Biological Sciences General Entry

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Foundation

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC180

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 16,900 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Biological Sciences General Entry

About

Overview

By choosing this general entry course, you can discover more about molecules, cells and life, develop your scientific skills and discover different specialist study and career paths.

During the General Entry course, you’ll study biochemistry, bioprocessing, biotechnology, genetics, cell biology and microbiology, while also completing some modules in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Once you successfully pass this first year, you’ll go on to one of three programmes: the BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology, the BSc in Biotechnology or the BSc in Bioprocessing. While progression into year two of BSc in Biotechnology, BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology, BSc in Bioprocessing is available to all BGE students, year two programme places will be assigned to BGE students based on their year one grades (merit order). When places for year two programmes are limited, BGE year one students will be offered one of their year two programme choices.

Overall, our biological sciences modules are designed to help address challenges relevant to the biotechnology, biopharma and related industries. They incorporate innovative ways of teaching, and you’ll learn by tackling real-world challenges, both on your own and in groups.

Regardless of which programme you go onto, you’ll do a nine-month INTRA work placement in your third year. This is typically in Ireland's thriving biopharma industry, with employers such as Pfizer, Amgen, Biogen and MSD. Biological science grads find they are sought after as process scientists, validation engineers and quality control scientists, especially in the production of biological products, such as therapeutic drugs.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Computer Science

Leaving Cert

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Computer Science

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

GCE A Level general entry requirements can be found here: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/entry.shtml. Please note these may vary slightly for some programmes

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Advanced Entry

No Entry Path

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.

Career

Careers & Further Options

Careers

Our graduates go on to a wide variety of rewarding careers, in areas outlined below

Career Areas

Postgraduate Research (PhD) and Postdoctoral Research in the Biological Sciences
Laboratory work in the Bioprocessing and Biopharma Industries
Quality Management and Regulation in Biopharma Industries
Bioprocess Engineering: bioprocess plant design and commissioning
Technical Sales and Support
Teaching
Technical Roles in Food and and Beverage Production
Brewing

DCU Career Services

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.