Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines
Ireland has a strong reputation as a Centre of Excellence for biopharmaceutical production. All of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies have a presence in Ireland and the sector as a whole employs over 30,000 people and contributes €54 billion in exports. There has been significant, sustained investment in recent years and this is set to continue due to the benefits which companies see in our highly skilled workforce, proven track record and the supportive ecosystem.
Vaccines and cell and gene therapies (CGTs) are an emerging and rapidly growing area of interest and Ireland is poised to continue expansion of manufacturing into this exciting area. This programme will provide students with an appreciation of the science and challenges associated with CGT and vaccine manufacture as part of their continuing professional development (CPD) and support them to pursue a successful career in the field.
The programme and its academic faculty are closely linked with the National Institute for Bioprocess Research and Training (NIBRT) which is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biomanufacturing. Content will be delivered by a blend of industrial leaders and academic experts using a hybrid approach ensuring a high quality, relevant curriculum accessible both in person and remotely.
Subjects taught
Modules offered:
Cell Therapy Technologies and Processing
Gene Therapy and Vaccine Technologies and Processing
GMP Manufacturing of Advanced Therapeutics
Entry requirements
An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ level 8) with a minimum second class honours or international equivalence in a relevant Engineering, Science or Technology programme. However, all applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and relevant or extensive work experience will be taken into account.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
Application dates
UCD's graduate taught courses can be applied for online
The following entry routes are available:
PC Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines PT (T373)
Duration 6 Months
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Duration
6 months part-time
The modules will be delivered in a hybrid format with the option to attend in-person lectures on the UCD campus or to study remotely. Lectures will take place on Friday evenings from 2 - 6 pm over the Autumn trimester (12 weeks, Sep - Dec).
Post Course Info
The Professional Certificate is suitable for Science and Engineering graduates currently working in the biopharmaceutical industry or looking to move into the sector, who wish to expand their skill set to take advantage of the growth in the vaccine, and cell and gene therapies space. The number of companies active in this area is currently growing with Pfizer, Takeda, WuXi, MeiraGTx, VLE, Avectas, Onk and Orbsen Therapeutics leading the way.
Further Study
The credits gained can be used toward further postgraduate qualifications offered by UCD should participants wish to pursue a higher qualification e.g. Graduate Certificate (30 credits) / Graduate Diploma (60 credits)/ MEngSc in Biopharmaceutical Engineering (90 credits).