Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning)

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 29,100 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning)

About

The MSc Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning) will broaden your understanding of biological and biomolecular science against a backdrop of learning core technical, methodological and innovation skills relevant to industry and academia. Taught modules from several innovative specialisations are available from the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science. The programme provides students with an exciting prospect of studying and researching in the interdisciplinary fields of genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics and biodata analysis. Guidance from expert faculty is provided to tailor a programme that will meet the anticipated requirements of the student’s objectives and career goals.

Negotiated Learning: student and academic discuss goals, and tailor a suitable programme for the student.

Specialisations:

Genetics and Cell Biology: investigates cellular signalling, architecture, imaging, trafficking and transport, genetic basis of disease, model organisms, epigenetics, etc.
Microbiology and Infection Biology: investigates mechanisms of pathogenic micro organisms, host response to infection, immunopathologies, host-pathogen interactions, development of diagnostics, applied microbiology, etc.
Biochemistry and Synthetic Biology: investigate metabolism and disease, protein-protein interactions, cell signalling, protein structure and analysis.
Applied Bioinformatics: Introduces the basic principles and practical applications of computational tools for the analysis and interpretation of data from a wide range of biological and biomolecular disciplines.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

This programme is intended for applicants who have at least an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree, or the international equivalent, in a life science or chemical science. Examples of an appropriate BSc subject include, but are not restricted to, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry.

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

This programme will enable you to choose from a wide range of careers and areas of postgraduate study, including pursuing a PhD degree and a career in academia. This multidisciplinary course provides a solid grounding for careers in industry, health and research, such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Microbiology, Process Control, Technical Transfer, Research and Development, and Regulatory Affairs, Scientific Editor or Writer, Lab Technician or Analyst roles. An academic staff member will advise you on a specialisation and module choices based on the opportunities you hope to unlock. Examples of employers are Eurofins BioPharma (Bioanalyst), Boston Scientific (Microbiologist), Takeda (Quality Control Analyst), Frontiers (Research Integrity Specialist), Megazyme (Biomedical QC Analyst), Novartis (Client Service Manager), Roche (Data Science Analyst) and Systems Biology Ireland (Research Assistants).