This course is available through the following application route(s)
Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical manufacturing are key sectors in the Irish economy generating over 50 per cent of GDP. This sector has seen continued and sustained success with a number of high-profile investments in recent years providing excellent job opportunities for graduates. The programme and its academic faculty are closely linked with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), which is a global centre of excellence for training and research in bioprocessing.
This MEngSc in Biopharmaceutical Engineering programme provides substantial coverage of scientific, technical, management and regulatory issues associated with this industry. This programme offers an internationally recognised high quality flexible curriculum, which follows the latest developments in science and technology. This programme is suitable for Science and Engineering graduates wishing to obtain a qualification which is highly relevant to the biopharmaceutical industry.
The programme's teaching methods are highly interactive and varied and student learning is assessed using a variety of assessment methodology including exams, assignments, case studies and presentations. Students complete a research project which consolidates their basic knowledge of the course content and provides intensive research experience and training. The course content addresses the principal scientific and engineering challenges involved in the design, operation and management of biopharmaceutical production facilities.
Graduates from this programme are highly sought after and play an important role in the development, design and operation of biopharmaceutical processes throughout the industry in the coming years. Ireland is a world player in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production.
The pharmaceutical industry in Ireland comprises a mix of international and local companies. Approximately, 120 overseas companies have plants in Ireland, including many of the largest pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies in the world including AbbVie, Amgen, Biomarin, BMS, Genzyme, GSK, Janssen Biologics (Ireland), Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi Shire, and many more. Upon graduation from this programme, you will enjoy an extremely high job placement rate with superlative career opportunities.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40020 | Principles of Biopharmaceutical Engineering (FT) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40040 | Animal Cell Culture Technology (FT) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40110 | Facility Design and Operation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40120 | Biopharmaceutical Industry Regulation and Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40630 | Bioanalytical Science for Biopharma | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40090 | Bioprocessing Laboratory | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40460 | Downstream Processing | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40530 | Bioprocess Design | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40770 | Data Sci for Biopharm Manufact | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40890 | Research Methodology FT | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEN40140 | Biopharmaceutical Engineering Project | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: In the Spring trimester students choose 2 modules: |
CHEN40130 | Bioprocess Scale-up and Technology Transfer | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: In the Spring trimester students choose 2 modules: |
CHEN40860 | Gene Ther & Vacc Tech & Proc | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: In the Spring trimester students choose 2 modules: |
CHEN40870 | GMP Manufact Advan Therapeutic | Spring | 5 |
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:
Graduate Profile - Thomas Raju, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
“I chose UCD for its fantastic reputation for its post graduate courses. The campus is also the biggest in Ireland and its facilities are excellent. I chose this programme as a continuation of my bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and I wanted to further develop my learning in this area. The best part is that the course offers training in the bioprocess training facility in the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) which helped to greatly enhance my practical knowledge. The course is designed to give you a well-rounded education in a variety of aspects in the pharmaceutical industry such as cell culture, facility design, engineering modules, regulatory affairs, lean sigma methodologies etc. The course has helped improve my career opportunities and I have already been offered a job with a pharmaceutical company for when I finish my course. I believe I have gained more practical knowledge from the one year of study that will help me in my workplace.”
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 see www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to MEngSc in Biopharmaceutical Engineering:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T070 MEngSc in Biopharmaceutical Engineering Master of Engineering Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |
