MSc Biotechnology

at University College Dublin

Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/ or biological techniques. It is a collection of technologies that capitalise on the attributes of cells and biological molecules, such as DNA, to work for us. The primary biotechnology activity carried out in Ireland is research and development. Ireland has experienced massive growth across the biotechnology sector including food, environmental and pharmaceutical industries in the last decade. Ireland is home to nine of the top 10 global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck, BristolMyers Squibb and Genzyme, with seven of the 10 world blockbuster pharmaceuticals made here. The MSc in Biotechnology is taught by leading academics in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and 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 biotech and pharmaceutical products and technologies. It also provides modules on food and environmental biotechnology, as well as industrially relevant expertise in facility design, bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials. 
 

Stage 1 - Core
 

• Drug Develop & Clinical Trials

  BIOC40160

• Professional Career Development

  BIOC40180

• SynBio for Bioeconomy

  BMOL40390

• Microbial and Animal Cell Products

  MICR40020

• Environmental Biotechnology

  MICR40140

• Regulatory Affairs in Science

  PHAR40240
   

  Stage 1 - Option
   

• MSc Biotech Project

  BIOC40120

• Biotech MSc Internship

  BIOC40240

• Biomedical Diagnostics&Devices

  BIOC40250

• The Business of Biotechnology and Science

  BMOL40120

• Biological Imaging

  BMOL40180

• Multicellular Systems

  BMOL40190

• Bioprocessing

  BMOL40360

• Recombinant DNA Technology

  MICR40010

• Emerging Issues in Biotechnology

  MICR40100

• Food Biotechnology

  MICR40130

• Biotherapeutic Pipeline I

  PHAR40200 

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 

The cost of studying at University College Dublin varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay €29100 annually, to study in University College Dublin.

This advanced 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; Glaxo SmithKline; Icon Clinical Research; Johnson & Johnson Ltd.; Kerry Group Plc.; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Quintiles; Sandoz; Serology Ltd.