Biotechnology

This MSc aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in biotechnology. Through tutorials, lectures, assignments and a research project, the course focuses on the development and application of biological processes in research, commercial and industrial settings. The programme is suitable for applicants who have a primary degree in Biological Sciences and wish to develop a career in a sector of high employment.



Key features of this course include:

• Emphasis on developing biotechnology and business skills

• Choice of industrial or research focussed streams

• Small group tutorials

• Five-month laboratory project providing the opportunity to build research and development expertise while being a member of a scientific research team.

Core modules:

• MSc Biotechnology research and/or work experience: Five-month research project.

• Frontiers in Biotechnology: Tutorials introducing transferable skills and recent advances in biotechnology.

• Introduction to Business: Concepts of marketing, management and accountancy including student development of a biotechnology business plan.

• Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology: Understanding the dynamics and kinetics of drug interactions in the body.

• Protein Technology: Includes industrial scale-up of protein production, proteomics and glycobiology.

• Diagnostic Biotechnology: A comprehensive overview of immunological and molecular diagnostics.



Optional modules (choose three):

• Advanced Industrial Processes: This module is designed to develop an awareness of microbial technologies and their applications to biotechnology.

• Applied Concepts in Pharmacology: This module introduces students to autonomic pharmacology and drug discovery and development.

• Scientific Writing: This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the process of scientific publication (writing and reviewing articles).

• Immunology: This module is delivered with emphasis on the clinical value of manipulating the immune system as well as the clinical implications of immunological dysfunction.

• Quality Management Systems for Biotechnology: Quality management systems essential for the efficient and safe running of commercial and industrial biotechnology enterprises are taught in this module.

• Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies: This module outlines the fundamentals of cell & molecular biology.



*Please note that the curriculum information is subject to change from year to year.

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area.



IELTS score of 6.5 is required, with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band).

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

1 year, full-time

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

A wide range of career options exist for graduates of this programme, such as employment in pharmaceutical industries, diagnostic services and academic research. Furthermore, this programme is a springboard to PhD research opportunities.



Our recent graduates have found employment with Abbott, Allergan, ICON Clinical Research, Norbrook Laboratories, Regeneron and Pfizer. They are pursuing careers in manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and research, as well as in the broader sectors of sales, marketing and regulatory affairs.