Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Medicinal Products (ATMP) Vector Manufacturing (Online)

Course Summary

This programme is run in conjunction with NIBRT (National Institute for Biopharmaceutical Research and Training), with many of the lecturers and guest lecturers from NIBRT. At the start of 2022, IDA Ireland confirmed a €21 million capital investment in NIBRT to enable the construction, equipping and staffing of a 1,800m2 extension which will focus on research and training in the manufacture of advanced therapies. Construction of this NIBRT Advanced Therapies building extension is underway and is scheduled to open in 2023.

NIBRT established the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Forum in 2018, which comprises stakeholders from across industry, academic researchers and government agencies, with the aim of making Ireland a global leader for the development, manufacture, supply and adoption of advanced therapies and novel vaccines (NIBRT Annual Report, 2022).

The programmes seek to enhance graduate employability by building in elements of case studies, group work, simulated problem solving, examples in context, and use of guest lecturers where feasible and appropriate. Modules such as Biocontamination, Cell Processing and Research methods enhance employability, as they are very transferable across sectors and do not limit students to specific roles. Key learning opportunities for students will be to apply their knowledge gained through the course to real workplace problems in real time, thus enhancing their skills and employability.

Key Course Information

This course is designed to give students a grounding in critical aspects of ATMP vector manufacturing and quality control / quality affairs. By undertaking this course, students will gain an understanding of the facts, concepts, principles, theories and methods associated with vector manufacturing in the context of the ATMP industry. Throughout the course the student will get a detailed knowledge, experience and understanding of the theories, paradigms, defining concepts and underlying principles of the ATMP vector product life cycle, and evaluate new and emerging technologies. 

Application Closing Date : 16th August 2024

Entry Requirements

The programme is open to students who have completed a minimum of a 2.2 Honours Level 8 degree in a Science or Engineering subject related to the life sciences. Other candidates with alternative honours degrees and experience in the ATMP industry may apply for consideration (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment). The entry requirements will encompass recognition of prior accredited learning in other third level institutions, in accordance with ATU procedures.

RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/rpl which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie

English requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English should provide evidence of English language proficiency. For further information on English language requirements click here

Career Opportunities

The programme was conceived in response to consultation with NIBRT on the expansion of the ATMP sector in Ireland, and the need for structured educational offerings aimed to upskill / cross skill staff in existing biopharmaceutical science jobs. The course content was developed closely with NIBRT and in response to industry input and feedback.

This programme is aimed at manufacturing, quality, engineering and regulatory personnel who are looking to increase their understanding and application of ATMP technologies. It will provide a postgraduate qualification in the area of ATMP manufacturing that will form both an introduction for new or proposed entrants to the area and additional skills and knowledge to those working in the area. This course will give them the opportunity to move upwards to leadership roles.

Further Study

The Postgraduate Certificate in ATMP Vector Manufacturing can be taken as a standalone but is also embedded in the Master of Science in ATMP Vector Manufacturing. The programme will be delivered in conjunction with NIBRT.

Research Postgraduate opportunities at ATU are offered at Level 10 (PhD).

Did you know?

The programme was conceived in response to consultation with NIBRT on the expansion of the ATMP sector in Ireland, and the need for structured educational offerings aimed to upskill / cross skill staff in existing biopharmaceutical science jobs.

According to the report ‘The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs Statement,’ the Biopharmachem sector is focusing on next generation treatments, cell and gene therapies, personalised and precision medicine, combination therapies, genomics, connected health and combination therapies (National Skills Council, 2022). The report cites a lack of skills and talent as one of the biggest obstacles to growth, modernisation, and digital transformation in the sector. IDA Ireland, 2020 published an infographic outlining the case for Cell and Gene Therapy development and manufacturing in Ireland, highlighting their priority in driving this sector.

Alumni

As this programme is to commence in Academic Year 2023-2024, there have not been any graduates and hence Alumni. However, ATU has a strong established and ever-growing Alumni comprising graduates from a diverse range of Level 6-10 science programmes.  

Programme Fees

Academic Year 2024/25 Fees

Total Programme Fee: €6,000

To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.

 If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.

 For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.

 If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2