Master of Science/Post Graduate Diploma MSc/PgD in Biopharmaceutical Technology

MSc/PgDip Biopharmaceutical Technology

Course Overview

  • 1

    Year

  • 9

    Level

Why take this course?

TUS has successfully produced highly employable biotechnology graduates at NFQ level 7 and 8 since the programmes were initially offered in 1996. The Master of Science/ Postgraduate Diploma (MSc/PgD) in Biopharmaceutical Technology builds on the expertise and industry links TUS has developed over this time. The programme was conceived in response to significant job opportunities within Ireland’s large and expanding biopharmaceutical sector. In addition to lectures and laboratory sessions at TUS, and site visits to local biopharmaceutical plants, students on the MSc/PgD will receive practical training at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) in Dublin.

NIBRT is a replica of a functional bioprocessing plant, equipped with all of the manufacturing equipment you would expect to find in a modern bioprocessing facility (for example, upstream, downstream, fill finish and bioanalytical facilities). The NIBRT placement will allow students to gain hands-on experience of the processes involved in biopharmaceutical production.

Visit of 2020 MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology Class to National Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) at UCD

Visit of 2020 MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology Class to National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) at UCD

What will I experience?

The MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology runs at the Athlone campus of TUS from September to August. The programme consists of theory and practical classes which are held at TUS, a training period in the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT), site visits to biopharmaceutical plants and guest lectures from individuals working at the cutting edge of the biopharmaceutical industry.

TUS

What opportunities might it lead to?

Nine of the top ten global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have significant operations in Ireland and seven of the ten worldwide ‘blockbuster’ drug products are manufactured in Ireland. The Irish Government’s Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has identified the Biopharma sector as one which will continue to require highly qualified and skilled scientists over the coming years. The modules offered on the Master of Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical Technology were designed to meet these identified current and future skills shortages in the Irish and international Biopharmaceutical sector. The programme also provides a route towards a career in Research and Development within academia and industry. Graduates from this programme can expect to develop careers in a variety of roles in the Biopharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotechnology and Medical Diagnostics sectors.

Additional Information

​For additional information about this postgraduate programme, please contact:

Head of Department: Dr. Carmel Kealey, Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68, Republic of Ireland; Tel. +353 (0)906468081; e-mail: carmel.kealey@tus.ie

Programme Coordinator: Dr. Siobhan Kavanagh, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Health, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68, Republic of Ireland; e-mail: siobhan.kavanagh@tus.ie

Course Details

Course Fees:
Fees for EU applicants: €7,800; Fees for non-EU applicants: €16,500 *Fees Subject to Change
Course Duration:
1 Year
Registration Closing Date:

How to apply to this programme at TUS Athlone Campus:

ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM

Course Commencement Date:

​September

Course Award:
Master of Science/Post Graduate Diploma
Course NFQ Level:
Level 9
Department:
Dept of Life & Physical Sciences
Minimum Entry Requirements:

Eligible candidates should have a first or a second class honours grade or an international equivalent in a Biology or Chemistry-related primary degree (for example Biotechnology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Physiology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification).

Graduates who hold equivalent qualifications in related science and technology disciplines or who have relevant industrial experience will be considered for places on a case-by-case basis.

Non-EU nationals must provide evidence of ability to follow classes in English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Applicants may be required to attend TUS for an interview. An online Zoom/Skype/MS Teams interview may be arranged for international students.

Student Testimonial

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Suzy Asifor, Bio-Process Associate (BPA)/Commission, Qualification and Validation Engineer (CQV) WuXi Biologics

“The course really taught me a lot about the Biopharmaceutical Industry and has been very instrumental in my securing a job in one of the biggest biopharma companies here in Ireland.”

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Aigbe Bellamy Iguodala, Associate Biotechnology Production Specialist at Regeneron

“I found the course very useful because it gives a broad view or introduction to the social aspects and challenges in the biopharma industry”

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Sneha Johnson, Quality Control Biochemist, Quality Control Department, Trinity Biotech Plc., Bray.

“I was very excited about the course when I went through the modules seeing that it was tailor-made to meet the requirements of the market.”

Course Structure

Year 1

Semester 1:

Analytical Tools for Characterising Biopharmaceutical, Cell Culture and Cell Line Development, Protein Biochemistry, Lean Six Sigma for Biopharma

Semester 2:

Immunobiologics, Contemporary Issues in Biopharm, Bioprocess Technology, Quality by Design and Project Management, *Research Project, *Practical Elements

*These 2 modules are run throughout the academic year.

The Research Project module runs throughout Semester 2 and is continued on after Semester 2 in the summer period from May to the end of August.

