Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology - Tertiary Education Programme
The innovative BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining key modules from the MedTech, Pharma, and Food processing industries.
| Award Name | Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Ordinary Bachelor (Level 7 NFQ) | Major | Munster Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
| Level 6 Higher Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | Munster Technological University | Level 6 NFQ |
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
3 years.
Year 1
Cork Education and Training Board – Cork College of FET – Life Sciences Centre | Carrigaline Campus and scheduled time in MTU Bishopstown | Cork.
Years 2-3
Department of Process, Energy and Transport Engineering| Munster Technological University| Cork Campus| Rossa Avenue| Bishopstown, Cork| T12 P928.
Entry Requirements
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
OR
A Full level 5/6 QQI award
OR
Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)
OR
An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience. All applicants must demonstrate that they would qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028)
Careers / Further progression
Graduate opportunities include:
Manufacturing Associate
Environmental Monitoring Technician
Validation Technician
Production Supervisor (entry-level)
Regulatory Compliance Assistant
Continuous Improvement Associate
Industries:
Biopharmaceuticals & Pharmaceuticals
Medical Devices
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Chemicals & Materials Processing
The opportunity to progress academically include:
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
20
Applications will be accepted through the Courses page from 5th November and will close late September 2026.
The innovative BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining key modules from the MedTech, Pharma, and Food processing industries. The 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. Developed in close collaboration with industry partners, the BSc ensures graduates are fully prepared for the workforce, equipped with essential technical, regulatory, and analytical skills needed in high-value sectors such as MedTech, Pharma, and Food processing industries.
Addressing the evolving needs of the modern manufacturing industry, especially in sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food production, and energy, the tertiary BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology is modular and work-based, integrating industry projects and extended work placements. It is delivered via a CETB and MTU learning model across three years utilising CETB’s applied training facilities and MTU’s academic infrastructure. The programme is co-designed and co-delivered by both educational partners, with industry input, 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.
This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 3 year degree programme, designed to support academic success. Should a student have to leave the programme before completing the final year, tertiary degrees include embedded awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme. For this degree, they are:
After successfully completing Year 1 – NFQ level 5 Certificate in Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations (5M2162) from QQI
After successfully completing Year 2 – Higher Certificate in Science in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology
The final NFQ level 7 BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology is awarded by MTU.
Special Features
Additional Considerations
Interview and personal statement will be an entry requirement
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.
Students must obtain a Merit grade in the Certificate in Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations (5M2162), which comprises Year 1 of this programme, to progress to Year 2 of this programme.
Year 1 – Level 5 Award 5M2162 – FE
Code Title
5N4546 Bioprocessing
5N1921 Cleanroom Operations
5N2158 Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness
5N3484 Plant Utilities
5N1367 Teamworking
4N21810 Environmental Sustainability Awareness
5N1915 Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing
5N1356 Work Experience
5N1959 Quality & Good Manufacturing Practice
Year 2 – MTU
Code Title
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 – MTU
Code Title
PLAC7030 Process Manu. Work Placement
CHEP7002 Chemical Applications
MANU7006 Maintenance and Utilities
MGMT7048 Manufacturing Operations
MGMT7060 People Management
MGMT7047 Technology Transfer
MANU7007 Validation Science
For more information, please contact the Tertiary Managers at feather@corketb.ie or admissions@corketb.ie
Gobnait Burke
FET-HE Programme Development Co-Ordinator
nto@corketb.ie
Kathy Bradley
FET-HE Programme Development Coordinator
nto@corketb.ie