Technologies offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining key modules from the MedTech, Pharma, and Food processing industries.
This programme equips students with cutting-edge, industry-relevant skills, preparing them for roles as operators, technicians, or supervisors in high-growth sectors.
This practice-based degree aims to address significant skills gaps in Ireland’s advanced process manufacturing sectors, while supporting regional development, widening participation, and delivering on national education and industry policy objectives. This BSc is designed in consultation with industry to ensure graduates are work-ready and equipped with the technical, regulatory, and analytical skills required in the high-value sectors such as biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, food, and chemical sectors.
This Tertiary Level 7 BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice and Technology is designed to address the evolving needs of the modern manufacturing industry, especially in sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food production, and energy.
The tertiary BSc programme will be modular and work-based, integrating industry projects and extended work placements. It will be delivered via a CETB and MTU learning model across three years, utilising CETB’s applied training facilities and MTU’s academic infrastructure. The programme has been co-designed and co-delivered by both partners, ensuring academic integrity and industry relevance.
Key features of the Tertiary BSc. Level 7 include:
• Portfolio-based assessments and project work in partnership with local employers.
• Strong focus on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Lean Systems, Validation, and Process Improvement.
• Mentorship from both academic and industrial supervisors during placements.
Course Delivery:
Year 1:
Cork Education and Training Board – Cork College of FET – Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline Campus and one day per week in MTU, Bishopstown, Cork.
Years 2-3:
Department of Process Energy and Transport Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Munster Technological University, Cork Campus, Bishopstown, Cork.
Year 1 – Level 5 Award – FE:
• Bioprocessing 5N4546
• Cleanroom Operations 5N1921
• Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness 5N2158
• Plant Utilities 5N3484
• Teamworking 5N1367
• Environmental Sustainability Awareness NL12809
• Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing 5N1915
• Career Planning & Work Experience 5N1356
• Quality & Good Manufacturing Practice 5N1959
Students must obtain a Merit grade in the Certificate in Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations (Code PG22610), which comprises Year 1 of this programme, to progress to Year 2 of this programme.
Year 2 – Level 6 Award – MTU:
• CMOD6007 Academic & Professional Skills
• BIOL6007 Biomolecules and Cells
• CHEM6030 Chemistry for Manufacturing
• CHEP6004 GMP and Quality Control
• MATH6056 Maths for Biological Sciences
• PHYS6027 Measurement Science
• BIOM6004 Contamination Control
• PHYS6006 Intro. Industrial Automation
• CHEP7019 Introduction to Process Safety
• CHEP6015 Lean Manufacturing for Process
• MANU6013 Manufacturing Technology
• STAT6016 Statistics and Control Charts
Year 3 – Level 7 Award – MTU:
• PLAC7030 Process Manu. Work Placement
• CHEP7002 Chemical Applications
• MANU7006 Maintenance and Utilities
• MGMT7048 Manufacturing Operations
• MGMT7060 People Management
• MGMT7047 Technology Transfer
• MANU7007 Validation Science
MTU - Cork Campus
Bishopstown
Cork, Ireland.
T12 P928
Email: infocork@mtu.ie
Tel: +353 (0)21 432 6100