Course Summary
About this Programme:
This MSc in CQV is designed to provide students with the knowledge required to be involved in the commissioning of equipment and utilities used in biopharmaceutical plants. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to perform commissioning of a bioprocessing plant, and the equipment related to the biotechnology industry.
This course is particularly suited to individuals who are looking to enter the commissioning and validation space in the (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Biopharmaceutical processing is a rapidly growing sector within the life-sciences industry, with immense opportunities for graduates. Global manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals has increased significantly over the last decade.
This programme will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in the commissioning of biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. As a result, graduates can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a large and growing industry. Upon completion of the programme students will have achieved an internationally recognised qualification which is highly relevant to the biopharma and biotechnology industry.
Aim:
It is the overall aim of this postgraduate course to deliver training which is customised to meet the exact needs of the clients in the biopharma sector. This is achieved through completing online modules that have been designed in conjunction with the Biopharma industry with whom NIBRT and ATU Sligo are closely aligned. This course is particularly suited to individuals who may have worked in similar industries and are looking to enter the Biopharma manufacturing sector for the first time or who wish to study a mix of generic and specialist modules which provide the graduates with various employment pathways.
Students will study:
- Biologics Manufacturing
- Facility Design and Operation
- Regulation, Risk and Compliance (Elective)
- Research Methods Biopharma (Elective 1)
- Commissioning, Qualification & Validation
- Scale up and Technology Transfer
- BioProcesssing Thesis
Key Course Information
Study Hours
Students should expect to allocate 6hrs on average per week per 5ECTS module.
Examinations and Assessment
100% Continuous Assessment. Some or all of the following assessment modes may apply: examinations, practical work, projects, essays, vivas, seminars, and various forms of assignment.
Course Attendance:
Lectures will be delivered online. Depending on electives, students may be required to attend a 2 day block attendance at the NIBRT facility in Dublin.
Please note: This programme is jointly offered by ATU Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).
Exit Awards
Students who successfully complete 30ECTS may be eligible to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in Science in Commissioning, Qualification and Validation for Biologics Manufacturing.
Contact Details:
Course Co-ordinator NIBRT: Melissa Hoare
Email: melissa.hoare@nibrt.ie
Other contacts:
ATU Sligo: Mary Butler
Email: mary.butler@atu.ie
Online and Part time Admissions
tel: 071 9318511
email: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
The programme is open to students who have obtained an honours degree or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline (i.e. Engineering or Life Sciences). Other candidates with alternative honours degrees and experience in the BioProcessing industry may apply for consideration (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment). The entry requirements will encompass recognition of prior accredited learning in other third level institutions, in accordance with ATU procedures
Career Opportunities
Further to discussions with our industry partners, it is envisaged that this programme will appeal to personnel who wish to advance their career in biopharma while specialising in an area beneficial to their employer, where there is a shortage of qualified and experienced personnel in Ireland. The programme will address a knowledge gap amongst junior CQV engineers that don’t have a specific engineering background in areas such as hygienic pipework principles, P&ID walkdowns, instrumentation and calibration. Equally, the programme will address engineering focused CQV engineers where a good grounding in regulations and compliance would be very beneficial, based on industry feedback.
Programme Fees
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biologics Manufacturing | 05 |
| Facility Design and Operation | 05 |
| Research Methods Biopharma | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Commissioning, Qualification and Validation | 10 |
| Scale-Up and Technology Transfer | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| BioProcesssing Thesis | 60 |