MSc in Digital Transformation (Life Science)

Program Overview

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MSc in Digital Transformation (Life Science)

Overview

Digital transformation is the integration of technology into all aspects of a business, and 80% of business leaders believe digital transformation is vital to their industry.

Global spend on Digital Transformation will exceed $2.5T in 2024, and 40% of Irish businesses will need support adopting it in the coming years.

Our programme in Digital Transformation is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in any field that embraces digital technology, such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, regulation, and consulting.

This programme is delivered in partnership with Innopharma.

Why study Digital Transformation at Griffith College?

• Gain a leading qualification, helping you to achieve your career goals
• Gain sought-after skills in digital transformation, data analysis, and business to gain jobs in the industry
• Learn to develop and implement digital transformation in organisations
• Explore emerging technologies that are driving growth in organisations
• Combine business knowledge, data, and digital tools to improve organisations

Course Highlights

• Study with ambitious and motivated classmates
• Learn from experienced industry and academic lecturers
• Designed and developed in conjunction with Microsoft
• Gain expertise in process digitisation, digitalisation, data management, data analytics, and data visualisation
• Upskill for the thriving Irish life sciences industry

Intake Dates

• Dublin - Blended - February 2026

Course Modules

Advanced Manufacturing in the Smart Factory

Manufacturing has evolved with the power of digital technologies. Only 30% of organisations say they know which technologies to adopt. You will learn how smart factories can integrate data from system-wide physical, operational, and human assets to drive manufacturing, maintenance, inventory tracking, digitisation of operations, and other activities across the entire manufacturing network.

Business Case Development

56% of CEOs say digital improvements have increased revenue. Organisations need leaders who can successfully manage digital transformation. This module teaches you about how to build a business case, use the business model canvas, manage projects, assess risks & solutions, and successfully implement change in organisations.

Quality Management in a Digital Age

In manufacturing and life sciences, it is critical to ensure products are made to the highest quality. This module teaches you how to leverage/process analytical technologies and data, quality by design (QBD), quality metrics and regulatory guidance.

Big Data Acquisition and Management

Organisations are collecting more and more data every day, but they struggle to manage and use it effectively. This module will teach you about different data types and how data can be stored and shared throughout organisations.

Business Strategy and Change Management

Successful digital transformation requires more than leading technology. This module will teach you about how digital transformation can help organisations to achieve their long-term strategies, how many industries are evolving using technology and how implementing digital transformation can be a process with known best practices.

Operational Excellence - Lean Sigma 4.0

As organisations grow, they must remain low-cost and efficient to survive. This module teaches you how organisations can use lean thinking, six sigma and industry 4.0 to eliminate waste and non-value-adding activities, improve efficiency, and leverage real-time data.

Analysis of Big Data

Organisations are collecting more and more data, but they struggle to use it effectively. This module will teach you how to analyse data, which helps managers make better decisions. You will learn about the different types of analytics and software tools available for analysing data.

Research Methods

Whether you are conducting research for your employer, clients or your dissertation in college, you must know how to conduct a research plan. This module will teach you how to build a research plan, gather information, analyse data, and present your findings in a highly professional manner.

Visualisation and Storytelling with Data

In addition to learning how to capture and analyse data, you must also learn how to use it when communicating with your employer or clients. This module will teach you how to use data to create compelling reports, presentations, and stories that communicate your message effectively.

Dissertation

The final dissertation is the culmination of many master’s programs. It allows you to select an area that interests you and conduct deep research into it. This could be something you previously studied, something you want to build your career around, or a new and emerging area that will revolutionise the industry - the choice is yours. We will support you with ongoing guidance/workshops and appoint you with an industry supervisor.

Entry Requirements

This course is suitable for those who possess qualifications at NFQ Level 8 Honours degree with a 2.2 or higher in a Science, Manufacturing, Quality, Computation, Engineering or a related discipline. Recognition of Prior Learning will also be taken into account.

English Language

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.

Tuition Fees

Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland

Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 8,450.00

International

Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 14,000.00

Progression

Academic Progression

Options will depend on the academic requirements and the career choice of the learner.

Career Progression

This program provides highly sought-after skills in advanced manufacturing, business, and data analytics. Depending on experience, graduates can secure employment in a wide range of sectors, including life science, automation, manufacturing, IT/big tech, consulting, project management, regulation, and engineering etc.

