Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing) - Cert

Program Overview

Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing) - Cert

Course Fact File

• Code: COPD
• Duration: 1 academic year
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: Cert
• NFQ Level: Level 7
• NFQ Award Title: Level 7 (Special Purpose Award)
• Fees: €2,250
• Closing Date: General Applications: 29 August 2025, Springboard+ Applications: July 28th
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Venue: Online
• Start Date: September 2025

Course Outline

The Certificate in Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing) provides essential knowledge and skill development for the role of operator in a pharma manufacturing environment. Tailored specifically for those currently in or seeking operator roles, the programme aims to equip participants with the skills demanded by pharma facilities in Ireland today.

This programme provides a complementary set of modules which allow the student to explore topics such as personal effectiveness, communication skills, motivation, problem-solving and decision-making, following standard operating procedures, as well as more technical areas such as pharmaceutical unit operations, workplace health and safety systems, supply chain management, risk management, cleanroom operations, quality and cGMP compliance systems.

The programme supports the adoption of new and enhanced approaches for students to optimise performance and impact onsite. For those hoping to return to the workplace in the role of operator, the programme offers participants the chance to become familiar with key workplace concepts, terminology and procedures while being supported in actively planning and preparing for their future careers within the sector. Therefore, the programme offers transferability of knowledge and skills across operator roles and sites within the Pharma sector.

Modules

• AD1035: Innovative Problem Solving and Decision Making
• AD1053: Technical Effectiveness l (Health, Safety and Environment)
• AD1934: Operations and Best Practice in (Bio) Pharma Industry
• AD1093: Personal Effectiveness
• PF1801: Technical Effectiveness ll (Pharma Manufacturing)

Course Practicalities

This course is delivered online on a part-time basis. Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:

• You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
• Some of UCC’s services (e.g. the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
• You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
• We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
• You will require an Office suite of software (Microsoft Office or equivalent) and a PDF reader. You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/Powerpoint etc. once registered.

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
• Normally have Leaving Certificate or FETAC Level 5 or an equivalent qualification
• English Language Requirement: All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score

Fees and Costs

• General Applications: €2,250
• Springboard+: There are a limited number of places available on this programme funded by Springboard+.
  • Those in employment can avail of a 90% fee subsidy
  • Those unemployed/returners can avail of a 100% fee subsidy

How To Apply

• Springboard+ Applicants: Those applying for Springboard+ funding may check their eligibility HERE
• General Applicants: To Apply for this course as a full-fee-paying student, or if you are sponsored by your organisation, please follow the steps below:
  • When you log into the Application Portal:
    • Click Apply Online
    • Select Start a new Adult & Continuing Education Application
    • On the 2nd tab Academic Level:
      • Select the following options:
        • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
        • Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
        • Academic Programme: The course title you are applying for.
  • During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
    • Birth Cert or Passport
    • Passport Photograph
    • English Language Test Report [if applicable]
    • Transcripts [if applicable]

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Certificate in Operator Development (Pharma Manufacturing) provides essential knowledge and skill development for the role of operator in a pharma manufacturing environment. Tailored specifically for those currently in or seeking operator roles, the programme aims to equip participants with the skills demanded by pharma facilities in Ireland today. This programme provides a complementary set of modules which allow the student to explore topics such as personal effectiveness, communication skills, motivation, problem-solving and decision-making, following standard operating procedures, as well as more technical areas such as pharmaceutical unit operations, workplace health and safety systems, supply chain management, risk management, cleanroom operations, quality and cGMP compliance systems. The programme supports the adoption of new and enhanced approaches for students to optimise performance and impact onsite. For those hoping to return to the workplace in the role of operator, the programme offers participants the chance to become familiar with key workplace concepts, terminology and procedures while being supported in actively planning and preparing for their future careers within the sector. the programme offers transferability of knowledge and skills across operator roles and sites within the Pharma sector.

Outline:

The Modules for the Certificate are as follows:

• AD1035: Innovative Problem Solving and Decision Making
• AD1053: Technical Effectiveness l (Health, Safety and Environment)
• AD1073: Introduction to Supply Chain Management
• AD1093: Personal Effectiveness
• PF1801: Technical Effectiveness ll (Pharma Manufacturing)

Teaching:

This course is delivered online on a part-time basis.

Careers:

The programme offers participants the chance to become familiar with key workplace concepts, terminology and procedures while being supported in actively planning and preparing for their future careers within the sector. the programme offers transferability of knowledge and skills across operator roles and sites within the Pharma sector.

Other:

Applicants need to be aware of the IT student checklist below before applying:

• You will need access to a laptop or desktop computer running a modern supported operating system with all software updates.
• Some of UCC’s services (e.g.
the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment) link to an external site and also have mobile apps for iOS and Android Devices that you may wish to use as part of your studies. However, we recommend using your desktop web browser for submission of assessments.
• You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser.
In general, we recommend the Chrome Web browser (Important Note: Internet Explorer will not work with Canvas).
• We recommend a reliable broadband connection with at least 2Mbps or more.
You should always use the latest version of this software. All UCC students will have access to Office 365 which includes software such as Word/Excel/Powerpoint etc. once registered.

€2,500 Partial funding is available from the Biopharmchem Skillnet to eligible candidates. Skillnet Funding can only be applied where the employer pays the course fees on behalf of the student. Self-employed applicants can avail of the subsidy. BioPharmaChem Skillnet will issue the invoice directly to you or your organisation. Applicants who are not eligible for the BPC subsidy will be invoiced directly by UCC.