Biomedical Science (Joint Programme with MTU)

The aim of this course is to educate you in Biomedical Sciences, including the state-of-the-art technologies used in hospitals and research laboratories. It is offered jointly by UCC and Munster Technological University and approximately 35 places are available.

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Graduate Study Options

As a graduate, you can apply for entry to a wide range of postgraduate programmes, including

Check out the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Postgraduate Courses page to find out more. 

You could also complete a PhD and pursue a career in research.

Career Opportunities

Biomedical Science represents an opportunity to put scientific knowledge into practical use and perform a key role within medical healthcare. Biomedical scientists learn skills and gain qualifications that can be transferred all over Europe and can be recognised worldwide.

As a Biomedical Science graduate, you can work in a wide variety of areas such as a medical scientist in Irish hospitals (BSc and Diploma required); biopharmaceutical biotechnology industries (BSc only required); public health (BSc only required); sales marketing of medical products (BSc only required).

Our graduates have gone on to work in various fields and include analytical chemists, medical scientists, laboratory assistants, laboratory tutors and medical assistants. Companies and hospitals that employ graduates from this course include Alcon Laboratories, Bantry General Hospital, Bon Secours, Cork University Hospital, Galway Clinic, Health Service Executive (HSE), Mater Private Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, and University Hospital Limerick.

To be eligible to work as a Biomedical Scientist in a hospital laboratory, you must hold a BSc Honours degree in Biomedical Science, followed by a postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Placement. The degree, in conjunction with the clinical placement, is accredited by both the Irish Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine and the UK-based Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).  IBMS-accredited degrees support the required academic level needed to meet the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency.

Completion of both the BSc degree and the postgraduate diploma also allows you to register with CORU, the regulator of Medical Scientists in Ireland. The course prepares you for a career in laboratory medicine and related areas in the healthcare industry and the biopharmaceutical industry.