Postgraduate Taught Programmes

Microbiology Postgraduate Teaching

The Microbiology Discipline at NUI Galway currently offers several choices to postgraduate students including Diploma, MSc and PhD level programmes. We offer taught programmes and research based programmes.

Providing a solid foundation of scientific theory and practical skills development, programmes offered by the Microbiology Discipline at NUI Galway are ideal for students wishing to gain a firm foothold in industry or progress further in academia.

Applicants for all postgraduate programmes, taught or research-based, must register with the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). 

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Microbiology

PAC Code: GYS22

This course aims to give students the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the Healthcare, Food, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical sectors of the manufacturing and service industries.  Students will work extensively within the Microbiology Discipline as well as other Colleges throughout NUI Galway to build a versatile skillset combining hands-on lab techniques, knowledge of regulatory requirements and an introduction to business.

Through this programme, students are given a highly competitive set of abilities tailored to current needs in industry. Over 95% of graduates have found employment in Research and Development (R&D), Quality Control /Quality Assurance, analytical, regulatory or similar capacities within companies such as Abbot Ireland, Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, Boston Scientific Ireland, Elan Corporation, Fort Dodge Laboratories Ireland, Green Isle Foods and Medtronic AVE Ireland.

Subjects covered by this programme include:

• Quality management standards (HACCP, GMP/GLP, ISO etc.)
• Quality assurance/Quality control
• Documentation control
• Process validation
• Cell culture
• Industrial bioprocessing
• Cleanroom technology
• Environmental monitoring
• Statistics
• Introduction to business
• Analytical microbiological techniques
• Immunological methodology
• DNA methodology
• Introduction to business

Students are assessed through written assignments, a lab-based research project, examinations, continuous assessment, presentations, a business report and a final lab Quality Management Standards and audit. 

The Applied Microbiology Postgraduate Diploma course is offered as a one-year, full-time, taught programme worth 60 ECTS. Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic record, prior experience, personal statement and interview.

For detailed information regarding the course and the application process, course fees, and contact details for relevant personnel, please click here for the course overview.  

Master of Science in Biotechnology

PAC Code:  GYS04 (Full Time), GYS05 (Part Time)

The MSc programme in Biotechnology builds on students’ understanding of biological processes to equip them with the skills, knowledge and outlook needed to translate biology from basic “bench-top” research through to commercialisation. In the course of the programme, students will learn about current scientific techniques used to optimise living systems to meet real-world needs such as the production of drugs, diagnostic devices, foods and fuels, bioremediation and the improvement of human health. Placing this in the context of industry, students will receive a comprehensive overview of the regulations governing the biotechnology sector and an introduction to the essentials of business.

Working intensively with research staff based in NUI Galway, students will gain valuable hands-on experience during a four-month research project, forming the basis of their MSc thesis. Alternatively, the student may arrange to complete their research project at a Biotechnology company of their choice (provided that the research is deemed suitable for production of the final thesis by the course co-ordinator).

Biotechnology MSc graduates will gain a firm foundation for progression to PhD, as well as being very well-positioned for entry into the broader biotechnology sector.  Previous graduates have found employment in companies such as Abbott, Allergan, ICON Clinical Research, Norbrook Laboratories and Pfizer. Typical roles held include manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and research, as well as roles within the broader sectors of sales, marketing, and regulatory affairs.

Subjects covered by this programme are as follows:

• Introduction to Biotechnology
• Bioprocess Technology
• Genetic Technology
• Immunodiagnostics
• Pharmacology
• Protein Technology
• Quality Management Systems
• Research Project

Students are assessed through examination of taught material, completion of assignments and the production of a final thesis based on four months’ research.

The MSc Biotechnology course is worth a total of 90 ECTS, and is offered as a one-year full-time programme or a two-year part-time programme. Twelve applicants will be admitted to the full-time course, selected on the basis of prior academic record, relevant experience, personal statement and performance at interview.

For detailed information regarding the course and the application process, course fees, and contact details for relevant personnel, please click here for the course overview.