Careers & Opportunities

Career Prospects

Nine of the top ten global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have significant operations in Ireland and seven of the ten worldwide ‘blockbuster’ drug products are manufactured in Ireland. The Irish Government’s Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has identified the Biopharma sector as one which will continue to require highly qualified and skilled scientists over the coming years. The modules offered on the Master of Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical Technology were designed to meet these identified current and future skills shortages in the Irish and international Biopharmaceutical sector. The programme also provides a route towards a career in Research and Development within academia and industry. Graduates from this programme can expect to develop careers in a variety of roles in the Biopharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotechnology and Medical Diagnostics sectors.

Career Prospects

Graduate Testimonials:

  • “This Master’s course has made me more equipped and prepared for the pharmaceutical industry. I was very excited about the course when I went through the modules seeing that it was tailor-made to meet the requirements of the market. Personally, the most appealing part of this course and the best experience I got to take away was the training in NIBRT. This course has made me nothing less but the perfect candidate to join the pharmaceutical industry, which is my dream come true. Especially modules like lean six sigma, immunobiologics, etc., have helped me to better understand and carry out the needs expected of me in my new job and have also added to my theoretical knowledge of the subject at hand. I consider it my utmost privilege to have had experienced lecturers for this course who have had their good share of experience in the industry which has always guided me on the right path towards my career as well as gaining scientific knowledge.”
    - Sneha Johnson, Quality Control Biochemist, Quality Control Department, Trinity Biotech Plc., Bray.
  • “I completed my Masters in Biopharmaceutical Technology from TUS in 2020. I am really thankful to my lecturers who helped me to reach the position where I am now. The knowledge I gained through this course, along with the NIBRT practical sessions and constant support from my lectures in TUS helped me to find my way to start my career with a well-known Biopharmaceutical Company.”
    -
    Steffy Mathew, Senior Clinical Data Management Associate, Gilead Sciences, Pediatric Center of Excellence.

  • “I completed my Masters in Biopharmaceutical Technology at TUS which has been pivotal in my daily work activities. One of the most interesting and practical modules was the Contemporary Issues in Biopharmaceutical Industries. I found it very useful because it gives a broad view or introduction to the social aspects and challenges in the biopharma industry. I currently work as an Associate Biotechnology Production Specialist soon to be Lead Biotechnology Production Specialist at Regeneron.”
    - Aigbe Bellamy Iguodala, Associate Biotechnology Production Specialist at Regeneron

  • “The most positive things about the Masters’ were the modules, the practical sessions and the manner of delivery. Given the situation with the pandemic, they were top notch. The best experiences were the knowledge gained from the course and the experience from the practical work performed in NIBRT, and the willingness of the lecturers to always help whenever a student was in need. The course really taught me a lot about the Biopharmaceutical Industry, and has been very instrumental in my securing a job in one of the biggest biopharma companies here in Ireland.”
    - Suzy Asifor, Bio-Process Associate (BPA)/Commission, Qualification and Validation Engineer (CQV) WuXi Biologics

  • “The MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology at TUS conferred on me an impeccable feeling of competence as a scientist. The grade and vista of time-tested teachings I received from dedicated lecturers from various biomedical specialisations availed me of opportunities to connect ideas whenever I need to demystify any scientific puzzle. The in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on bioprocessing I received during the MSc programme prepared me for my new role at Alexion. The research module of the course also prepared me as a confident researcher as I undertook a project in oncology under the supervision of Dr Anne Friel. This research skill prepared me to join the race to untangle the detailed mechanism of Covid-19 vaccine-related blood clots, which I deduced in an article I authored and published, with the contribution of a course colleague at TUS, Liberty Omorogbe:

    Nwachukwu, R. and Omorogbe, L. (2021) Why Is heparin, despite being an anticoagulant, rarely associated with blood clotting? A systematic review. ScienceOpen Preprints DOI: 10.14293/S2199-1006.1.SOR-.PPVJVZU.v1

    I am happy that I chose to study Biopharmaceutical Technology at the AIT, as it opened an unimaginable vista of career pathways for me.”
    - Richard Nwachukwu, Bioprocessing Technician at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, part of AstraZeneca

  • “The MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology at TUS is new but nevertheless it is very engaging. It is a well thought out programme designed to fill the vacuum in the pharmaceutical sector. The best experience for me was the hands-on experience in NIBRT and the entire learning process which was done in a friendly and conducive environment laced with thought-provoking lectures. These helped my colleagues and I in stand out from the crowd in getting jobs”.
    -
    Liberty Omorogbe, Quality Control at Baxter International

Facility Gallery

Visit of 2020 Class to National Institute for Bioprocessing and Training (NIBRT) at UCD
Visit of 2020 Class to National Institute for Bioprocessing and Training (NIBRT) at UCD
Visit of 2019 Class to National Institute for Bioprocessing and Training (NIBRT) at UCD
2019 AIT Graduates of MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology Programme