End-to-End Sterility Assurance - Galway

This programme has been designed to meet the growing demands of companies in filling sterility assurance scientist and quality assurance operational roles. The impetus for the development of this specialist programme emerged from industry needs and the content has been developed in conjunction with a Sterility focus group comprised of industry sterility experts from Irish Medtech Association’s Sterility Forum. This course in End-to-End Sterility Assurance will provide students with a detailed understanding of sterilisation methodologies applied to medical technologies in a range of contexts.



Who should apply?

This programme is aimed at graduates who have either a science or bioengineering background and are aiming to develop their careers in sterility assurance.

Modules:

Industrial Microbiology for Medtech

Quality Management, Regulatory Affairs & Biocompatibility

Global Sterilization Trends for Medtech Industry

Cleanroom Technology, GMP & Water Systems

Terminal Sterilisation for Medtech Industry

Level 8 primary degree in a science/engineering subject, related to the life sciences. Previous or current experience in sterility (minimum two years) will be considered in assessing entry qualifications for candidates with a relevant Level 7 qualification with appropriate experience. Such candidates can apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Flexible learning courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January.



For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpage.

1 year part-time blended learning.



Study Hours

4 modules per semester. 6-7 hours of live recorded lectures per week. 4 hours of independent learning per module per week.



On-Campus Attendance

Some on-campus attendance required for practical workshops and group project work. Site visits to industry facilities take place at the end of each semester.

Start Date: January 2026.

Progression Pathways

Many of our Masters programmes are structured in a way that includes recognised entry and exit awards. This means that you can apply for part of Masters first and learn at your own pace or if you are unable to complete the full programme, you can still gain a recognised qualification. Our entry and exit awards typically include Postgraduate Certificate award and a Postgraduate Diploma award.