Microbiome Science

Our NEW MSc Microbiome Science, designed by the School of Microbiology at University College Cork (UCC), has been developed to meet the demands of academia and industry in the field of microbiome science.



The MSc is a one-year course that offers a unique combination of microbiology and computational biology. There is a strong emphasis on practical skills training alongside state-of-the-art academic and theoretical content. As well as learning how to evaluate the current place of microbiome science in society today, you will also acquire career-related skills such as data analysis, technical skills, communicating, and presenting ideas and data in a written and oral format.



UCC is at the forefront of microbiome research through the School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland and is ideally placed to deliver an MSc in Microbiome Science where you will learn about the role of the microbiome in health, disease, and sustainability. The MSc will provide you with the prerequisite knowledge of microbial physiology, metabolism, and phylogeny required for the biological interpretation of microbiome data. In addition, you will be provided with essential training in computational analysis of microbiome data of different technical types.



Our MSc graduates will be highly sought-after by industry as they will possess the skills that are required to implement the translation of microbiome science from the laboratory to industry and the clinic.

Modules



MSc Microbiome Science comprises 90 credits including taught modules to the value of 60 credits followed by a research dissertation worth 30 credits.



Part I

MB6003 Functional Foods for Health (5 credits)

MB6302 Computational Microbiome Analysis (5 credits)

MB6401 Cross-kingdom Signalling in Microbe-Host Interactions (5 credits)

MB6402 Ecology of Microbial Communities (5 credits)

MB6403 Microbiomes in Health and Disease (5 credits)

MB6404 Introduction to Computational Analysis of Microbiome Data (5 credits)

MB6405 Practical Skills in Microbiome Science (10 credits)

MB6406 Literature Review in Microbiome Sciences (10 credits)

ML6005 Molecular Techniques in the Life Sciences (5 credits)

PG6001 STEPS Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies (5 credits)



Part II

MB6407 Research Dissertation in Microbiome Sciences (30 credits)



Placement or Study Abroad Information

The MSc has both research dissertation and literature review modules. It is envisaged that the research project will be primarily based at UCC, the opportunity may arise where it can be undertaken at another academic or research institution in Ireland or abroad.



Students wishing to undertake the research project outside of UCC will first discuss this proposal with the course director. In each instance, this will be considered on case-by-case basis and only following discussion with course director. Where students are permitted to undertake the research project outside of UCC, this will only be following approval by the course director. Students wishing to avail of an international research placement can utilise the network of academic collaborations already in place with this programme.

Applicants must have:



At least a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in the biological sciences including, but not limited to, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology.



Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements as stated above but who present with significant and directly relevant experience such as in industry or research.



All admissions are subject to approval by the Programme Director.



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.

12 months, full-time.

Start Date 8 September 2025

Our MSc Microbiome Science graduates will be highly sought-after in the rapidly emerging microbiome science sector, which includes the identification and development of probiotics and other live biotherapeutic products, biomanufacturing, and personalised medicine. Our graduates will not only have the technical skills needed to develop solutions, but they will also have the transversal personal skills and attributes that are vital for work in the academic and industrial sectors.



As UCC is recognised as a world leader in the field of microbiome research there is already an excellent influx of post-doctoral fellowships, highlighting the international recognition of UCC as a hub of microbiome research.