NFQ Level
Level 8
Start Date
22/09/2026
Teaching Mode
Part-Time, Online
Recordings available
Price
€ 875 per person
(Subsidised Rate)
Actual Price: €1250
Duration
8 weeks of Lectures
Timing
1 Evening/Week
(Tuesdays)
This 8-week course (Level 8, 10 credits), which is delivered and assessed online, will support upskilling and reskilling across a broad range of positions. This includes technician, operator, quality, and management roles. However, it will also appeal to those with a laypersons-interest in the sector, or those wishing to get a broader understanding of the biological medicines being manufactured in Ireland and what treatment strategies of the future will look like.
Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive introduction to molecular and cellular biology as it pertains to diseases
- Deep dive into protein and vaccine-based therapies, plus emerging gene and cell therapies
- Focus on large-scale drug and vaccine manufacturing processes
Why Choose this Course?
- Expert Collaboration: Jointly designed by UCC’s School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and BioPharmaChem Skillnet.
- Industry-Relevant: Specifically tailored for those aiming to enter or upskill in BioPharma.
- Industry-Experienced Faculty: Delivered by experienced lecturers and industry experts.
- Up-to-Date Content : Introduces students to key fundamentals of biomanufacturing and novel biotherapeutics.
Course Structure and Content
Module: BC5007 Introduction to BioPharmaceuticals and Advanced Personalized Therapies
- Part 1 – focusses on the design and manufacture of protein BioPharmaceuticals and looks at regulated upstream and downstream processes.
- Part 2 – covers future medicines that are already beginning to revolutionize disease treatment and facilitate the delivery of personalized therapies, including gene therapies, advanced vaccine therapies and cell-based therapies – demystifying the terminology and introducing the concepts
Both course delivery and continuous assessment facilitated online
Excellent and insightful course
As someone who just recently graduated with a Bioscience degree last August and joined APC in September, I thought my main learnings would come from the first half of the course (USP/DSP) as I adjust to the industry and that the second half would be material I have covered before. It turns out that I actually learned so much within the second half of the course, and not only that but being able to link it back to the first half of the material and also apply that knowledge to some of the work I have been doing in APC has been brilliant. Thank you for putting together such an excellent and insightful course for both those who have a background in science and those who do not. It has definitely re-sparked that excitement I have to keep learning (and as you know as well as me, the learning in science never stops!)
Transformative experience
The training was a transformative experience for our team at Business Platforms. The expertly crafted program delved deep into the core principles of the Biopharmaceutical Industry, equipping our team with invaluable tools to understand, manage, and work more effectively.
Simply The Best
This course really gives an in-depth understanding from start to finish on the Biopharma Industry process with current industry practices and the future of pharma.
Well developed Course
The course was very well developed and ideal for someone wanting to expand their knowledge. The material and assignments challenged you to
ensure you fully understood the concepts and overall gave a comprehensive, in-depth introduction to the topics. It broadened my knowledge and
opened up areas that I had not worked in before giving me a renewed taste for knowledge. The material provided as pre recordings prior to each
lecture were very useful to introduce the lecture materials and the lectures reinforced some of the pre reading. Would highly recommend this
course for someone looking to upskill of for anyone looking to change direction in their career. Having a biological scientific background was helpful
however, the concepts were also accessible to those without science backgrounds but possibly a little more challenging.
Able to complete this course alongside full-time work with no issues
"I found this course extremely enjoyable and interesting, and despite having a background in science, I still learned so much from the course, was
positively challenged, and was able to apply some of my learnings to my job. I would definitely recommend to those who may be just starting in
the field, and are looking to up-skill. I was able to complete this course alongside full-time work with no issues. "
The course well laid out
I found the course well laid out, access to materials and relevant information was easy. The course itself would be beneficial for people within the
industry who require a firm grounding in manufacturing at a cell level aspect.
Accommodating to those in employment
Accommodating to those in employment. Created better understanding of manufacturing as a whole and direction of industry
Informational Course
Informational , Educational & A great source for those looking for more on the inner workings of Cells , DNA & Biopharmaceuticals.
Entry Requirements
Educational Background:
- NFQ Level 8 qualification required.
- A quota allocated for those without formal qualifications but significant industry experience.
Application Materials:
- Application statement, birth certificate or passport, photograph, CV, language test report (if applicable), and transcripts.
Who is this course for?
- Those looking to move into the BioPharmaChem industry
This course introduces the science behind modern medicines, explaining how recent advances are driving new treatments. It covers the types of biopharmaceuticals that are being developed, their regulated manufacturing processes, and the key industry concepts in clear, accessible terms. Ideal for learners from diverse backgrounds, it helps those without prior BioPharma experience build knowledge and prepare for career opportunities in the sector. - Those looking to progress within the industry
For professionals already in the Pharma and BioPharma sectors , the course offers upskilling in process optimisation and the latest advances in personalised therapies. It explores how these new treatments are reshaping disease management, from cancer therapies to genetic cures. Learners gain a broader understanding of current and future industry directions, strengthening their expertise, career progression, and qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria for Funding:
- Skillnet Funding can only be applied where the employer pays the course fees on behalf of the student.
- Self-employed applicants can avail of the subsidy.
- BioPharmaChem Skillnet will issue the invoice directly to you or your organisation.
- Public-sector and companies outside of the Republic of Ireland are not eligible for the subsidy but can still apply directly to UCC to participate in the course.
- Applicants who are not eligible for the BPC subsidy will be invoiced directly by UCC.
If Eligible for the Skillnet Funding, You can book the course directly by clicking on the Book Now button below.
