Program Overview

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MSc in Biotherapeutics

Course Details

Course Code:

DC776

Course Type:

Postgraduate

NFQ Level:

9 - Please see for further information

Delivery Modes:

• Full-Time
• Part-Time

Duration:

1 year full-time | 2 year part-time

Overview

During the course you’ll learn about immunology, oncology, vascular biology and neuropathology. You’ll also gain the vital skills and know-how needed to develop and manufacture biotherapeutics to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery, for example through the use of facilities at the state-of-the-art National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).

Benefit from a mix of learning formats
The course includes a mix of study and assessment formats – such as in-class discussions, peer review, projects and presentations – to give you a diverse and engaging learning experience. Towards the end of the programme, you’ll undertake a research project in an internal or external research group, or at your workplace.

Once you graduate, you’ll be sought after for roles in biotherapeutics, academia and healthcare. You’ll also be an ideal candidate for BioTranslate, the structured PhD research programme in the DCU School of Biotechnology.

Careers & Further Options

Careers

Graduates of this programme will be well placed to provide practice, professional leadership, innovation and scholarship expertise to a vast array of organisations to make a difference in the development and application of biotherapeutics; such as in academia, health care, industry settings, and many more.

The programme is designed to enhance postgraduate students’ employability and promotional aspects through the improvement of skills and knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease and the development of next generation of biologics therapies.

Lastly, graduates of this programme would be ideal candidates for the structured PhD research programme (BioTranslate) within the School.

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

• To qualify for the MSc in Biotherapeutics programme students will be expected to have a Second Class Honours degree (H2.1) or equivalent in a life science, pharmaceutical or chemistry discipline. Medical graduates must have a MB, BCh, BAO or equivalent from a recognised medical school.
• Applicants with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience from the Healthcare/Medical/Therapeutics industry may be considered for places following interview and assessment by the programme management team, in line with standard DCU policies.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming theirintent to apply for RPL. RPL applicants may be required to attend for interview. For more information on RPL see here.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here.

Programme Structure

Multidisciplinary in nature, this programme appeals to a wide range of candidates from across sectors who work with or are planning to work with biomedical therapeutics, including but not limited to life scientists, professionals from the Biopharma and BioPharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Diagnostics and/or Healthcare industries and medical practitioners (including GPs, clinicians-in-training, and specialist nurses).

Graduates will be well placed to provide practice, professional leadership, innovation and scholarship expertise to a vast array of organisations to make a difference in the development and application of biotherapeutics.

Time commitment:

• Online/blended/in-person: In-person
• Day/evening/weekend: Day time
• Number of days on campus per semester: 3 days per week. 36 days per semester
• Typical days(s) of week on campus: Monday, Thursday and Friday
• Typical hours per day on campus: 4-8
• Independent learning time - hours per week: 36
• Please note this information is indicative only and subject to change.

Overview

Students will have modules in the following areas:

• Introduction to Cell Biology and Biotechnology
• Recombinant DNA Technology
• Immuno- and Onco-Therapeutics
• Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering
• Biotherapeutic Pipeline
• Regulatory Affairs Sc. for Biotech Products
• Bioseparations
• Neuro and Cardiovascular Therapeutics
• Case Studies in Biotherapeutic Development
• Professional Skills for Scientists
• Practical on Laboratory Techniques
• Students will have the option to undertake a 12-week research or design project in DCU on a novel research topic related to biomedical science in the module ‘Research Design and Methodology Project’ (30 ECTS credits).
• Alternatively, if the student is currently employed in a relevant industry (e.g. BioPharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Diagnostics and Healthcare industry), a 12-week research or design project in the person’s place of work may be permitted, subject to agreement by the programme management team at DCU and the student’s employers.
• Instead of a project, students can also opt for a Master Class in Biotherapeutics. Here students will complete a bespoke set of experiments relating to the design, purification and validity testing of a biotherapeutic such as a monoclonal antibody in addition to writing a grant proposal.

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Full time
  • EU Status Fee: €8,500
  • Non EU Fee: €17,000
• Modular
  • EU Status Fee - Modular: 5 Credit module fee €480 - 30 credit module €2880
  • Non EU Fee: 5 credit module fee €976 - 30 credit module €5875

How To Apply

To apply for this programme:

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study, with English translation if applicable.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:

• This programme is now closed for Non EU Applicants.
• Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025.

Application Queries

For EU applicant queries, please visit postgraduate-taught-admissions or email

For non EU applicant queries, please visit

postgraduate or email

Commencement of Programme

The programme commences in September 2025.