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Accessibility & LanguageBachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Entry Points (2024)
470
Course Overview
Biotechnology is the application of biology for the benefit of humanity and the environment. It harnesses living organisms to provide foods and medicines, and for tasks such as cleaning toxic waste or detecting harmful substances. Biotechnology has roots in food and agriculture, using yeast to make beer and bread, and lactic acid bacteria to make cheese. Modern technologies such as genetic engineering make biotechnology a major part of Ireland’s economic future in biopharmaceuticals, biomedicine, agriculture, the food industry and the environment.
Our BSc Biotechnology is a science-focused and closely mentored course with strong career opportunities and an international outlook. Alongside core knowledge of modern biology, the BSc Biotechnology degree provides tailored training in communications, business and languages skills. Students complete individual projects in research laboratories on campus in their fourth year, and have the opportunity to undertake placements in industry in Ireland, or research laboratories across Europe.
Programme Flyer
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Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, a third language, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any one other subject recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
Minimum O2 or H6 in a modern European language other than Irish or English.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades (2024)
universityofgalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
28
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY304
Course code
Course Outline
The BSc Biotechnology combines a strong foundation in science with a broad awareness of how this can be applied and skills to translate this knowledge.
In first year students study core biology, chemistry and maths principles alongside unique biotechnology and language modules with an emphasis on practical activities.
In second year students study molecular cell biology, microbiology and chemistry while continuing to develop their biotechnology and language skills.
In third year students continue with molecular cell biology and microbiology plus pharmacology and their language. In semester 2 there is an opportunity for a 3-6 month placement in Irish industry or a research laboratory in continental Europe. An on-campus alternative course emphasising genetics and biochemistry is also available.
In final year students take modules in biochemistry, a business course including business development project, as well as completing semester-long individually mentored literature review and a choice of either a research project or advanced skills and employability training.
YEAR ONE
• Biotechnology Concepts and Labs
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Data Science
• Employability Skills in Biotechnology
• Language (French or German or Irish)
YEAR TWO
• Biotechnology Innovations
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Language (French or German or Irish)
YEAR THREE
• Biotechnology Skills
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Language (French or German or Irish)
• Placement and on-campus option
YEAR FOUR
• Advanced research project or advanced skills and employability training
• Topical scientific literature review
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Recombinant protein production or Plant and AgriBiotechnologies
• Modern Biotechnologies
See more details on GY304 Biotechnology here
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Further Education
Postgraduate Masters
Biotechnology graduates who want to further strengthen their knowledge frequently pursue advanced Masters training at universities in Ireland and UK, in areas including biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, genomics and environmental science.
Graduates also opt for more diverse postgraduate options such as medicine, dietetics, physiology, teaching or commerce, or choose to and to study for a Masters in continental Europe.
Postgraduate Research
Graduates with strong results in our programme regularly progress to PhD programmes in NUI Galway, other Irish universities, and prestigious locations such as University of Cambridge and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory. Their research topics range from basic biochemistry and molecular cell biology to biomedicine and applications of biotechnology.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Placements – Employability training - Career opportunities - Mentoring
The BSc in Biotechnology equips students with a unique range of capabilities and practical experience that sets them up for a successful career in Biotechnology. This includes business and language skills, employability training and placement experience that complements their foundation knowledge of biology.
Placements: Biotechnology at Galway is the only undergraduate degree with guaranteed placement opportunities in either ERASMUS research labs in Europe, or in Biopharma/MedTech companies in Ireland. This experience enables students to mature and grow in confidence, and particularly stands out when graduates are looking for a job.
BSc Biotechnology placement opportunities- Industry and ERASMUS
Employability training: Our students are given tuition in general Transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving, work etiquette, communication, resilience and critical thinking. Students also receive instruction in CV, social media preparation and interview skills oriented toward Biotech-related jobs. Together with Career awareness training on company structure, career options and industry vocabulary this makes our students more employable and well-prepared for a fruitful career.
The advanced skills and employability for Biotechnologists class achieve their employability award
Career opportunities: Ireland’s Biotechnology sector is booming and is projected to grow over the next five years. Biotechnologists find rewarding careers across Ireland’s ‘smart economy’ including biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, healthcare, and the environment, as well as in academic and industry research. Our graduate’s science knowledge and skills also opens doors to areas such as management, education, medicine and marketing.
BSc Biotechnology class on graduation day
International perspectives: The combination of international placements, language training and rubbing shoulders with international classmates means Biotechnology graduates have a unique international perspective and set of skills on their CV.
BSc Biotechnology placement students meet up in Amsterdam
Mentoring: Our programme prides itself in being one of University of Galway’s best mentored, with individual support and attention given to every students from first year orientation to graduation day and beyond.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€7,268 p.a. (€7,408 p.a. including levy) 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€4,268 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student Contribution
€3,000 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Non EU
€27,000 p.a. (€27,140 including levy). 2025/26
EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy* €140. *Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here.
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**.
**Excludes Full-Time EU Undergraduate fees. These are fixed and do not change.
Find out More
Dr Stephen Rea
BSc Biotechnology Programme Director
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
e:biotechnology@universityofgalway.ie
International students are warmly invited to apply, and we welcome students to Biotechnology each year from USA, Asia, Europe and beyond.
- Please see our International Office web page for information and requirements.
- To hear what it is like to be a student of Biotechnology please listen to this podcast by clicking here.
- Click Here to view the 2021 taster day video of Biotechnology by Andrew Flaus. It is a good example of a typical early lecture in the Biotechnology programme, and gives a nice overview of what Biotechnology involves and why it is important
What our Students Say
Eileen Reidy | BSc (Biotechnology)
"A special feature of the course was the research and industry-based placements during 3rd year. Alongside the opportunity to learn a language and carry out a business module, this gave us a unique CV that stood out from other science graduates.
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Josh Taylor | BSc (Biotechnology)
Biotech has small classes so we get to know each other very quickly, and we also get to interact more with our lecturers. I like the variety of subjects, and having a language makes us stand out compared with other science graduates. The placement gives us a great opportunity for getting experience.
