Who is this course for?  

The MSc Biotechnology is designed for ambitious and curious individuals eager to explore the intersection of science, technology, business, and management to solve real-world challenges. Whether you are a recent graduate seeking advanced training or professionals seeking to upskill or pivot into the biotechnology sector, this programme provides the tools to turn innovation into impactful, viable solutions. 

Ideal candidates are motivated to apply new biotechnologies to pioneer medical solutions, enhance environmental and agricultural practices, and contribute to a sustainable future. They should be interested in understanding how scientific, economic, and management strategies influence the translation of biotechnology innovations to the marketplace. Those who thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments and enjoy tackling complex challenges will find this course especially rewarding.  

Graduates will emerge with the confidence to independently design and implement research, effectively communicate, and to make a meaningful contribution to global industrial, environmental, or academic settings. The course is ideal for those who aspire to lead, innovate, and make a tangible impact in the biotechnology industry. 

What will I study?  

The programme is designed to ensure graduates develop both specialist expertise and transferable skills for careers in biotechnology and beyond. Students learn to apply emerging biotechnologies to drive medical innovation, sustainability, and agricultural practices, while also evaluating the scientific, economic, and regulatory factors that shape their application. Teaching is research-led and emphasises active learning, design-thinking, and authentic assessment. The curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity and scientific rigour, preparing graduates to design and manage projects in both academic and industrial settings. Communication skills, independent problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork are central to the learning experience, equipping graduates with the adaptability to thrive in multidisciplinary environments. 

Core modules: 

• Frontiers in Biotechnology
• Protein Technology
• Diagnostic Biotechnology
• Quality Management Systems
• Advanced Omics technologies
• Science Entrepreneurship
• Scientific Communication 

Optional Modules may include: 

• Pharmacology
• Advanced Industrial Processes
• Sustainable Bio-Based & Circular Economy
• Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Project Management
• Green Labs Principles and Practice 

Master core skills: Gain the foundational knowledge, practical abilities, and professional competencies needed to work effectively as a biotechnologist. 

Enhance analytical skills: Build the ability to interpret and analyse ‘omic’ data sets using advanced tools and methodologies. 

Strengthen problem-solving abilities: Approach medical, environmental and agricultural challenges critically, using both theoretical and practical perspectives to identify biotechnology solutions. 

Entrepreneurship Edge: Develop commercial awareness and business creation skills through the exploration of commercialisation pathways for biotechnologies.

Tailor your learning: Shape the focus of your own learning through optional modules on biomedical sciences, industrial processes, or sustainability. 

Industry Placement: Gain hands-on exposure to industry practices, build professional networks, and apply your biotechnology skills in a workplace setting. 

Develop professional expertise: Hone transferable skills in project management, quality management systems, and effective communication. 

With a focus on real-world application, interdisciplinary modules, and opportunities for industry placements and research experiences, this degree prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers in biotechnology, environmental management, and bio-business. 

Industry-relevant modules like Protein Technology, Quality Management Systems, Frontiers in Biotechnology, and Entrepreneurship  will give you the skills employers are looking for in today’s rapidly evolving biotechnology sector. 

Graduates have found employment in biotechnology, environmental, and pharmaceutical roles, including research scientists, process development engineers, regulatory affairs specialists, product managers, and policy advisors. The MSc in Biotechnology also provides a strong foundation for further study and research, serving as a gateway to progression onto a PhD. 

Recent graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as: 

• Chanelle Pharma
• Pfizer
• Eli Lily
• Baxter
• Regeneron 

MSc Biotechnology students have the opportunity to apply for an industry placement in a Biopharmaceutical / Biotechnology company.  

Placements are secured by individual students through a competitive selection process conducted by the industry partner. Students are guided through the process of CV preparation, job application, and interview from week 1 of their academic year by an industry placement officer from the University’s Career Development Centre.  

If successful, the student begins the placement begins semester 3 and undertakes a period of professional work experience of up to 12 months; The duration of the placements varies according to the requirements of each employer. 

The location of the placement opportunities vary each year, and may be situated outside the Galway region. 

Programme Director 

Dr Sheila Donnelly 

Lecturers 

• Prof Gerard Wall
• Dr Kate Reddington
• Ms Niamh Nolan
• Dr Luis Felipe Quiroz
• Prof Eilis Dowd
• Prof Una Fitzgerald
• Dr David Styles
• Dr Florence Abram
• Dr Alma Siggins
• Prof Vincent O’Flaherty
• Dr Gavin Collins
• Dr Aideen Ryan
• Prof Kathryn Cormican
• Dr Andrew Flaus

How will I learn? 

