Programme Overview:
- Duration:
- 6 Months
- Attendance:
- Part Time
- Mode of Delivery:
- Blended
- Next Intake:
- 2024/2025 January
- Contact Name:
- Katie O'Neill
- Contact Number:
- +35317161781
- Fees:
- Fee Information
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.
Module Information:
Under the "What modules can I take?" section below you will see general module information, for a more detailed description including module selection rules click here.
The modules will be delivered in a hybrid format with the option to attend in-person lectures on the UCD campus or to study remotely. Lectures will take place on Friday evenings from 2 - 6 pm over the Spring trimester (12 weeks, Jan - May).
Curricular information is subject to change
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
The Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell and Gene Therapies and Vaccines 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.
The programmes 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.
It is anticipated that graduates of this programme will play an important role in the development, design and operation of processes capable of manufacturing cell and gene therapies and vaccines, the number of which will increase rapidly in the coming years.
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).
The modules will be delivered in a hybrid format with the option to attend in-person lectures on the UCD campus or to study remotely. Lectures will take place on Friday evenings from 2 - 6 pm over the Spring trimester (12 weeks, Jan - May).
Modules offered:
ProfCert Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies & Vaccines (T372) Part Time
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.
Employer Profile - David Connolly, Head of MS&T, MSD Dunboyne
"Industry will need strong technical capabilities, and in-depth good manufacturing practice (GMP) know-how, to be ready for advanced therapeutics manufacturing within the next 3-5 years. Having a stackable approach to building the skills required, will benefit many experts and leaders currently working in biopharma. The offerings in cell therapy technology, gene therapy, vaccine technology and advanced manufacturing platforms have come at the right time to accelerate upskilling in this exciting area."
Teaching will take place in parallel in-person on the UCD campus and online. Students will have an opportunity to tour the NIBRT facility which is a purpose-built, multi-functional building replicating the most modern industrial bioprocessing facility. The total building area is approximately 6,500 m² over two floors.
The following entry routes are available:
The first intake for this course will be January 2024. Applications will open January 2023.