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Grad Diploma Precision Medicine Full-Time

GradDip (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This Graduate Diploma is structured into a series of core and optional strands composed of 5 and 10 credit modules for students completing 60 credits worth of taught modules,

This structure which combines clinical and translational research, diagnostics and biomarker development, applications in the areas of oncology, drug discovery, and infectious disease and introductory data analysis skills allied to their application in industry and clinically relevant areas will cater for a broad audience while providing graduates with excellent career opportunities.

Upskilling and diversifying the skillsets of a generation of life scientists, biomedical scientists and healthcare professionals to effectively understand utilize this data driven approach is essential to realizing this transformation. Students will be taught the fundamentals of clinical and translational research, applications in clinical diagnostics and Biomarker development and how precision medicine is being applied in the areas of oncology, drug development and infectious disease. Introductory modules in translational bioinformatics and biostatistics have been added to provide students new to these areas with interdisciplinary skill sets to draw insights and value from precision medicine data and to communicate their findings across different domains. The program will be delivered by clinical and scientific experts from UCD, experienced Bioinformaticians and computer scientists, statisticians and experts in public health as well as industry leaders in precision medicine.

About This Course

On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the current state-of-the-art in the area of genomically informed precision medicine and its applications and potential in diagnostics development, cancer and infectious disease.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the role of genetics in cohort driven drug discovery to further advance the discovery of new and highly innovative biotech products.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the processes, procedures, policies and techniques used in clinical biochemistry and diagnostic laboratories
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of clinical & translational research methods.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the ethical and privacy issues associated with the use of genomic and phenotypic data in both clinical, research and industrial settings.
  • The role of key stakeholders in the life cycle of precision medicine including, researchers, clinicians, patient groups policy makers, CROs and Biopharma.

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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 CLIP40010 High Throughput Technologies Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDCS42240 Medical Research Design, Regulations & Ethics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDSA40280 Professional Skills and Career Development Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEIN40250 Translational Bioinformatics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PATH40020 Clinical Biomarkers Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHTY41230 Digital Health Technologies: Integration and Application of Medical and Consumer Devices Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MDSA40310 Entrepreneurship in Prec. Med Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 MEIN40230 Personalized Medicine Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PATH40060 Precision Oncology Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40050 Drug Discovery and Development I Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40240 Regulatory Affairs for Life Sciences Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHPS40880 Intro to Genetic Epidemiology Spring  5

I enrolled in the MSc Precision Medicine program with the aim of accelerating my career, and I am thrilled to say that it surpassed my expectations. This course not only provided me with the necessary tools to advance professionally but also opened doors to exciting opportunities. The field of precision or personalised medicine is rapidly gaining popularity among medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies, making it a promising area to specialize in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this course, as it was both informative and engaging. The diverse range of modules offered allowed me to tailor my studies to my interests and gave me the flexibility to explore various aspects of precision medicine. Coming from a background in pharmaceutical healthcare, this program provided me with a deeper understanding and expanded my knowledge in this specialised field.

Currently, I am proud to be working in the Global Operations Leadership Development program at Johnson and Johnson. The skills and knowledge I acquired from the MSc Precision Medicine have been directly applicable to my work in the industry. Looking ahead, I aspire to focus my career on J&J's CAR T-Cell Therapy, a ground-breaking and highly personalised type of immunotherapy drug.

I wholeheartedly recommend the MSc Precision Medicine program to aspiring professionals seeking to excel in this field. The exceptional education, combined with the practical application of knowledge, has empowered me to pursue a rewarding and impactful career in precision medicine.

Amy Whelan, Graduate MSc Precision Medicine

Grad Diploma Precision Medicine Full-Time (X956) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 8460
nonEU    fee per year - € 18760

***Fees are subject to change

Applicants should have successfully completed an undergraduate medical degree or primary degree programme (minimum of a 2.1 honours or equivalent) in a biological or chemical science. This includes a B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification. If English is not the applicant’s native language, unless the primary degree was read through English medium in an English-speaking country, an English language qualification is required. English language qualifications include a minimum score of 6.5, overall, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted such as the Cambridge Certificate, TOEFL or Pearson’s Test of English, as per the standard UCD requirements.

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: No


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Grad Diploma Precision Medicine Full-Time:

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X956
Grad Diploma Precision Medicine Full-Time
Graduate Diploma

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
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