Course Title: Certificate in GMP & Pharmaceuticals
The aims of the programme are to produce well-qualified personnel for effective employment as operators/technicians in the chemical, solid dosage pharmaceutical industries; to equip graduates with the necessary foundations and flexibility for further personal development through advancement to higher level qualifications in science or for engagement in other lifelong learning activities; to support the development of the regions industrial, social and cultural needs in keeping with the strategic mission of the University.
The programme is structured to include:
- Core Sciences: Chemistry and Physics for manufacturing
- Industry Specific: Manufacturing and Processing Technology/Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science exploring the operations of chemical API manufacturing facilities and finished pharma plants, GMP/QC
- Applied Modules: Industrial applications to enhance knowledge of specific areas of interest including Immersive Technologies/Process Analytical Technologies etc.
The university is home to the National Pharmaceutical Education centre, which includes a PAT and formulation laboratory equipped with relevant equipment for oral dosage formulations, a pilot scale facility to the scale of 500 litres providing hands on practical experience which is a significant aspect of the programme. Through both physical and remote access laboratories, the participants will be given the opportunity to experience real industry type scenarios.
This programme is particularly relevant to existing players like Helsinn Pharma, Pfizer Newbridge,SK Biotek, WuXi, MSD, BMS and the new facility for Eli Lilly in Limerick. Recent announcements in the media of new facilities and expansions of existing ones demonstrates the requirement for skilled personnel with a knowledge of the pharmaceutical environment.
This certificate is a one year 60 credit minor award of a two year 120 credit Higher Certificate in Science GMP and Technology. The Higher Certificate programme was established over 20 years ago and is well known and respected in the industry. This two year programme has successfully been delivered to Pfizer Newbridge staff for almost 15 years and to BMS, Alkermes & Janssen.
If you are under 23 years old on 1 January you must have achieved Grade D3 in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish or a FETAC Level 5 qualification or equivalent unless otherwise stated. That is 5 subjects: O6/H7, English or Irish: O6/H7 and Mathematics: O6/H7, or better to apply for year one of this course. Mature students (Over 23 years on 1 January) are eligible. Eligible candidates may be interviewed.
All applicants must have competence in spoken and written English.
This course will provide opportunities in the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing industry.
Two evenings per week 6pm-10pm and a workshop scheduled on another date.
This course is funded under the Springboard+ initiative in 2025. Applications should be made via the Springboard+ website, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
For further information, please contact the team at springboard@tudublin.ie.
TU5301 is a one-year, 60-credit minor award which combined with the Certicate in GMP and Biopharmaceuticals (TU5286), allows progression to the full Level 6 Higher Certicate GMP and Technology (120 credits), a well-established and highly regarded qualication in the industry for over 20 years. Students can subsequently continue to the Level 7 BSc in Pharmaceutical Technology (TU065).