Entrepreneurship & Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing - Galway

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Entrepreneurship and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing is a 60-credit, 1-year flexible programme delivered across two academic semesters. The programme is aimed at graduates who have either a science or bioengineering background and are aiming to develop their careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Learners will develop in-depth knowledge of biologics manufacturing including advanced skills in entrepreneurship.



The course offers a wide range of modules covering topics related to marketing, finance, leadership, management, as well as biopharmaceutical science, bioprocess technology, validation, Six Sigma, quality and regulatory affairs. The research aspect of the programme offers a research project centred around the theoretical design, development, commercialisation and marketing of a novel biopharmaceutical product.



The programme aims to equip learners with interdisciplinary, cutting-edge skills and knowledge essential for the biopharmaceutical sector.



Who Should Apply?

The programme is aimed at graduates who have either a science or engineering background and are aiming to progress their careers in a leadership/managerial role.

Semester Module Details Credits Mandatory / Elective

1 Bioprocessing Technology 05 Mandatory

1 Quality Management Systems and Regulatory Affairs 05 Mandatory

1 Managing Innovation 05 Mandatory

1 Leadership and Teams 05 Mandatory

2 Strategic Marketing and Communications 05 Mandatory

2 Principles of Finance and Accounting 05 Mandatory

2 Six Sigma Management 05 Mandatory

2 Validation for Biopharmaceuticals 05 Mandatory

2 Research Project 10 Mandatory

Year Advanced Biopharmaceutical Science 10 Mandatory

A H2.2 Bachelor degree at Level 8 in a cognate science discipline such as biochemistry, microbiology, biology, biomedical science/engineering or equivalent, is the minimum entry requirement for this programme.



English Language Requirements:



English Language Requirements for this programme is 6.0 (IELTS score). English language requirements are determined by ATU and are published in the Access, Transfer and Progression code



ATU is committed to the principles of transparency, equity and fairness in recognition of prior learning (RPL) and to the principle of valuing all learning regardless of the mode or place of its acquisition. For applicants without this qualification, the RPL process of ATU will be used to determine admission to the programme. Academic Code of Practice No. 6 outlines the policies and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning and guidance for applicants is provided on myexperience.ie.



Learners who have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing are eligible for entry.

Application Closing Date 15th August 2025

1 year, full-time, blended.



Study Hours

This course is offered mostly online with 6-10 lecture hours per week and 1-3 self-guided study hours.



On-Campus Attendance

There is a mandatory on-campus attendance requirement on 3 x Fridays each semester (2 semesters in total).

Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Start Date September 2025

Progression

Graduates will be eligible to apply for progression to other level 9 or level 10 science, business or engineering related programmes delivered by ATU.



Careers

There are many opportunities for graduates of this programme within the biopharmaceutical sector, including roles such as Biotechnical Production Specialist, Process Scientist, Process Engineer, Technical Operations Specialist, Team Leader, Validation Specialist, Operations Lead or Manager, Associate Director, and Core Technology Operations Lead.