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Applied BiologyBitheolaíocht Fheidhmeach

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Course Title: Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biology

TU Code

TU651

CAO Point Range 2024

252-433

NFQ Level

Level 6

Award Type

Major

Award

Higher Certificate

ECTS Credits

120

Duration

2 years

Mode of Delivery

Full Time

Number of Places

20

Location

Tallaght

Virtual Tour

Tallaght

Course Fees

Fees (EU) €3,000 Per Year

Fees (Non-EU) €11,650 Per Year

This course will introduce you to the fascinating world of the biological sciences. You’ll study a range of science subjects, including Microbiology, Biochemistry and Drug Delivery. Over the two years, you’ll gain around 400 hours of laboratory experience, experience that potential employers will value. The knowledge and practical experience gained in this course will set you on the way for other academic courses or directly into a job in industry.

Topics covered by this course include how the cell works, the nature of disease, genetics and microbiology. (You don’t have to have studied Biology at Leaving Certificate, although it’s useful if you did.)

Our lecturers have a wide range of experience in research, education and industry, and we take pride in being an approachable and student-focused team. You’ll study a range of science subjects, including Microbiology (the study of bacteria, fungi and viruses), Biochemistry (the chemistry of life) and Drug Delivery (how drugs are manufactured and tested). This blend of fundamental and applied subjects will enhance your understanding of the relevance of the subjects to the real world and provide the basis for more advanced study, if you continue to the add-on B.Sc. course the following year.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

Minimum Number of

Subjects

Higher

5

N/A

Minimum Grade in

Maths

English OR Irish

F2/O6/H7

Irish - F3/O6/H7
English - O6/H7

QQI/FET Requirements

QQI/FET Award Required

Additional Requirements

Any full Level 5 or 6 award None

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduate Job Titles:

  • Quality Control
  • Quality Assurance
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Technologist

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

  • You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
  • You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
  • You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to ApplyVisa & Immigration InformationAccommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.

Advanced entry applications are currently not accepted to this course.

Excellent laboratory experience, tied in very well with the theory side. Hands-on experience with equipment used in industry.

On successful completion, students may progress on to Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Bioanalysis (TU760).

Contact Us

School of Chemical & BioPharmaceutical Sciences