Expand+Candidates are expected to have an upper second class honours grade or international equivalent in a Biology or Chemistry primary degree. This includes a degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physi...

Hide-Candidates are expected to have an upper second class honours grade or international equivalent in a Biology or Chemistry primary degree. This includes a degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.

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

- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

- Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.

Expand+MSc Biotechnology
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/or biological techniques. Ireland has an enviable biotechnology sector and is home to 9 of th...

Hide-MSc Biotechnology
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/or biological techniques. Ireland has an enviable biotechnology sector and is home to 9 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies.

In the Summer Trimester you will either complete an internship in a relevant biotechnology company or conduct a research project in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science.

Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)

Modules on food and environmental biotechnology,

Industrially relevant expertise in facility design and bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials

Academic or industry lab project of significant benefit to previous programme graduates

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Course Description
Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/ or biological techniques. It is a collection of technologies that capitalise on the attributes of cells and biological molecules, such as DNA, to work for us. The primary biotechnology activity carried out in Ireland is research and development. Ireland has experienced massive growth across the biotechnology sector including food, environmental and pharmaceutical industries in the last decade. Ireland is home to nine of the top 10 global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck, BristolMyers Squibb and Genzyme, with seven of the 10 world blockbuster pharmaceuticals made here. The MSc in Biotechnology is taught by leading academics in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and focuses on broadening your knowledge and understanding of the current technologies and processes in the biotechnology industry, including approaches being applied to further advance the discovery and design of new and highly innovative biotech and pharmaceutical products and technologies. It also provides modules on food and environmental biotechnology, as well as industrially relevant expertise in facility design, bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials.

Vision and Values Statement
The MSc programme in Biotechnology is designed for life science/chemistry graduates and aims to develop the students’ specific knowledge and skills in biotechnology, positioning them for employment in bio-based industries or PhD research. The graduates of the MSc Biotechnology programme will be very well informed on a range of biotechnology-related topics and the problems encountered within a commercial biotechnology environment. We aim to produce highly motivated, independent thinkers with well-developed problem-solving ability and capable of working effectively in a professional environment either alone or in teams. There is a particular emphasis on career development and introducing the students to professionals from private biotechnology companies. We provide a scholarly environment within which students’ interest in biotechnology is advanced through lectures by experts from academia and industry. Their creativity and problem solving skills are enhanced through group projects and computer-based learning tools. The students develop practical biotechnology skills in a research project that is conducted either in the university’s research laboratories or as an internship in a relevant biotechnology/biotherapeutic industry. The different teaching approaches employed in the delivery of the curriculum is reflected in the variety of assessment, which includes classical written examination, posters, oral assessments, collaborative presentations, case studies and a final thesis based on the research project.

Expand+Programme Outcomes
Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate biotechnology research

Students will be able to comprehend the challenges of scaling bioprocesses and apply their knowledge to overcome these

Students will be able t...

Hide-Programme Outcomes
Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate biotechnology research

Students will be able to comprehend the challenges of scaling bioprocesses and apply their knowledge to overcome these

Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology

Students will be able to develop solutions to a range of challenges in the breadth of sectors to which biotechnology is relevant (health, agriculture, fine chemicals, waste etc.)

Students will be able to engage with potential employers in a professional manner

Students will be able to work safely and effectively in a biotechnology laboratory, both independently and as part of a team

Expand+Stage 1 - Core
Drug Develop & Clinical Trials BIOC40160
Professional Career Development BIOC40180
Recombinant DNA Technology MICR40010
Microbial and Animal Cell Products MICR40020
Emerging Issues in Biotechnology MICR40100
Environmental Biotech...

Hide-Stage 1 - Core
Drug Develop & Clinical Trials BIOC40160
Professional Career Development BIOC40180
Recombinant DNA Technology MICR40010
Microbial and Animal Cell Products MICR40020
Emerging Issues in Biotechnology MICR40100
Environmental Biotechnology MICR40140
Regulatory Affairs in Science PHAR40240

Stage 1 - Option
MSc Biotech Project BIOC40120
Biotech MSc Internship BIOC40240
Biomedical Diagnostics&Devices BIOC40250
The Business of Biotechnology and Science BMOL40120
Biological Imaging BMOL40180
Multicellular Systems BMOL40190
Bioprocessing BMOL40360
Food Biotechnology MICR40130
Biotherapeutic Pipeline I PHAR40200

Expand+Careers & Employability
This advanced graduate degree in Biotechnology has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore is recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a project in industry which will a...

Hide-Careers & Employability
This advanced graduate degree in Biotechnology has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore is recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a project in industry which will allow graduates to develop connections with prospective employers, thereby enhancing chances of employment on graduation. You will also have the opportunity to become part of a network of alumni in the field of Biotechnology.

Prospective employers include: Abbott; Allergan; Amgen; Baxter Healthcare; Beckman Coulter; Biotrin International Ltd.; Boston Scientific; Elan Corporation; Eli Lilly and Co.; Celltech; GSK; Icon Clinical Research; Johnson & Johnson Ltd.; Kerry Group Plc.; MSD; Quintiles; Sandoz; Serology Ltd.