Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy - HCI Pillar 1

Course Outline
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy at UCC is a one-year programme designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in the rapidly developing field of advanced therapeutic medicinal products. This industry-informed curriculum is delivered by academics and scientists studying, developing, and manufacturing new biological medicines, to provide you with the necessary skills required by employers in the biomedical research, biopharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors.

On this programme, you have the opportunity to participate in training at the state-of-the-art Cell and Gene Therapy Training and Research Facility at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). This will expose you to a realistic simulated training environment that prepares you for real-life work situations. With this course, we aim to broaden your professional development by challenging you to use critical thinking to overcome industrial problems and develop transferable skills.

A key aspect of the programme is our partnership with the NIBRT which provides valuable insight, skills and knowledge that bridge the gap between academic teaching and industry practice. Our active cooperation with industry in curriculum design and delivery will enhance the learning experience and prepares you for employment in this sector.

The Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy diploma is a level-9 programme consisting of ten modules, totalling 60 credits, including career development workshops, and significant laboratory training experience.

Placement or Study Abroad Information
There are no structured placement or study abroad opportunities provided directly through the PG Diploma, however, candidates spend two days at the NIBRT Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy Training Facility in Dublin. MSc participants can perform their work-based research project in any location internationally deemed suitable by their academic mentor.

Modules:
BT6004 Skills-based Education and Training in Biotechnology (10 credits)
BC6005 Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (5 Credits)
BC6006 Gene Editing, Therapy and Manipulation (5 credits)
BC6007 Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Repair (5 credits)
BC6008 Fundamentals of Vaccines (5 credits)
BC6009 Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Human Diseases (5 credits)
BC6010 Clinical and Ethical Applications of ATMP (5 credits)
BC6011 Genetic and Applied Genomics (5 credits)
BC6012 ATMP Manufacturing Science and Technology (5 credits)
BC6013 Laboratory-based Technical and Analytical Skills (10 credits)

MSc Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy:
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy, who have passed all modules within the PG Diploma, and have received an aggregate mark of 50%, will be eligible to progress to the Master of Science in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy. The MSc Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy is a full-time programme which comprises a work-related research project (BC6014), worth 30 credits, carried out primarily in an industry or academic research laboratory over six-month period during one academic year. The MSc will not be funded as part of the HCI Pillar 1 initiative and students will be required to self fund this Masters. Eligible Graduates should contact the programme coordinator or course director directly to apply for the MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy. The cost for the MSc is €3,000.

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a relevant science, engineering or medical health sciences programme.

Under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants who do not meet the above academic entry requirements may be considered for admission and will be assessed on a number of factors including:
- Academic Achievement
- Prior Work Experience
- Personal Statement

12 months full-time.

Start Date: 9th September 2024.

Skills and Careers Information
What is the biopharmaceutical industry like in Ireland?
Over the past two decades, Ireland has established itself as a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and has been tremendously successful in attracting multinational companies to establish manufacturing operations across the country. Ireland is home to more than 85 biopharmaceutical sites and 9 of the to 10 global pharmaceutical companies have substantial operations in Ireland. In recent years there has been an upsurge in research and growing cell and gene therapy investment.

Nationally and internationally, new and established biopharmaceutical companies are expanding into the development and manufacture of advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs), including cell therapies, gene therapies, mRNA-based medicines, and novel vaccines. This is paralleled by increased demand for the employment of skilled personnel and increased demand for trained personnel in such a quickly evolving area.

Graduates of our Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy programme are highly employable regionally, nationally, and internationally.

What sort of jobs would this course prepare me for?
This programme ideally prepares you for quality and manufacturing roles in the biopharmaceutical industry. On successful completion of the programme, you should be capable of working in a regulated biopharmaceutical sector, including the development and manufacture of ATMPs.

Will I get exposure to the pharmaceutical industry in this course?
Given that Cork is a global biopharmaceutical hub, this course will have direct input from these companies, via guest lectures and site tours. You will also have the opportunity to participate in on-site practical training at the Cell and Gene Therapy Training and Research Facility at (NIBRT), Dublin.

Are there any career workshops included as part of this course?
In the BT6004 Skills Based Education And Training In Biotechnology module, you are required to complete coursework related to practitioner and professional skills related to the practice of biotechnology including skills in the following areas: teamwork, technical writing, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, networking, work placement, presentation and communication, project management, and presentations on current topics and on practices in Biotechnology.