Higher Diploma in Science in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Next intake September 2025
Course Overview
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.
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.
Career Opportunities
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 Delivery and Modules
This course is delivered using a blended learning approach with weekly on-line classes, and hands-on practical lab-based sessions (at the end of 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.
- Please note: Final exams may be scheduled in the DkIT campus during the daytime.
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.
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Semester 1
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Semester 2
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Semester 3
- Project (Bio)Pharma Manufacturing
- Work Placement (Bio)Pharma Manufacturing
Fees and Funding
Course fee is €600 payable in 2 instalments as follows:
- Instalment 1: €200 (non-refundable) is payable to confirm your acceptance of a course place.
- Instalment 2: €400 is payable by the 31st October.
Fees
€600
Entry Requirements
- 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. Learn more about RPL at DkIT
Such candidates are assessed through a reference-supported application and interview.
How To Apply
Next intake SEPTEMBER 2025. To register your interest please complete the form at the link below, you will be notified when applications open in Spring 2025.
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the Higher Diploma in Science in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing please ask it below and we will get back to you.
Dr. Geraldine O’Connor
Head of Section (Part time courses), School of Health and Science
Email: geraldine.oconnor@dkit.ieDisclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).
