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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguageBiotechnology (MSc, full-time)
MSc (Biotechnology)
Course Overview
This MSc aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in biotechnology. Through tutorials, lectures, assignments and a research project, the course focuses on the development and application of biological processes in research, commercial and industrial settings. The programme is suitable for applicants who have a primary degree in Biological Sciences and wish to develop a career in a sector of high employment.
Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
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You may also be interested in one of our other Life and Biomedical Sciences postgraduate programmes.
Applications and Selections
Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at an undergraduate level and their aptitude for the course.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
To apply for this programme please complete all of the steps below:
1. Ensure you are eligible—entry criteria
- Graduates who have a first class or second class honours, Level 8 (or equivalent international qualification) primary degree in Science or a related subject, with a strong background in Biological Sciences.
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English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.
2. Have all of the supporting documentation in place
Visit our Supporting Documents website for document requirements for this course.
Any application queries should be emailed to postgradadmissions@nuigalway.ie
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area (which is acceptable to the college) without honours and have three years’ relevant practical experience in the subject area.
IELTS score of 6.5 is required, with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band).
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
1 year, full-time
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
20
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website.
NFQ level
9
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
90
Award
CAO
Course code
MSC-MT
Course Outline
Key features of this course include:
- Emphasis on developing biotechnology and business skills
- Choice of industrial or research focussed streams
- Small group tutorials
- Five-month laboratory project providing the opportunity to build research and development expertise while being a member of a scientific research team
Core modules:
- MSc Biotechnology research and/or work experience: Five-month research project.
- Frontiers in Biotechnology: Tutorials introducing transferable skills and recent advances in biotechnology.
- Introduction to Business: Concepts of marketing, management and accountancy including student development of a biotechnology business plan.
- Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology: Understanding the dynamics and kinetics of drug interactions in the body.
- Protein Technology: Includes industrial scale-up of protein production, proteomics and glycobiology.
- Diagnostic Biotechnology: A comprehensive overview of immunological and molecular diagnostics.
Optional modules (choose three):
- Advanced Industrial Processes: This module is designed to develop an awareness of microbial technologies and their applications to biotechnology.
- Applied Concepts in Pharmacology: This module introduces students to autonomic pharmacology and drug discovery and development.
- Scientific Writing: This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the process of scientific publication (writing and reviewing articles).
- Immunology: This module is delivered with emphasis on the clinical value of manipulating the immune system as well as the clinical implications of immunological dysfunction.
- Quality Management Systems for Biotechnology: Quality management systems essential for the efficient and safe running of commercial and industrial biotechnology enterprises are taught in this module.
- Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies: This module outlines the fundamentals of cell & molecular biology.
*Please note that the curriculum information is subject to change from year to year.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
A wide range of career options exist for graduates of this programme, such as employment in pharmaceutical industries, diagnostic services and academic research. Furthermore, this programme is a springboard to PhD research opportunities.
Our recent graduates have found employment with Abbott, Allergan, ICON Clinical Research, Norbrook Laboratories, Regeneron and Pfizer. They are pursuing careers in manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and research, as well as in the broader sectors of sales, marketing and regulatory affairs.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€8,750 p.a. (€8,890 including levy) 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€140 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Non EU
€28,000 p.a. (€28,140 including levy) 2025/26
For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee. A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.
Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here.
What Our Students Say
Mr John Kilmartin | Senior Regulatory Affairs Director in Medtronic
We have had a number of visits from the MSc Biotechnology programme here in Medtronic, all of the participants have been really engaged and one of the graduates has joined my team in the Regulatory affairs dept. We are delighted with her progress and contribution to the company.
Eva Walsh | MSc Biotechnology Graduate
The MSc in Biotechnology Programme allowed me to take my fundamental knowledge from food science and apply it to a broader future in science. I studied several exciting new modules that further developed my proficiency such as Pharmacology, Industrial Processes, Protein Technology and Immunology. I found these modules gave me the skill and understanding that I could bring to a practical fast-paced industrial environment. I was delighted to have the opportunity to do a five-month lab research project in which I am currently developing diagnostic tools to identify new bacterial strains. This project is giving me practical lab experience in a research-based environment. The small class size enhanced interactive learning which considerably increased my understanding of the course material. The curriculum has a clear emphasis on improving presentation and scientific communication skills to take way beyond the realms of this masters that I will use for the rest of my scientific career. Overall, this masters has uniquely positioned me to look at real world problems and come up with innovative ways of solving them.
Gráinne O'Connor | MSc Biotechnology Graduate
I decided to do the MSc Biotechnology at NUI Galway after completing my BSc in Microbiology. I wanted to learn more about the Biotech Industry and gain skills that I could apply in future employment. I knew from experience that the facilities and staff at NUI Galway are first-class. I am very happy with my decision to continue my studies here, I really enjoyed the year that I spent undertaking the MSc. Modules were taught by lecturers who were experts in their field, meaning that the material was up-to-date and included cutting-edge research. Alongside lectures, the programme helped me refine my presentation and scientific communication skills. The small class size made for an interactive learning environment and encouraged discussion between lecturers and students. Students were from diverse scientific backgrounds, leading to interesting scientific conversations and opinions that I previously may not have thought of. Highlights of the year included industry visits and setting up our own brewery. I left me feeling prepared for industry or further research and I believe that it has given me scientific and communication skills that I will use for the rest of my scientific career.
