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Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines

ProfCert (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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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. 

The modules can be accessed fully online with the option to attend in-person lectures on the UCD campus if you so wish. Lectures will take place on Friday evenings from 2 - 6 pm over the Spring trimester (12 weeks, Jan - May) (recordings are available but live attendance is preferable). The entire programme including assessment can be completed remotely.

 

About This Course

The Professional Certificate provides training in the requisite knowledge for professional engineers and scientists seeking to work in the manufacture of cell and gene therapies and vaccines or related sectors. The programme covers the scientific, technical and regulatory issues associated with this emerging and rapidly growing field.

Teaching methods are varied including lectures, case studies and facility tours.  Material is delivered by a range of academic leaders and industry experts active in this field in a hybrid manner to allow both face to face and remote study.  Student assessment is primarily achieved through continuous assessment. 

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the unique considerations, challenges and innovations involved in the manufacture of cell and gene therapies and vaccines.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of what cell and gene therapies and vaccines are.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the unit operations and steps involved in both upstream and downstream cell and gene therapy and vaccine processes.
  • Understand the scientific principles that must be applied to the design and development of cell and gene therapy and vaccine processes.
  • Demonstrate an integrated knowledge of GMP and the regulatory issues involved in cell and gene therapy and vaccine production.

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 (RPL) 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). 

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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
CHEN40850 Cell Therapy Tech & Processing Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
CHEN40860 Gene Ther & Vacc Tech & Proc Spring  5
Stage 1 Core 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:

SDG3 SDG4 SDG8 SDG 12

Graduate Profile: Dennis Golchert, Associate Director, Pharmaceutical Product Development and Supply, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

"I have worked in the synthetic molecule space for more than two decades and am interested in finding out more about the up-and-coming modalities of Cell and Gene Therapies, and also mRNA Vaccines, which gained household awareness during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Professional Certificate at UCD offered an introductory course into these (and more) areas with expert tutelage and with the option of later expanding into a full Masters program. The online lessons could be aligned with my work commitments, allowing regular attendance to lectures and case studies, though I recommend visiting UCD at least once to meet the course leaders and to tour the world-class facilities at NIBRT. The course has opened up several opportunities within my career path that were previously not possible and I am exploring where these will lead in the future. Overall, I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting to upskill their career or to broaden their knowledge into the exciting new space of Cell and Gene Therapies."

Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines (T412) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 3500
nonEU    fee per year - € 7000
EU          fee per year - € 3500
nonEU    fee per year - € 7000

***Fees are subject to change

AN Honours Bachelor's degree with minimum 2:1 award (NFQ level 8) or international equivalence in a relevant Engineering, Science or Technology degree programme.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


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. 


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines:

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T412
Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines
Professional Certificate

Part-Time
Commencing January 2026
Graduate Taught
* you can change options at the top of the page