BiotechnologyBith-theicneolaíocht

Biotechnology is a dynamic field that combines biology, chemistry, genetics, and engineering to drive innovation and address global challenges. It utilises biological systems to create groundbreaking new products and technologies in healthcare, agriculture and environmental protection. It also helps pave the way for developing new drugs, improving crop yields, producing biofuels and even cleaning up polluted environments.

Why Choose Biotechnology?

There are several compelling reasons to choose Biotechnology as a career path:

Interdisciplinary Expertise: Biotechnology provides students with knowledge across multiple scientific domains, including biology, chemistry, genetics, and engineering. This interdisciplinary approach opens up diverse career opportunities.

Innovative Research: Biotechnology students engage in cutting-edge research, exploring novel technologies that shape society and drive significant advancements. This field is at the forefront of scientific innovation.

Addressing Global Challenges: Biotechnology plays a crucial role in solving pressing global issues such as disease, hunger, and environmental pollution. Students have the opportunity to contribute to finding solutions and making a positive impact on the world.

Thriving Career Prospects: The biotechnology industry is experiencing rapid growth, leading to high demand for graduates. Exciting career opportunities exist in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and academia.

Ethical Engagement: Biotechnology raises ethical questions related to genetic engineering and cloning. Studying biotechnology equips students to navigate these debates and develop a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of scientific advancements.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Biotechnology offers fertile ground for entrepreneurship. Many professionals establish their ventures, creating innovative products and technologies. Students interested in entrepreneurship will find abundant prospects in the biotech industry.

Global Impact: Biotechnology transcends borders, offering a globally relevant education. Graduates collaborate on international projects, contributing to scientific advancements and collaborations worldwide.

Studying biotechnology opens doors to scientific discovery, innovation, and meaningful contributions to critical global challenges. It provides an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the world through scientific research and technological advancements. Start your journey in biotechnology today to embrace this opportunity.

Study Abroad Opportunities

You can choose to study abroad for a semester or year where you will undertake a work placement or project.

Work Placement

A period of industrial placement takes place during Year 3.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

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. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Biotechnology has a significant impact on a variety of industries, including agriculture, healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, food processing, brewing, the environment, chemicals and waste valorisation. Many employment opportunities exist for graduates. Examples include:

• Bioprocess Scientist: design and develop processes to manufacture bio-based products, e.g., biofuels, bioplastics, and biochemicals in Industry
• Bioinformatics Specialist: use computational tools to analyse and interpret biological data (e.g., genomic, proteomic) to support research and development in industrial biotechnology
• Sales/Marketing/Technical
• Representative for biotechnology and biorefinery products (e.g. Instruments, final product) and services
• Research Scientist
• Cell culture Technician
• Biomanufacturing Technician upstream/downstream
• Quality Control Specialist
• Microbiologist
• Agricultural, Biopharma and Food

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

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 Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2026 are now open and will close in June 2026.

Graduates may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide. ​

There is a range of taught postgraduate courses (in Ireland and abroad) on aspects of biotechnology, and there may also be research opportunities for graduates on specific biotechnological topics.