BSc in BioPharmaceutical Science (Online)

Course Summary

Programme Code: SG_SBIOP_J07

Delivery: Online

About the Programme

This programme in Biopharmaceutical Science aims to provide students with the knowledge, know-how, training and practical experience to enable them to gain employment in the Biopharmaceutical or Biomedical industries. One of the key features of the programme is that it combines cutting-edge skills in Biopharmaceutical Science and Medical Biotechnology with an understanding of the legislative and quality control system framework which underpins the industry. A number of the modules incorporate hands-on, laboratory work at the state-of-the-art, NIBRT facility in Dublin.

The course is offered in a online manner utilising ATU Sligo’s online delivery technologies. Students are required to travel to NIBRT for two days practical training per semester for the Cell Culture, Protein Purification and Bioanalytical Techniques Practical (elective) module.

Students must choose 2 elective modules (either both Bioanalytical modules or Bioprocess modules) during their 3rd semester. Students are required to complete a total of 60 credits for the full award.

Key Course Information

Course Attendance:

The course is offered in a online manner utilising ATU Sligo’s online delivery technologies. Students are required to travel to NIBRT for two days practical training per semester for the Cell Culture, Protein Purification and Bioanalytical Techniques Practical (elective) module.

Please note: This programme is jointly offered by ATU Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).

Whether you are studying part-time online, blended or full-time online, it is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.  

Most online courses typically involve 3 x 5 credit modules per semester which leads to an average 15 – 18 study hours per week. Our online courses have about 3 hours of live lectures per week (but this can vary per programme). The rest of your study time consists of independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out assignments. 

Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle. Please note, you may be required to take some time off work for the below:  

Exams 

Christmas Exams:

• Year 1: 2 days in January each year
• Year 2: 3 days in January each year

Summer Exams: 

• Year 1: 2 days in May each year
• Year 2: 3 days in May each year

Examinations:

For Examinations, students may have to attend at the ATU campus through which they completed their studies. For some programmes it may be possible for the Exam to be taken remotely via online proctoring. ATU Students resident in the Republic of Ireland will be invited to attend exams at an exam centre located in Ireland. Students’ resident outside of Ireland or with exceptional circumstances may be eligible to attend remotely via online proctoring, where examinations are taken online and supervised virtually, subject to availability.

Contact Details: 

Course co-ordinator: Mary Butler

• email: mary.butler@atu.ie

Online and Part time Admissions

• tel: 071 9318511
• email: admissions.sligo@atu.ie

Award: Bachelor of Science in Science in Biopharmaceutical Science- Level 7

Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025

Entry Requirements

Level 6 of 120 credits on the NFQ (Higher Certificate) in Science or in a cognate area. 

Applicants who may not have the aforementioned qualifications but who may have relevant industrial experience (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment) may apply for consideration through the ATU Sligo RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) process.

RPL
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process.

RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie 

English requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English should provide evidence of English language proficiency. For further information on English language requirements click here
 

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this programme can expect to find employment in the Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Diagnostics or Pharmaceutical, sectors as well as more broadly in the area of analytical science. In the development of this programme emphasis has been placed on aligning the course content with the skills required by the Pharmaceutical / Biopharmaceutical industry, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient flexibility to allow students to move laterally into associated careers. Graduates are typically employed in Scientific, Operations and Quality Assurance / Control positions in the Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry sectors both in Ireland and abroad. Their work may involve the manufacture of novel medicines from living cells, immunodiagnostics, bioanalytics, process validation and process optimization.

Further Study

The B.Sc. BioPharmaceutical Science Level 7 provides an excellent foundation for the student who wishes to progress to a B.Sc. (Hons) BioPharmaceutical Science Level 8, and then may progress to post graduate studies if desired.

Testimonials

Here are some testimonies from graduates who have completed this online course.

“I have over 20 years’ experience working in the Bio industry and this course gives me the science qualification to match my years of processing knowledge.”

“I work in production and the course has given me a better understanding of the Pharma industry which has helped me to achieve better results for my organisation.”

Did you know?

Biopharmaceutical Science involves study of the discovery, development and processing of modern, medical drugs by artificially growing some or all of the components utilising cell culture technologies. The processes involved are more biological-based as compared to the more chemical-based processes associated with small-molecule pharmaceutical products. The Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical sectors are among the fastest growing in the Life Sciences area both nationally and internationally.

Programme Fees

Academic Year 2024/25 Fees

Total Programme Fee: €6,000

To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.

If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.

For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.

If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4