Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

This 3-semester long part-time course has been designed to is to help science, engineering and related graduates to re-skill or up-skill with the required knowledge and skills to assist them in gaining employment in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices and related Life Sciences industries.



The aim of this programme is to help science, engineering, and related graduates to re-skill or up-skill with the required knowledge and skills to assist them in gaining employment in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, and related Life Sciences industries. The programme aims to develop technical skills and knowledge in some of the core areas which have been identified as skills gaps in the (Bio)pharma sector. The programme will be a combination of online delivery and face to face practical sessions in DkIT and in NIBRT. Students will get the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge as part of a work placement in a relevant company if currently unemployed. Students in employment who may be re-skilling will have the option to complete the work placement with their current employer.

Semester 1

(Bio)Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management

Fundamentals of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

Health and Safety for the (Bio)Pharmaceutical Industry



Semester 2

Bioprocessing

Regulatory Affairs & (Bio)Pharmaceutical Data Integrity

Validation and Instrumentation



Semester 3

Project (Bio)Pharma Manufacturing

Work Placement (Bio)Pharma Manufacturing

Applicants should have a level 8 major award in Engineering/Science

OR

a Level 7 major award in a cognate Science discipline

OR

a Level 7 major award in Engineering with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the Pharmaceutical/Biopharmaceutical Industry.



Applicants for whom English is not their first language must have English level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.



Applicants who do not meet these academic criteria may be admitted though the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Learn more about RPL at DkIT



Such candidates are assessed through a reference-supported application and interview.

3 semesters, part-time, blended.



This course is delivered using a blended learning approach with weekly on-line classes, and hands-on practical lab-based sessions (at the end of the semester). Students will also be expeted to undertake directed and independent study.



Online classes runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5.30-9.30pm.



Students have to attend DKIT for 3 days (09.00 to 16.30hrs) at the end of each semester for laboratory-based classes.



Please note: Final exams may be scheduled in the DkIT campus during the daytime.



Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course.

Start date September 2026

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Higher Diploma in Science in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing will have professional skills and knowledge in the area of biopharmaceutical production. They will be able to effectively contribute and progress in (bio)pharmaceutical or related settings, in areas such as manufacture, validation, quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory affairs. Graduates could also seek further educational qualifications in a (bio)pharmaceutical or related area.