Higher Certificate in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) (Online)

Course Summary

About Higher Certificate in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is the part of Quality Assurance that ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled to the quality standards appropriate to their intended use. The course provide a foundation in core sciences biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and information technology.  It then move on to more specialised subjects relevant to the healthcare industry e.g. quality assurance, quality control, clean room technology, and bio-analytical techniques.  

Key Course Information

The course covers a variety of topics including; basic science modules, occupational safety and health, GMP and quality assurance, manufacturing and process technology, contamination and clean room management. As the programme is delivered by distance learning and online learning, employees will be able to avail of training without the necessity to leave work.

Course information:

Study hours: 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 7 hours per week for a 5 credit module.

Live Lectures: 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.

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.

Download a PDF Brochure about this course Here

Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate or equivalent award. The course is aimed at people working in industry that may or may not have any previous qualifications. Candidates with relevant work experience or an apprentice qualification. Graduates who have not obtained this minimum may incorporate other equivalent qualifications and relevant work experience and apply for assessment via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions/ credit for some parts of the programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available at  to 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

The Higher Certificate in Science in GMP and Technology – Level 6 provides an opportunity to re-enter third level at Level 6 with the possibility of progress to Level 7 and 8 in allied areas, which is very appealing to staff working in industry.

Programme Fees

Academic Year 2024/25 Fees

Total Programme Fee: €5,400

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