Typical roles include:

• Digital Transformation/Automation/Process Analytical Technology (PAT)
• Process Digitisation/Digitalisation
• Data Architecture & Analytics, Business Intelligence
• Consulting/Business Strategy
• Project/Program Management
• Operations – Managers/Supervisors/Process/Engineers
• Design Engineering/New Product Introduction/Product Programme Manager
• Regulatory Affairs/Compliance
• Medical Vigilance/Surveillance and Risk Management
• Process Business Improvement Specialists/Managers
• Quality Assurance Specialist/Manager

Program Outline

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MSc in Digital Transformation (Life Science)

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Degree Overview

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This program focuses on developing learners' knowledge, skills, and competencies related to smart factories and the digital transformation of the life science industry.

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Students gain insights into the evolution of life science manufacturing, from traditional processes to Industry 4.0 and Pharma 4.0.

The program is delivered in partnership with Innopharma.

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Objectives:

• Provide a comprehensive understanding of smart factory concepts and digital transformation trends in the life sciences.
• Equip learners with the skills and knowledge to develop and implement digital transformation strategies within organizations.
• Analyze the influence of digital transformation on organizational structure and critical skills.

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Program Description:

• Combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through case studies and industry projects.
• Features a blended learning format, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
• Taught by experienced academic and industry professionals.
• Delivers expertise in process digitization, digitalization, data management, analytics, and visualization.
• Prepares graduates for the thriving Irish life sciences industry.

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Outline

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Course Structure:

• The program consists of 10 modules, each carrying 5 or 10 ECTS credits, totaling 90 ECTS credits.
• Modules are delivered through a blend of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and individual study.
• The program culminates in a dissertation project, worth 30 ECTS credits.

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Individual Modules:

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Advanced Manufacturing in the Smart Factory (10 ECTS):

• Explores the concepts of smart factories and their application in life science manufacturing.
• Covers Industry 4.0 and Pharma 4.0 principles, digital transformation trends, and emerging technologies.

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2. Business Case Development (5 ECTS):

• Develops skills in business case development using tools like the business model canvas.
• Covers risk analysis, solution selection, project management, and change management strategies.

Quality Management in a Digital Age (5 ECTS):

• Examines the future of quality in the context of digital transformation.
• Explores quality by design (QBD), quality metrics, and regulatory guidance.

Big Data Acquisition and Management (10 ECTS):

• Introduces different data types, sources, and acquisition methods.

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5. Business Strategy and Change Management (5 ECTS):

• Analyzes current challenges and strategic thinking in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Addresses leading change, maturity matrix, culture of innovation, and corporate governance.

Operational Excellence - Lean Sigma 4.0 (5 ECTS):

• Explores origins, implementation models, and tools of operational excellence, including Lean Sigma.
• Covers design for six sigma, science of innovation, TRIZ, key performance indicators, and quality function deployment.

Analysis of Big Data (10 ECTS):

• Delves into descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics.
• Explores various analytical applications and techniques.

Research Methods (5 ECTS):

• Equips students with research skills, covering the research process, literature review, research questions, ethical considerations, quantitative and qualitative methods, and project management.
• Covers critical data analysis, construction of datasets, and presentation of complex data through engaging graphical representations.

Dissertation (30 ECTS):

• Students conduct independent research on a chosen topic, culminating in a written dissertation and viva presentation.

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Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:

• Assignments
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Exams
• Dissertation project
Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

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Teaching

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Small group tutorials
• Hands-on workshops
• Guest speaker sessions
• Industry visits
• Online learning resources
The program is taught by experienced academic staff and industry professionals with expertise in their respective fields.

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Careers

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in various industries, including:

• Digital Transformation
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Process Analytical Technologies
• Process Digitization / Digitalization
• Regulatory Affairs / Compliance
• Data Architecture & Analytics
• Operational Excellence
Potential job titles include:
• Digital Transformation Specialist
• Smart Factory Engineer
• Process Optimization Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Specialist
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Regulatory Affairs Officer

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Other

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Program Highlights:

• Designed and developed in conjunction with Microsoft.
• Minimizes disruption to schedules with blended learning solutions.
• Upskills for the thriving Irish life sciences industry.
• Gain expertise in process digitisation, digitalisation, data management, data analytics, and data visualisation.

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Intake Dates:

• Dublin - Full-Time - September 2024

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Student Testimonials:

• Padraig Walsh, Innopharma Education Graduate: "I found the delivery of the programme and the lecturers to be incredibly accommodating.
The course fit in with my work schedule at the time.

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Related Courses:

• MSc in International Pharmaceutical Business Management
• Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Device Technology & Business

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Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin: EUR 8,450.00 International International Study Mode: Full-Time Dublin Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section. Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees relate to Year 1 fees only.