Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Validation and Digitalisation Technologies

Course Summary

Programme Code: SG_SVALI_O09

 The Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical sectors are among the fastest growing in the Life Sciences area both nationally and internationally. 

This Postgraduate Diploma programme in Science in Validation and Digitalisation Technologies aims to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in critical aspects of Biopharmaceutical Processing and Support Services, with specific focus on the validation of equipment and facilities and understating of the applications of BioIndustry 4.0.

The programme is aimed at manufacturing, quality, engineering and site management personnel who are looking to increase their understanding and application of the latest digital trends and technologies in the validation and digitalisation fields and who already hold a Level 8 qualification in science or engineering disciplines.

It will provide a postgraduate qualification in the area of validation and digitalisation 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 programme is jointly offered by ATU Sligo and NIBRT (National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training).

Modules include: 

•  Biologics Manufacturing 
•  Facility Design and Operation 
•  Regulation, Risk and Compliance 
•  Commissioning, Qualification & Validation  
•  Scale up and Technology Transfer
•  Introduction to BioIndustry 4.0 
•  Biologics Manufacturing: Current and Future  
•  Regulation, Risk and Compliance (Elective)
•  Research Methods Biopharma (Elective 1)
•  Bio Industry 4.0 Theory and Practice  
•  Bio Industry Data & Digital Technologies  
   

Key Course Information

Application Closing Date : 31st August 2024

Entry Requirements

The programme is open to students who have obtained an honours degree (Level 8) or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline (i.e. Engineering or Life Sciences). Other candidates with alternative honours degrees and relevant experience in the BioProcessing industry (typically 5 years duration in a GMP environment) may apply for consideration through the ATU Sligo RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) process.

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

Graduates from this programme can expect to find employment in the Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Diagnostics, Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical sectors, at the appropriate level. In the development of this programme emphasis has been placed on aligning the course content with the skills required by the Biopharmaceutical industry, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient flexibility to allow students to move laterally into associated careers including Research and Development opportunities. Graduates are typically employed in managerial positions in Scientific, Operations and Quality Assurance / Control positions in the Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry sectors both in Ireland and abroad.

Programme Fees

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4