Biotechnology

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 the world’s top 10 global biopharmaceutical companies.



The MSc Biotechnology is taught by leading academics in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science. It 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 biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. It also provides modules on food and environmental biotechnology, as well as industrially relevant expertise in bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials.



- 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



What Will I Learn?

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



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



3. Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate biotechnology research



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



5. 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.)



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



Student Internships

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. The following internships are examples of past placements and are a guide only: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, MSD, Alltech, ICON plc, and Assay Genie.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

Stage 1 Core Modules

BIOC40180 Professional Career Development Autumn 5

MICR40020 Microbial and Animal Cell Products Autumn 5

BIOC40160 Drug Develop & Clinical Trials Spring 5

BMOL40390 SynBio for Bioeconomy Spring 5

MICR40140 Environmental Biotechnology Spring 5

PHAR40240 Regulatory Affairs for Life Sciences Spring 5



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:

Option modules

BIOC40250 Biomedical Diagnostics&Devices Autumn 7.5

BMOL40120 The Business of Biotechnology and Science Autumn 5

MICR40010 Recombinant DNA Technology Autumn 5

PHAR40200 Biotherapeutic Pipeline I Autumn 5

BMOL40190 Multicellular Systems Spring 5

BMOL40360 Bioprocessing Spring 5

CELB40160 HCS Microscopy Spring 5

MICR40100 Emerging Issues in Biotechnology Spring 5

MICR40130 Food Biotechnology Spring 2.5

BIOC40120 MSc Biotech Project Summer 30

BIOC40240 Biotech MSc Internship Summer 30

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



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

MSc Biotechnology (X439) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 8440

nonEU fee per year - € 25600


***Fees are subject to change


Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

This 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.