Biotherapeutics & Business

The MSc in Biotherapeutics & Business educates students on the practical uses of molecular advances in the discovery of proteins and other biomolecular drug candidates and their development into biotherapeutics. It will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the development of biotherapeutics, beginning with pre-clinical modelling and target identification together with antibody engineering, biochemical and biophysical characterisation, and development issues for bioprocessing. Regulatory issues, and innovation and commercialisation strategies, will also be covered. You will also receive a comprehensive business education. You will learn to identify and solve business problems in local and international settings, enhance your communication and leadership skills, and improve your ability for independent thinking and developing creative solutions.



- The UCD MSc Biotherapeutics and Business programme has a global, multidisciplinary perspective with contributions from national and international academics and experts.



- Students share their first-hand practical experience with other MSc students and professionals from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds and this creates a dynamic learning environment.



What Will I Learn?

1 - Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of business principles as they relate to the biotherapeutics industry

2 - Students will be able to apply their knowledge to overcome problems with commercialisation of research in a biotherapeutics focus area

3 - Students will be able to conduct applied studies on valuation of new drug entities from the biotherapeutics industry

4 - Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate biotechnology research

5 - Students will be able to work alongside scientists and entrepreneurs to develop and commercialise novel biotechnological solutions

6 - Students will be able to develop effective time management, problem-solving and reporting skills as required in a professional workplace

7 - Students will be able to develop a professional approach to engaging with industry and an applied methodology in preparing for employment opportunities

Stage 1 Core Modules

BIOC40180 Professional Career Development Autumn 5

BMOL40120 The Business of Biotechnology and Science Autumn 5

MKT42310 Marketing Management MSc Bio&B Autumn 7.5

PHAR40200 Biotherapeutic Pipeline I Autumn 5

BMGT45430 Business Strategy Spring 7.5

BMOL40380 Organisational Behaviour Spring 5

FIN41440 Corporate Finance (BB) Spring 7.5

PHAR40210 Biotherapeutic Pipeline II Spring 5

PHAR40220 Systems Biology in Drug Dev Spring 5

BMOL40130 Feasibility and Business Plan Summer 20

PHAR40350 Biotherapeutics Case Study Summer 10



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:

(Options) Select from the following

BIOC40250 Biomedical Diagnostics&Devices Autumn 7.5

MICR40010 Recombinant DNA Technology Autumn 5

BMOL40190 Multicellular Systems Spring 5

CELB40160 HCS Microscopy Spring 5

MICR40100 Emerging Issues in Biotechnology Spring 5

PHAR40240 Regulatory Affairs for Life Sciences Spring 5

Candidates must have obtained at least an upper Second Class Honours (2:1) Grade or equivalent in an honours BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.



If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. English Language qualifications include a minimum score of 550 (213 computer based) for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or 6.5 (with a score of 6 obtained in each category) for International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted such as the Cambridge Certificate. Tests used as evidence of language proficiency must have been completed within the last 12 months.



2 academic references will be required, at least one to be from a science faculty member.



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

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Careers & Employability

This graduate degree in Biotherapeutics & Business has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore will be recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a business development plan, which will allow graduates to develop connections with prospective employers, thereby enhancing chances of employment on graduation.



Prospective employers include Abbott, Allergan, Amgen, Baxter Healthcare, Eli Lilly and Co., Dignity Sciences, GSK, Icon Clinical Research, ImmunoGen Inc., Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Ltd., MSD, Quintiles, Quest International, Sandoz and Seroba Life Sciences.