Biotechnology

Course Outline

Our MSc Biotechnology is a one-year programme designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry. This is achieved through a combination of academic-led industry-informed course work on campus in UCC and a six month work placement typically in a leading biopharmaceutical company during which time, the student also completes an industry relevant research project.



The curriculum has been developed with input from staff at all levels in the biopharmaceutical industry, to provide you with the necessary life and work skills required by these employers. In addition, the six month work placement opportunity provides students with additional training and the ‘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.



This MSc Biotechnology programme consists of eight core modules, one elective module, laboratory-based practical sessions, career service workshops which include CV preparation and interview training, visits to industry sites, and a six-month research project. Students interview for work placement opportunities provided by industry where they complete their six-month project. This is a competitive process and students are strongly encouraged to apply and interview for all available positions. Like other academic programmes, work placement opportunities are not guaranteed. However, each year over the last 5 year period, about 90% of MSc Biotechnology graduates gain work placement within industry, while the remaining 10% typically pursue PhD opportunities nationally and internationally.



Placement or Study Abroad Information

During the third academic term (April to September), students complete a six-month research project on a topic related to biotechnology, biopharmaceutical or biomedical research during their work placement. Industry-based projects in these areas are managed by a dedicated career and work placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which students prepare for and are interviewed by staff from companies interested in hosting students. All research projects are undertaken in consultation with an industry based supervisor and UCC based academic.

Students complete a research project and study the following eight core modules and one of two elective modules:



Core Modules

BC6001 Cell and Molecular Biology

BC6015 Cell and Gene Therapy

BT6006 Practitioner Based Skills in Biotechnology

CM6011 Modern Methods in Analytical Chemistry

MB6004 Advanced Molecular Microbial Biotechnology

PF6301 Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation, Secondary Processing and Regulation

PS6001 Plant Genetic Engineering

PE6008 Bioprocess Engineering



Elective Modules

BC6005 Introduction to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products

MB6003 Functional Foods for Health (5)



Research Project and Industry Placement

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 your industry placement.

Requirements

- Candidates must have obtained at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in a subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme. Relevant subjects typically include any subject in the molecular life sciences.



- Graduates with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



- Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience can be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for places following interview and assessment by the Director of the MSc (Biotechnology) Programme.



Candidates must be approved by the MSc (Biotechnology) course team and/or the Director of the MSc (Biotechnology) Programme. The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the basis of the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree or interview



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: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Applications are now closed.

The MSc in Biotechnology is awarded after passing written examinations across taught course units, the continuous assessment of practical work and completion of a six-month research project, which has to be written up in the form of a dissertation and approved by an external examiner. All students must complete written examinations (typically held over a two week period in March) and submit a research project.

1 year full-time.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

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.