The MSc Biotechnology curriculum is research-led, with content building on recent discoveries and/or innovations to explore/understand the core concepts underpinning the development of individual biotechnologies and to determine the value and impact of their application.  

There is a range of teaching approaches employed with a predominance on active learning, through design-thinking, case studies, problem solving, reflective practises and team work. In addition, as modules are designed to complement each other there is a system of scaffolded learning of concepts and skill sets. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Reflecting the broad range of teaching activities, several different assessment tools are employed.  

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including literature reviews, regulatory reports, presentations, reflection, in-class tests, and technical assessments. 
2. Examinations - Written exams evaluate comprehension of core concepts. 
3. Project/Placement Report - The completion of a thesis allows students to apply their skills to the critical analysis and contextual evaluation of a real-world research project or industry placement.

Course queries: 
Sheila.donnelly@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Sheila Donnelly, 
Senior Lecturer in Microbiology  
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences 
College of Science and Engineering 

E: Sheila.donnelly@universityofgalway.ie    

Q: What is the minimum academic requirement to apply?
A: A 2.2 Honours degree in a relevant field (e.g. biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biomedical science, biopharmaceutical science, environmental science, marine science). Applicants with other academic backgrounds and relevant experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Q: What supporting documents are required?
A: You should submit academic transcripts, a CV, a personal statement, at least one reference (academic or professional), and proof of English language proficiency (if applicable). 

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, the University of Galway does not offer application fee waivers for this programme. 

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes. The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences offers two automatic scholarships for international students: 

• €5,000 Merit Scholarship for all offer holders
• €10,000 Excellence Scholarship for applicants with a First Class Honours (1.1) degree 

Q: Can I apply without an English language test score?
A: Yes, but if your previous degree was not taught in English, you will need to submit an IELTS (or equivalent) score before enrolment. A letter from your institution confirming English as the medium of instruction may exempt you from the test requirement. 

Q: Is this a research-based or taught programme?
A: It is a taught MSc programme that includes lab-based technical training in some modules and provides an opportunity for a five month research project under supervision within a university research team.  

Q: Is there an industry placement?
A: Students have the opportunity to apply to available industry placements. These are undertaken in the third semester and may extend up to 12 months. 

Graduates of the MSc Biotechnology will: 

• Apply enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex scientific challenges
• Retrieve, select, sift, and deploy a range of sources to support original arguments 
• Communicate effectively in oral, written, and visual formats, tailoring arguments and ideas to diverse audiences 
• Demonstrate awareness of business, legal, and regulatory contexts that shape innovation and professional practice
• Embrace adaptability and intellectual curiosity by engaging with new technologies and lifelong learning opportunities
• Exhibit professional collaboration skills through the ability to work productively in teams and respect diverse perspectives
• Exhibit the ability to self-assess and self-direct  

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a Second-Class Honours degree (2.2 or above) in a relevant discipline such as biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biomedical science, biopharmaceutical science, environmental science, marine science, or a related field. Any qualification should include certified skills and knowledge in molecular biology, cell biology and microbiology.  

Candidates with equivalent qualifications or significant relevant work experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an 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.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents  

Proof of identity, academic transcripts, an academic recommendation, a personal statement (max. 600 words), and a CV. 

Meeting with MSc Director 

Selected applicants will be invited to a short online meeting with the MSc Director to discuss their academic experience, technical skills, and understanding of the biotechnology industry. This meeting will also determine a candidate’s professionalism, communication skills, and readiness for industry engagement. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  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. 

Protective Equipment 

Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat or goggles (approx. cost of €25).

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Scholarships for International MSc Biotechnology Students 

The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences offers two scholarships for international students accepted into the MSc Biotechnology: 

• Merit Scholarship: A €5,000 tuition reduction awarded to all international students who receive an offer for the programme.
• Excellence Scholarship: A €10,000 tuition reduction awarded to international students who hold a First Class Honours (1.1) undergraduate degree. 

No separate application is required. These scholarships help support talented international students in joining a globally focused and impact-driven master’s programme at the University of Galway. 

College of Science and Engineering LATAM Scholarship 

Accepted students from Latin America are eligible for a 50% tuition fee reduction under the College of Science and Engineering scholarship scheme. This initiative is part of the University of Galway's commitment to global engagement and strengthening academic partnerships across the LATAM region. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process. 

School information: 

https://www.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/schoolofbiologicalandchemicalsciences/ 

Industry Developments: 

https://irishtechnews.ie/category/biotech/ 

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/news