This course is available through the following application route(s)
The MSc Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning) will broaden your understanding of biological and biomolecular science against a backdrop of learning core technical, methodological and innovation skills relevant to industry and academia. Taught modules from several innovative specialisations are available from the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science. The course provides students with an exciting prospect of studying and researching in the interdisciplinary fields of genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics and biodata analysis. Guidance from expert faculty is provided to tailor a course that will meet the anticipated requirements of the student’s objectives and career goals.
Negotiated Learning: student and academic discuss goals, and tailor a suitable programme for the student.
Specialisations:
1 - Understanding the key principles of biomolecular and biological science at an advanced level.
2 - Ability to perform a wide range of biologically relevant practical laboratory techniques to a high degree of proficiency.
3 - Ability to design and conduct biological experiments, critically interpret data and professionally report on findings.
4 - Ability to collaborate with other scientists and engage in activities as part of a research team.
5 - Understand how to effectively communicate your own research findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
6 - Ability to both manage and quantitatively analyse all data obtained from various modern biological research techniques.
This programme will enable you to choose from a wide range of careers and areas of postgraduate study, including pursuing a PhD degree and a career in academia. This multidisciplinary course provides a solid grounding for careers in industry, health and research, such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Microbiology, Process Control, Technical Transfer, Research and Development, and Regulatory Affairs, Scientific Editor or Writer, Lab Technician or Analyst roles. An academic staff member will advise you on a specialisation and module choices based on the opportunities you hope to unlock. Examples of employers are Eurofins BioPharma (Bioanalyst), Boston Scientific (Microbiologist), Takeda (Quality Control Analyst), Frontiers (Research Integrity Specialist), Megazyme (Biomedical QC Analyst), Novartis (Client Service Manager), Roche (Data Science Analyst) and Systems Biology Ireland (Research Assistants).
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
Khushboo Aggarwal
Choosing to study at University College Dublin (UCD) was a significant decision in my academic journey. UCD’s global reputation for excellence in biomedical research, coupled with Ireland’s vibrant research ecosystem, made it the ideal place for me to pursue the MSc Biological and Biomolecular Science. I was particularly drawn to the course due to its strong emphasis on translational research and its diverse modules in advanced cancer biology, genetics, and microbiology.
My journey at UCD has been defined by growth, discovery, and a deepened passion for scientific research. Working on a research project at the Conway Institute, focusing on the role of the gut microbiome in pulmonary diseases, has provided me with hands-on-experience and honed my skills in molecular biology and data analysis. Beyond academics, I actively engage as a Science Student Leader, sharing my journey with prospective students and contributing to UCD events.
Post-graduation, I aim to pursue a PhD in biomedical sciences, focusing on cancer biology. My long-term career goals include working as an academic researcher and mentoring future scientists. My advice to future students would be to fully explore the wealth of resources and opportunities at UCD through research, workshops, or student-led events. The academic staff at UCD is welcoming, supportive, and deeply inspiring.
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.
This programme is intended for applicants who have at least an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree, or the international equivalent, in a life science or chemical science. Examples of an appropriate BSc subject include, but are not restricted to, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry.
If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
This programme is suited for students who require flexibility to broaden their understanding of biological and biomolecular science. Several innovative specialisations are available from a carefully chosen range of modules, with guidance provided from expert faculty to tailor a programme that will meet the student's requirements.
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning):
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
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| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F104 Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning) Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |
