Biotechnology

The MSc Biotechnology at University College Cork is a one-year full time postgraduate programme designed to equip graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for careers in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries.



Students experience a unique blend of academic-led, industry-informed teaching on campus, combined with a six-month work placement at leading biopharmaceutical companies during which time students complete a six-month research project and dissertation. This immersive placement connects academic theory with real-world practice, offering hands-on experience and training with cutting-edge technologies and a direct pathway to future employment.



Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum has been updated to reflect advances in biologics development and manufacturing as well as in cell and gene therapies,— areas directly aligned with the needs of the biopharmaceutical companies where our students complete their work placements/internships.



Key features include:



New Core modules in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), Cell Immunotherapy Manufacturing, and Laboratory-based Technical and Analytical Skills



Training in biosafety, aseptic techniques, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and GMP/GLP-compliant documentation



Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, recombinant DNA technologies, and protein analytics (CRISPR/Cas9, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting,)



Development of scientific reasoning, data analysis, reporting, and bioprocess monitoring skills



Programme Structure



The MSc Biotechnology consists of:



Eight core modules delivered over two academic terms (Sept–Dec & Jan–Apr) – see list of modules below



Extensive lab-based practical sessions and workshops in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, data analytics, and career development



Industry site visits, guest lectures, and networking opportunities



A six-month work placement/internship with research project dissertation (April–Sept), supervised jointly by an academic and an industry mentor



Industry Connection

The programme is continually shaped by input from key stakeholders and professionals across the biopharmaceutical sector, ensuring graduates gain the skills and experience employers value most.

Core Modules



Semester 1 – Sept-Dec 2025 (30 credits)



• BC6001 Cell and Molecular Biology (5 credits)

• PF6301 Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation, Secondary Processing and Regulation (10 Credits)

• BC6016 Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products - includes laboratory training sessions. (10 credits)

• BT6007 Practitioner Based Skills in Biotechnology (5 credits)



Semester 2 – Jan-April 2026 (30 credits)



• BC6013 Laboratory-based Technical and Analytical Skills - includes laboratory training sessions. (10 credits)

• BC6015 Cell and Gene Therapy (5 credits)

• BC6017 Cell Immunotherapy Manufacturing Science and Technology (5 credits)

• PE6008 Bioprocess Engineering (10 credits)



Work Placement/Internship (6 months) – April-Sept 2026



• BT6005 Dissertation in Biotechnology (30 credits)



Research Project and Industry Work Placement/Internship

Students are required to complete a six-month individual research project in a selected area of science relevant to the ongoing work and research activities of their industry work placement/internship.

Applicants must have at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), in a subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme. Relevant subjects typically include those in the molecular and cell biology areas of the life sciences



Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), in a subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme (relevant subjects typically include any subject in the molecular and cell life sciences) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



Applicants with qualifications in related areas of science and technology, at a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) and with proven and relevant industrial experience may be considered for admission under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following assessment and interview by the Programme Director.



All applicants must have appropriate experience of laboratory-based training and/or research, such as laboratory-based research project/s undertaken as part of the applicants’ undergraduate degree and/or independent laboratory-based training or research projects undertaken in academia or industry.



The specific details of this laboratory-based training and research experience must be uploaded separately by the applicant as part of the application process.



The number of places to this programme is limited and selection will be made on the basis of the applicants’ academic performance, laboratory research training and experience and interview (where appropriate).



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date 6 March 2026



Non-EU Closing Date

28 November 2025

1 year full-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

The course is suitable for students wishing to extend their specific undergraduate degree knowledge in biotechnology, with additional education and training and the opportunity to gain ‘real-world’ experience of working in the biopharmaceutical industry. This links academic theory and study to real industry work practise, the latest technology and the possibilities for future employment.



It allows you to follow a number of career pathways. Each year, 90% of MSc Biotechnology graduates gain employment within industry, while 10% decide to pursue PhD opportunities nationally and internationally.