Overview
During the course you’ll learn about immunology, oncology, vascular biology and neuropathology. You’ll also gain the vital skills and know-how needed to develop and manufacture biotherapeutics to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery, for example through the use of facilities at the state-of-the-art National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).
Benefit from a mix of learning formats
The course includes a mix of study and assessment formats – such as in-class discussions, peer review, projects and presentations – to give you a diverse and engaging learning experience. Towards the end of the programme, you’ll undertake a research project in an internal or external research group, or at your workplace.
Once you graduate, you’ll be sought after for roles in biotherapeutics, academia and healthcare. You’ll also be an ideal candidate for BioTranslate, the structured PhD research programme in the DCU School of Biotechnology.
DCU People
Careers & Further Options
Careers
Graduates of this programme will be well placed to provide practice, professional leadership, innovation and scholarship expertise to a vast array of organisations to make a difference in the development and application of biotherapeutics; such as in academia, health care, industry settings, and many more.
The programme is designed to enhance postgraduate students’ employability and promotional aspects through the improvement of skills and knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease and the development of next generation of biologics therapies.
Lastly, graduates of this programme would be ideal candidates for the structured PhD research programme (BioTranslate) within the School.
"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry Requirements
- To qualify for the MSc in Biotherapeutics programme students will be expected to have a Second Class Honours degree (H2.1) or equivalent in a life science, pharmaceutical or chemistry discipline. Medical graduates must have a MB, BCh, BAO or equivalent from a recognised medical school.
- Applicants with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience from the Healthcare/Medical/Therapeutics industry may be considered for places following interview and assessment by the programme management team, in line with standard DCU policies.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. RPL applicants may be required to attend for interview. For more information on RPL see here.
- International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here.
Programme Structure
Multidisciplinary in nature, this programme appeals to a wide range of candidates from across sectors who work with or are planning to work with biomedical therapeutics, including but not limited to life scientists, professionals from the Biopharma and BioPharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Diagnostics and/or Healthcare industries and medical practitioners (including GPs, clinicians-in-training, and specialist nurses).
Graduates will be well placed to provide practice, professional leadership, innovation and scholarship expertise to a vast array of organisations to make a difference in the development and application of biotherapeutics.
Students will have modules in the following areas:
- Introduction to Cell Biology and Biotechnology
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Immuno- and Onco-Therapeutics
- Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering
- Biotherapeutic Pipeline
- Regulatory Affairs Sc. for Biotech Products
- Bioseparations
- Neuro & Cardiovascular Therapeutics
- Case Studies in Biotherapeutic Development
- Professional Skills for Scientists
- Practical on Laboratory Techniques
- Students will have the option to undertake a 12-week research or design project in DCU on a novel research topic related to biomedical science in the module ‘Research Design and Methodology Project’ (30 ECTS credits).
Alternatively, if the student is currently employed in a relevant industry (e.g. BioPharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Diagnostics and Healthcare industry), a 12-week research or design project in the person’s place of work may be permitted, subject to agreement by the programme management team at DCU and the student’s employers.
- Instead of a project, students can also opt for a MasterClass in Biotherapeutics. Here students will complete a bespoke set of experiments relating to the design, purification and validity testing of a biotherapeutic such as a monoclonal antibody in addition to writing a grant proposal.
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.
- Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study, with English translation if applicable.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:
Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
Closing date for EU applicants is 30th August 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU are advised to apply as early as possible. All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
