Course Summary
Biopharmaceutical Processing 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. “Over the past decade the Irish biopharma sector has seen $10 billion in capital investment in new facilities which represents close to the largest wave of investment in biopharma manufacturing anywhere in the globe”, according to the NIBRT annual report published Feb 2019. There are significant career opportunities on offer in this sector.
This programme is jointly offered by ATU Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).
About this programme
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 programme shall address the recognised research and development needs of the Biopharmaceutical industry and has the capacity to develop graduates who will contribute to the Biopharmaceutical industry internationally, nationally and regionally.
This programme is particularly suited to those in employment in the biopharma industry.
It is anticipated that the research project conducted as part fulfillment for the award of Master of Science will be an integral part of their normal working role. It is therefore likely that the participants will be either working in R & D or technology transfer roles. This programme constitutes 60 credits thesis on an applied biopharma work based project and 30 credits taught modules.
Students must choose 1 elective module per semester (either the Upstream Processing Lab. module which requires a 2 day block attendance at the NIBRT facility or Bioprocess scale up and tech transfer module during the first semester OR either the Downstream processing lab or Formulation and Delivery module during their 2nd semester). Students are required to complete a total of 30 credits taught modules alongside a 60 credits thesis for the full award.
Key Course Information
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 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.
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. For the MSc in Biopharmaceutical Processing students they are expected to attend live lectures 3 evenings per week. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle.
Application Closing Date : 31st August 2024
Entry Requirements
The programme is open to students who have obtained an honours degree (Level 8) or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline (i.e. Engineering or Life Sciences). Other candidates with alternative honours degrees and relevant experience in the BioProcessing industry (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment) may apply for consideration through the ATU Sligo RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) process.
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
According to Killian O’Driscoll, NIBRT Director of Projects, there was further good news for the Irish biopharma sector throughout 2018 with the announcement of several major investments. These investments saw the continued diversification of advanced biopharma manufacturing capabilities in Ireland including facilities for Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), cell therapies, iopha-oncology products and the world’s largest single use contract manufacturing capacity. Investments included:
- AbbVie Expands Oncology Capability at the Company’s Site in Ballytivnan, Sligo
- MSD is to develop a new biotechnology facility in Dublin, with the expected creation of up to 350 new jobs
- Takeda to invest €25m and create up to 70 new roles in a new facility at their Grange Castle site in Dublin
- WuXi Biologics to Invest €325 million to Build Largest Biomanufacturing Facility Using Single-use Bioreactors in Ireland
- Phibro Animal Health to establish new biotech facility in Sligo, creating up to 150 jobs
- BioMarin Expands its Cork Facility to add Drug Product Filling capability
- MSD to construct a second manufacturing facility at its existing site in Carlow – new investment will create 170 new jobs.
(https://www.nibrt.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/NIBRT-Annual-report-2018_final.pdf)
At the BioPharma Ambition conference in February 2018 leading international policy leaders, renowned researchers and senior industry personnel, highlighted how all stakeholders in Ireland must continue to support innovation in discovery, development, manufacturing and healthcare solutions to ensure Ireland builds on its success in establishing a thriving biopharma sector. This programme supports this ambition.
Further Study
Upon successful completion of this programme students may be considered for redirection to a structured Doctorate programmes
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €8,496
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
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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
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fermentation and Cell Culture Process | 05 |
| Legislation and Regulatory Affairs | 05 |
| Scale-Up and Technology Transfer [E] | 05 |
| Upstream Bioprocessing Practical [E] | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Protein Purification Processing | 05 |
| Research Methods Biopharma | 05 |
| Downstream Bioprocessing Practical [E] | 05 |
| Formulation and Delivery Systems [E] | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| BioProcesssing Thesis | 60 |
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.