1 - Students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of business principles as they relate to the biotechnology industry
2 - Students will be able to apply their knowledge to overcome problems with commercialisation of biotechnology research
3 - Students will be able to conduct feasibility studies and develop effective business plans
4 - Students will be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate biotechnology research
5 - Students will be able to work alongside scientists and entrepreneurs to develop and commercialise novel biotechnological solutions
6 - Students will be able to engage with potential employers in a professional manner
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 & Business is an exciting programme designed for non-business graduates who want to become managers or entrepreneurs in complex business environments in technology and science-based fields.
The MSc Biotechnology & Business provides you with a solid grounding in the science underpinning biotechnology coupled with a comprehensive business education. The programme is the result of a close collaboration between the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, which is Ireland’s leading business school.
- Biotechnology and Management focus
- Suitable for life-science and chemistry graduates with non-business backgrounds
- Excellent career prospects
About This Course
This graduate degree in Biotechnology & Business has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore will be recognised and valued by them. A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a business development plan which will allow graduates to develop connections with prospective employers such as Abbott, Allergan, Alpha Technologies, Amgen, Avonmore Foods, Baxter Healthcare, Beckman Coulter, Biotrin International Ltd., Boston Scientific, Elan Corporation, Eli Lilly and Co., Celltech, GSK, Icon Clinical Research, ImmunoGen Inc., Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Kerry Group Plc., Medtronic, MSD, Olympus Diagnostica, Quintiles, Quest International, Sandoz., Seroba Life Sciences, Serology Ltd.
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 |
BMOL40120 | The Business of Biotechnology and Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MKT42310 | Marketing Management MSc Bio&B | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BMGT45430 | Business Strategy | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BMOL40380 | Teams in Biotech Enterprise | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN41440 | Corporate Finance (BB) | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
PHAR40240 | Regulatory Affairs for Life Sciences | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BIOC40140 | Biotech Case Study | Summer | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BMOL40130 | Feasibility and Business Plan | Summer | 20 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select from the following: |
BIOC40250 | Biomedical Diagnostics&Devices | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select from the following: |
MICR40010 | Recombinant DNA Technology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select from the following: |
BMOL40190 | Multicellular Systems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select from the following: |
MICR40100 | Emerging Issues in Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select from the following: |
MICR40130 | Food Biotechnology | Spring | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select from the following: |
MICR40140 | Environmental Biotechnology | Spring | 5 |
Graduate Profile
Jennifer McKeever, Senior Analyst at Seroba Life Sciences
During the MSc in Biotechnology & Business, I broadened my knowledge in key modules including medical devices, diagnostics and regulatory affairs, while also developing core business skills in finance, marketing and management. The highlight was developing a business plan for a NovaUCD start-up company. I am currently working as an Investment Analyst in a life sciences venture capital firm.
Biotechnology & Business (X447) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 16400
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 16400
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 with a degree in Biology or Chemistry related discipline. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required.
- 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
The UCD MSc Biotechnology and Business programme is designed for life-science and chemistry graduates who want to pursue a career in management/entrepreneurship in technology and science-based fields, whether seeking a first job in a biotechnology/biopharmaceutical company, starting your own small business or creating new opportunities in larger companies.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Biotechnology & Business:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | X447 Biotechnology & Business Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught |
* you can change options at the top of the page