Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

The programme is intended for applicants who have an Upper Second Class Honours Degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or chemical science.  This includes a BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification. 

Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology or with proven relevant industrial experience may be considered for places. 

This programme will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the development of biotherapeutics, beginning with pre-clinical modelling and target identification together with antibody engineering, biochemical and biophysical characterisation, and development issues for bioprocessing. Systems biology of biotechnological processes and approaches to the analysis of proteomics based discovery data will be covered in detail together with mathematical modelling, bioinformatics analysis and data integration strategies.  Regulatory issues, and innovation and commercialisation strategies, will also be covered.  Mammalian cell culture and bioprocess laboratory structure will be comprehensively covered in addition to novel approaches to therapeutic development. A practical drug discovery laboratory project will form a significant component of the experience of how candidates are identified and brought through the development pipeline.

The MSc programme in Biotherapeutics is designed for life science/chemistry graduates and aims to develop specific, applied knowledge and skills in biotherapeutics, positioning graduates for employment in the biotherapeutics industry, associated bio-based industries or in further PhD research programmes (Purposes).  The graduates of the MSc Biotherapeutics programme will be very well informed on a comprehensive suite of specific topics and problems that are routinely encountered within the commercial biotherapeutics environment.  We aim to produce highly motivated, independent thinkers with well-developed problem-solving ability and capable of working effectively in a professional environment either alone or in teams.  There is a particular emphasis on professional career development and introducing the students to professionals in the commercial workplace (Values).  We provide a scholarly environment within which students’ interest in biotherapeutics is advanced through lectures by experts from academia and industry.  Their creativity and problem solving skills are enhanced through group projects and computer-based learning tools.  The students develop practical biotherapeutics skills in a significant 6 month research project that is conducted in a specialised biotherapeutics research laboratory. Students are also introduced to internship opportunities available in the workplace (Nature of the learning environment).  The different teaching approaches employed in the delivery of the curriculum is reflected in the variety of assessment, which includes classical written examination, oral assessments, case studies, group poster presentation, seminar presentations and a final thesis based on the research project. These assignments are designed to align closely to the normal activity and outputs of professionals in the industry (Teaching, learning and assessment). 

• Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate biotherapeutics research
• Students will be able to comprehend the challenges of scaling bioprocesses and apply their knowledge to overcome these
• Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of biotherapeutics
• Students will be able to develop a professional approach to engaging with industry and an applied methodology in preparing for employment opportunities
• Students will be able to develop effective time management, problem solving and reporting skills as required in a professional workplace
• Students will be able to work safely and effectively in a biotherapeutics laboratory, both independently and as part of a team

View All Modules Here

MSc Biotherapeutics (F102) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 12500
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

***Fees are subject to change

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 see International Scholarships.

The programme is intended for applicants who have an Upper Second Class Honours Degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or chemical science.  This includes a BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification. 

Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology or with proven relevant industrial experience may be considered for places. The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree and experience.  A significant amount of lab experience will be required, e.g. a laboratory based project or equivalent component(s), at a senior stage of the student's degree.

2 academic references will be required, at least one to be from a science faculty member

Early Applications

In previous years, all spaces on this suite of programmes have been offered by May of the previous academic year.  Please submit your application as soon as possible.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. English Language qualifications include a minimum score of 550 (213 computer based) for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or 6.5 (with a score of 6 obtained in each category) for International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted such as the Cambridge Certificate.  Tests used as evidence of language proficiency must have been completed within the last 12 months.

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 

Associate Professor David O’Connell

Lecturer in Biochemistry and Pharmacology
My core research focus is on the activity of calcium-binding proteins involved in homeostatic mechanisms in the cell using an integrated platform of proteomic technologies. I have patented a novel
affinity tag platform for improved protein immobilisation for purification, biophysical analysis and detection in multiple biopharmaceutical applications.

• MSc Biotechnology & Business FT

F103,X447,X439,F104

The following entry routes are available: