Program Overview

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Biomedical Science (Joint Programme with MTU)

Course Overview

The Biomedical Science course is a joint programme offered by University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU). This four-year, full-time course leads to a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science.

Course Details

• Code: MT871
• Duration: 4 years
• Teaching Mode: Full-time
• Qualifications: BSc (Hons)
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• CAO Points: 555*-625 (2025)
• CAO Points Range: 555*-625 (2025)

Course Outline

Biomedical Scientists work in partnership with doctors and other healthcare professionals to investigate samples of tissue and body fluids in order to diagnose diseases and monitor patient treatments. The course provides training in cutting-edge technologies to facilitate the investigation of disease and medical research.

Year 1 Modules

• BM1001 Introduction to Biomedical Science I (5 credits)
• BM1002 Introduction to Biomedical Science II (5 credits)
• BM1003 Cell Biology (5 credits)
• BM1004 Creativity, Innovation & Teamwork (5 credits)
• BM1007 Introduction to Health Science (5 credits)
• BM1008 Introduction to Human Biology (5 credits)
• BM1009 Chemistry for Biological Science I (5 credits)
• BM1010 Chemistry for Biological Science II (5 credits)
• MA1001 Calculus for Science I (5 credits)
• MA1002 Calculus for Science II (5 credits)
• PY1008 Physics for Biomedical, Environmental, Food and Nutritional Sciences (10 credits)

Academic Programme Catalogue

The complete and up-to-date content for this course can be found in the Academic Programme Catalogue. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year.

Course Practicalities

• This course is offered jointly with Munster Technological University, blending the strengths of both institutions.
• Students are formally assessed through continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations.
• A range of assessment methods are used, including essay and short answer examinations, multiple-choice-question examinations, evaluations of laboratory practical skills, laboratory reports, independent laboratory research project, research mini-thesis, and seminar presentation and oral examination.
• Students on this BSc programme must obtain a course of occupational vaccinations for their safety, which will be coordinated and administered through the CIT/MTU Medical Centre at a financial cost to the student.

Why Choose This Course

The aim of this course is to educate students in Biomedical Sciences, including state-of-the-art technologies used in hospitals and research laboratories. It prepares students for a career in laboratory medicine and related areas in the healthcare industry and the biopharmaceutical industry.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Upon completion of the BSc programme, students may progress to the postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Practice, which allows them to practice as a Medical Scientist in Ireland. This optional diploma takes one academic year to complete and incorporates a clinical work placement as part of its programme.

Skills and Careers Information

As a Biomedical Science graduate, students can work in a wide variety of areas, such as a medical scientist in Irish hospitals (BSc and Diploma required), biopharmaceutical biotechnology industries (BSc only required), public health (BSc only required), and sales marketing of medical products (BSc only required).

Requirements

Applications for this programme are made via Munster Technological University (MTU).

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented, with minimum grades of H4 in one subject, H5 in one subject, and O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physics with Chemistry.

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

• English: O6/H7
• Irish: O6/H7
• Maths: O6/H7
• Lab Science: H4

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest. Applicants may also be called for interview.

Honours Maths or a high level of Ordinary Maths in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) is strongly advised, as this is a mathematically challenging course. Applied Maths and Physics in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) are highly beneficial.

Fees and Costs

Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process and whether there are routes available to this course.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See the International Office page for more information.

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