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.
Sustainable Development Goals
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 programme 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 programme 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:
- Genetics and Cell Biology: investigates cellular signalling, architecture, imaging, trafficking and transport, genetic basis of disease, model organisms, epigenetics, etc.
- Microbiology and Infection Biology: investigates mechanisms of pathogenic micro organisms, host response to infection, immunopathologies, host-pathogen interactions, development of diagnostics, applied microbiology, etc.
- Biochemistry and Synthetic Biology: investigate metabolism and disease, protein-protein interactions, cell signalling, protein structure and analysis.
- Applied Bioinformatics: Introduces the basic principles and practical applications of computational tools for the analysis and interpretation of data from a wide range of biological and biomolecular disciplines.
About This Course
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:
Ines Jover Bravo
I chose the BBNL programme because it offered a varied array of optional modules to choose from, which was interesting in terms of both flexibility and variety. I enjoyed the research project the most, as it gave me insights into what it would be like to continue pursuing a PhD or work in academia.
Upon the end of the course I was offered a position as a lab manager in the department where I did my research project, although with another group.
Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning) (F104) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 9530
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 9530
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 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
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.
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.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning):
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F104 Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning) Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
* you can change options at the top of the page