- Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of biotechnology
- Students will be able to comprehend the challenges of scaling bioprocesses and apply their knowledge to overcome these
- Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate biotechnology research
- Students will be able to work safely and effectively in a biotechnology laboratory, both independently and as part of a team
- Students will be able to develop solutions to a range of challenges in the breadth of sectors to which biotechnology is relevant (health, agriculture, fine chemicals, waste etc.)
- Students will be able to engage with potential employers in a professional manner
Internships Available
This course is available through the following application route(s)
Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/or biological techniques. Ireland has an enviable biotechnology sector and is home to the world’s top 10 global biopharmaceutical companies.
The MSc Biotechnology is taught by leading academics in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science. It focuses on broadening your knowledge and understanding of the current technologies and processes in the biotechnology industry, including approaches being applied to further advance the discovery and design of new and highly innovative biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. It also provides modules on food and environmental biotechnology, as well as industrially relevant expertise in bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials.
- Modules on food and environmental biotechnology
- Industrially relevant expertise in facility design and bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials
- Academic or industry lab project of significant benefit to previous programme graduates
About This Course
This graduate degree in Biotechnology has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore is recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a project in industry which will allow graduates to develop connections with prospective employers, thereby enhancing chances of employment on graduation. You will also have the opportunity to become part of a network of alumni in the field of Biotechnology.
Prospective employers include Abbott, Allergan, Amgen, Baxter Healthcare, Beckman Coulter, Biotrin International Ltd., Boston Scientific, Elan Corporation, Eli Lilly and Co., Celltech, GSK, Icon, Clinical Research, Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Kerry Group Plc., MSD, Quintiles, Sandoz, Serology Ltd.
In the Summer Trimester you will either complete an internship* in a relevant biotechnology company or conduct a research project in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science. The following internships are examples of past placements and are a guide only: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, MSD, Alltech, ICON plc, and Assay Genie.
*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.
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 |
BIOC40180 | Professional Career Development | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MICR40020 | Microbial and Animal Cell Products | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BIOC40160 | Drug Develop & Clinical Trials | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BMOL40390 | SynBio for Bioeconomy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MICR40140 | Environmental Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHAR40240 | Regulatory Affairs for Life Sciences | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
BIOC40250 | Biomedical Diagnostics&Devices | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
BMOL40120 | The Business of Biotechnology and Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
MICR40010 | Recombinant DNA Technology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
PHAR40200 | Biotherapeutic Pipeline I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
BMOL40190 | Multicellular Systems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
BMOL40360 | Bioprocessing | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
CELB40160 | HCS Microscopy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
MICR40100 | Emerging Issues in Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
MICR40130 | Food Biotechnology | Spring | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
BIOC40120 | MSc Biotech Project | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of: Option modules |
BIOC40240 | Biotech MSc Internship | Summer | 30 |
Graduate Profile
Craig Jakes, Research Assistant at NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training)
For my summer research project I was offered the opportunity to conduct research in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). My research looked into zoonosis trends in Ireland, which all EU countries are required to monitor. After finishing my research project, I secured employment as a regulatory affairs officer with a scientific company.
Biotechnology (X439) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 12810
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 12810
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.
Candidates are expected to have an upper second class honours grade or international equivalent in a Biology or Chemistry primary degree. This includes a degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.
- Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology or with proven relevant industrial experience will be considered for places.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also 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
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Biotechnology:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X439 Biotechnology Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught Closed |
* you can change options at the top of the page