Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies & Vaccines

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 15)

Ireland has a strong reputation as a Centre of Excellence for biopharmaceutical production. All of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies have a presence in Ireland and the sector as a whole employs over 30,000 people and contributes €54 billion in exports. There has been significant, sustained investment in recent years and this is set to continue due to the benefits which companies see in our highly skilled workforce, proven track record and the supportive ecosystem.



Vaccines and cell and gene therapies (CGTs) are an emerging and rapidly growing area of interest and Ireland is poised to continue expansion of manufacturing into this exciting area. This programme will provide students with an appreciation of the science and challenges associated with CGT and vaccine manufacture as part of their continuing professional development (CPD) and support them to pursue a successful career in the field.



The programme and its academic faculty are closely linked with the National Institute for Bioprocess Research and Training (NIBRT) which is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biomanufacturing. Content will be delivered by a blend of industrial leaders and academic experts using a hybrid approach ensuring a high quality, relevant curriculum accessible both in person and remotely.



Who should apply?



Part Time option suitable for:



Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The modules will be delivered in a hybrid format with the option to attend in-person lectures on the UCD campus or to study remotely. Lectures will take place on Friday evenings from 2 - 6 pm over the Spring trimester (12 weeks, Jan - May).



Modules offered:



Cell Therapy Technologies and Processing

Gene Therapy and Vaccine Technologies and Processing

GMP Manufacturing of Advanced Therapeutics

AN Honours Bachelor's degree with minimum 2:1 award (NFQ level 8) or international equivalence in a relevant Engineering, Science or Technology degree programme.

How to Apply?

The following entry routes are available:



PC Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies & Vaccines JanPT (T372)

Duration 6 Months

Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*



The first intake for this course will be January 2024. Applications will open January 2023.

6 Months part-time Blended

Next Intake: 2024/2025 January

The Professional Certificate is suitable for Science and Engineering graduates currently working in the biopharmaceutical industry or looking to move into the sector, who wish to expand their skill set to take advantage of the growth in the vaccine, and cell and gene therapies space. The number of companies active in this area is currently growing with Pfizer, Takeda, WuXi, MeiraGTx, VLE, Avectas, Onk and Orbsen Therapeutics leading the way.



Further Study



The credits gained can be used (RPL) toward further postgraduate qualifications offered by UCD should participants wish to pursue a higher qualification e.g. Graduate Certificate (30 credits) / Graduate Diploma (60 credits)/ MEngSc in Biopharmaceutical Engineering (90 credits).