Program Overview

An Introduction to BioPharmaceuticals and Advanced Personalised Therapies - Certificate in Continuing Professional Development - Cert

Course Fact File

• Code: CCPDIB
• Duration: 8 weeks
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: Cert
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• NFQ Award Title: Certificate in Continuing Professional Development
• Fees: €1250 (BioPharmaChem Skillnet Fee Subsidy: €875)
• Closing Date: 31 August 2025
• Next Intake: November 2025
• Course Delivery Method: Online
• Venue: Online
• Start Date: 25th September 2025

Course Outline

This programme aims to provide students with an introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of disease and how this informs the design and manufacture of biological therapies. There will be a focus on protein and vaccine based therapeutic approaches, as well as emerging gene and cell therapies, and the personalized treatment of disease.

The course will provide a basic understanding of how our bodies work, and how this can change in disease. It will then consider the rationale behind the development of biotherapeutics and the design of biological drugs - with an emphasis on the processes and management involved in the largescale manufacture of protein drugs and vaccines. Participants will be introduced to the concepts associated with the personalisation of medicines, and novel applications associated with cell and gene therapies. Through a flexible online delivery, learners will benefit from pre-recorded and live webinars which facilitate an engaged learning environment while also supporting self-directed study.

Module

• BC5007 Introduction to BioPharmaceuticals and Advanced Personalised Therapies

Course Practicalities

This course is delivered part-time through a combination of blended learning approaches that involve recorded introductions to course topics, discussion boards and evening webinar tutorials (held weekly). Students are expected to undertake self-directed study in advance of workshops and webinars, and continuous assessment related assignments.

Sessions will take place on Thursday evenings, starting in November for 5 weeks, a break for Christmas, and 5 more classes after Christmas.

Why Choose This Course

This course has been developed collaboratively between Staff at the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at UCC, and BioPharmaChem Skillnet. Both have considerable expertise in the delivery of post graduate BioTech/ BioPharma courses at Levels 8 and 9, and the targeted provision of upskilling opportunities to meet existing knowledge and skill shortages. The course is tailored to provide foundational knowledge to those looking to achieve a basic understanding of existing and emerging therapies in the BioPharma and Life Sciences sector and will be delivered by experienced University lecturers and invited industrial speakers.

Skills and Careers Information

This course was developed in response to a skills need identified by the Biopharmachem Skillnet in consultation with key employers across the sector. As is referenced in recent EGFSN reports, the BioPharma industry continues to grow, with companies experiencing difficulties in sourcing individuals with relevant experience. An introductory course such as proposed here will therefore support upskilling and reskilling across many industrial positions including, but not limited to technical, operator, quality, and management roles.

Requirements

This NFQ Level 8 Certificate in Continuing Professional Development: An Introduction to BioPharmaceuticals and Advanced Personalised Therapies is designed for graduates who hold a NFQ Level 8 qualification and who wish to receive an introduction to the biopharmaceutical and advanced therapy sectors. Provision will also be made for candidates who hold sufficient previous educational/professional experience.

Applicants should hold a level 8 degree or equivalent with a second class honours grade II.

A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements, but who have sufficient equivalent professional qualifications and significant industrial experience.

These applicants will be considered under RPL and assessed on the following factors:

• Academic achievement
• Prior Work Experience
• Letter of Reference
• Personal Statement

All applicants whose first language is not English are expected to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual section lower than 6.5, as per UCC requirements.

Fees and Costs

• General Applicants: €1250
• BioPharmaChem Skillnet Fee Subsidy: Partial funding is available from the Biopharmachem Skillnet to eligible candidates. Those subsidised by BioPharmaChem Skillnet will pay a reduced fee of €875.