Biopharmaceutical Technology – MSc/Postgrad Diploma

Campus: Athlone
years: 1
Fees: €7,800 EU applicants; €16,500* non-EU

Level 9
Course Type Postgraduate – Taught
Study Mode Full Time
Department Pharmaceutical Sciences & Biotechnology

Course Overview

TUS has successfully produced highly employable biotechnology graduates at NFQ level 7 and 8 since the programmes were initially offered in 1996. The Master of Science/ Postgraduate Diploma (MSc/PgD) in Biopharmaceutical Technology builds on the expertise and industry links TUS has developed over this time. The programme was conceived in response to significant job opportunities within Ireland’s large and expanding biopharmaceutical sector. In addition to lectures and laboratory sessions at TUS, and site visits to local biopharmaceutical plants, students on the MSc/PgD will receive practical training at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) in Dublin.

NIBRT is a replica of a functional bioprocessing plant, equipped with all of the manufacturing equipment you would expect to find in a modern bioprocessing facility (for example, upstream, downstream, fill finish and bioanalytical facilities). The NIBRT placement will allow students to gain hands-on experience of the processes involved in biopharmaceutical production.

The MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology runs at the Athlone campus of TUS from September to August. The programme consists of theory and practical classes which are held at TUS, a training period in the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT), site visits to biopharmaceutical plants and guest lectures from individuals working at the cutting edge of the biopharmaceutical industry.

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Contact Details

Dr. Carmel Kealey

Head of Department

Carmel.Kealey@tus.ie

Dr. Siobhan Kavanagh

Course Co-Ordinator

Email: Siobhan.Kavanagh@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Eligible candidates should have a first or a second class honours grade or an international equivalent in a Biology or Chemistry-related primary degree (for example Biotechnology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Physiology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification).

Graduates who hold equivalent qualifications in related science and technology disciplines or who have relevant industrial experience will be considered for places on a case-by-case basis.

Non-EU nationals must provide evidence of ability to follow classes in English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Applicants may be required to attend TUS for an interview. An online Zoom/Skype/MS Teams interview may be arranged for international students.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

Protein Biochemistry

Credits: 5
Analytical Tools for Characterising Biopharmaceuticals

Credits: 5
Research Methods and Professional Development Skills

Credits: 5
Cell Culture & Cell Line Development

Credits: 5
Lean Six Sigma

Credits: 5
Methods in Biopharmaceutical Production (Year-long)

Credits: 15

Year 1 – Semester 2

Methods in Biopharmaceutical Production (Year-long)

Credits: 15
Immunobiologics

Credits: 5
Contemporary Issues in Biopharma

Credits: 5
Bioprocess Technology

Credits: 5
Quality by Design and Project Management

Credits: 5

Semester 3

Research Project

Credits: 30

The Research Project (30 credits), a crucial element of the M.Sc in Biopharmaceutical Technology, is carried out in semester 3. Preparatory work for projects begins in September, through the module Research Methods and Professional Development Skills, where research titles/topics are assigned, research questions are defined, and project plans developed. A focused literature review is carried out in Semester 2 and laboratory-based research is carried out under supervision in semester 3. This research opportunity enables students to adapt various techniques to overcome research challenges, and to gain experience and develop skills in the analysis and interpretation of data. Research findings are presented in written (thesis) and oral format at the beginning of August

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Nine of the top ten global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have significant operations in Ireland and seven of the ten worldwide ‘blockbuster’ drug products are manufactured in Ireland. The Irish Government’s Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has identified the Biopharma sector as one which will continue to require highly qualified and skilled scientists over the coming years. The modules offered on the Master of Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical Technology were designed to meet these identified current and future skills shortages in the Irish and international Biopharmaceutical sector. The programme also provides a route towards a career in Research and Development within academia and industry. Graduates from this programme can expect to develop careers in a variety of roles in the Biopharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotechnology and Medical Diagnostics sectors.

Further Study

Students can progress to an appropriate Level 10 on completion.