Higher Diploma in Science in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Course Summary
This 3-semester long part-time course has been designed to is to help science, engineering and related graduates to re-skill or up-skill with the required knowledge and skills to assist them in gaining employment in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices and related Life Sciences industries.

Important notice about this course
Now enrolling
Application deadline is 23rd January or when all places are taken whichever comes first.
Final exams may be scheduled in the DkIT campus during the daytime.
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This course is supported by the BioPharmaChem Skillnet. Up to 30% Skillnet funding is available for eligible learners. For all details related to fees, applicants should email office@bpcskillnet.ie |
The aim of this programme is to help science, engineering, and related graduates to re-skill or up-skill with the required knowledge and skills to assist them in gaining employment in the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, and related Life Sciences industries. The programme aims to develop technical skills and knowledge in some of the core areas which have been identified as skills gaps in the (Bio)pharma sector. The programme will be a combination of online delivery and face to face practical sessions in DkIT and in NIBRT. Students will get the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge as part of a work placement in a relevant company if currently unemployed. Students in employment who may be re-skilling will have the option to complete the work placement with their current employer.
The modules on this programme include:
Semester 1
- (Bio)Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management
- Fundamentals of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
- Health and Safety for the (Bio)Pharmaceutical Industry
Semester 2
- Bioprocessing
- Regulatory Affairs & (Bio)Pharmaceutical Data Integrity
- Validation and Instrumentation
Semester 3
- Project (Bio)Pharma Manufacturing
- Work Placement (Bio)Pharma Manufacturing
This course is delivered using a blended learning approach with weekly on-line classes, and hands-on practical lab-based sessions (at the end fo the semester). Students will also be expeted to undertake directed and independent study.
Online classes runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5.30-9.30pm.
Students have to attend DKIT for 3 days (09.00 to 16.30hrs) at the end of each semester for laboratory-based classes.
Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course.
Graduates from the Higher Diploma in Science in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing will have professional skills and knowledge in the area of biopharmaceutical production. They will be able to effectively contribute and progress in (bio)pharmaceutical or related settings, in areas such as manufacture, validation, quality assurance, quality control, and regulatory affairs. Graduates could also seek further educational qualifications in a (bio)pharmaceutical or related area.
Course fee is €2250 payable in 3 instalments as follows:
- Instalment 1: €150 (non-refundable) is payable to confirm your acceptance of a course place.
- Instalment 2: €975 is payable by the 28th February.
- Instalment 3: €1125 is payable by the 31st October.
The qualifying criteria for Skillnet funding (i.e. 30% grant aid) is:
- Must be in part-time / full-time employment
- Employed in ROI
Applicants should have a level 8 major award in Engineering/Science
OR
a Level 7 major award in a cognate Science discipline
OR
a Level 7 major award in Engineering with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the
Pharmaceutical/Biopharmaceutical Industry.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must have English level of
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
Applicants who do not meet these academic criteria may be admitted though the DkIT
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
Such candidates are assessed through a reference-supported application and
interview.
Dr. Geraldine O’Connor (Head of Section (Part time courses), School of Health and Science)
Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ie
Dr. Gillian Lambe (Head of Department of Life Sciences )
Email: Gillian.Lambe@dkit.ie
Course ID | DK_NLMAN_8 |
Course Type | Flexible & Professional |
Study Mode | Part-Time |
Level | 8 |
Duration | 3 Semesters |
Fees | €2250 (supported by BioPharmaChem Skillnet) |
Starting Date | Tuesday 6th February 2024 |
School | School of Health & Science |
Department | Life and Health Sciences |
Credits | 60 |
Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
Delivery Method | Blended |
How To Apply
Apply for this course using our online applications system as per below.
Please submit the following documents with your application:
- An up-to-date CV
- Copy of Academic Transcipts
You must also upload completed documents to the Supplemental Items & Documents section of your online application
Apply Directly to DkIT
Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.