Course Summary
Programme Code: SG_SBIOP_E06
Delivery: Online
NIBRT and ATU Sligo have aligned to provide certificate programmes that are short, accredited programmes designed in association with industry partners. These programmes focus on upskilling students on the key competencies required for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. These part-time programmes are
delivered via a blend of online learning with ATU Sligo, and practical modules in the NIBRT facility.
About this programme
The course is offered in a fully-online manner utilising ATU Sligo’s online delivery technologies which will minimise the amount of student time required to travel and attend at either ATU Sligo or NIBRT.
The Certificate in Science Biopharmaceutical Processing (Special Purpose Award – Level 6) has been developed in consultation with the Biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland to ensure the course offers the skill and experience that is required for this growing industry sector in Ireland.
The modules offered in this programme include Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing, Sterile Fill Finish and Bioanalytics. These modules have been developed in consultation with the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland to ensure the course offers the skills and experience that is required for this growing industry sector.
The course is designed to introduce current manufacturing processes, good manufacturing practices and current industry trends to the participants. The course is aimed at process operators, technicians, technologists, and production team leaders, primarily seeking employment or wishing to upskill in the bioprocessing and cleanroom areas.
Award Title: Certificate in Science in Biopharmaceutical Processing. Level 6 (30 credits)
Key Course Information
Course Attendance:
Lectures will be delivered online. 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. For this Certificate, students are required to attend one day in NIBRT at their state of the art facilities in Dublin.
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.
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.
Please note: This programme is jointly offered by ATU Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).
Course Coordinator NIBRT: Melissa Hoare
Email: melissa.hoare@nibrt.ie
Course Coordinator ATU Sligo: Stephen Daly
Email: stephen.daly@atu.ie
Online and Part time Admissions
tel: 071 9318511
email: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Award: Certificate in Science in Biopharmaceutical Processing (Special Purpose Award) – Level 6 (30 Credits)
Application Closing Date : 7th January 2025
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate or equivalent award.
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
Career Opportunities
Graduates can look forward to a wide range of further studies and career opportunities in a large and growing industry.
The course is designed to introduce current manufacturing processes, good manufacturing practices and current industry trends to the participants. The course is aimed at process operators, technicians, technologists, and production team leaders, primarily seeking employment or wishing to upskill in the bioprocessing and cleanroom areas.
The aim of this certificate is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to become part of the Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology workforce. This course is particularly suited to individuals who are looking to enter the (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Biopharmaceutical processing is a rapidly growing sector within the life-sciences industry, with immense opportunities for graduates
Further Study
There are progression options for students upon completion of their Level 6 Certificate to our suite of programmes at Level 7 and 8 and Post Graduate Studies in the future.
Testimonials
Did you know?
NIBRT and ATU Sligo have aligned to provide certificate programmes that are short, accredited programmes designed in association with industry partners. These programmes focus on upskilling students on the key competencies required for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. These part-time programmes are delivered via a blend of online learning with ATU Sligo, and practical modules in the NIBRT facility.
This course is unique. It is part of a suite of award-winning courses offered by NIBRT/ATU Sligo (Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Awards). It is a blend of the latest cutting-edge academic modules in (bio)pharmaceutical processing and Job Readiness modules and includes exposure to a state of the art and award-winning industrial biopharma training facility, NIBRT
Alumni
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €3,150
Funded Places Available
Successful applicants to this course may receive funding for their fees on this course through the HCI Pillar 3 Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy initiative. The number of funded places is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Micro-credentials Subsidised Fee: €630
Please see here the eligibility criteria - HCI-Micro-credentials-Fee-Subsidy-Eligibility-Criteria.pdf (hea.ie)
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.
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
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Upstream Bioprocessing | 10 |
| Bioanalytical Techniques Theory | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Downstream Bioprocessing | 10 |
| Sterile Fill / Finish for Biologics | 05 |