BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology

Apply to Cork College of FET – Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline

Overview

The innovative BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology offers a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining key modules from the MedTech, Pharma, and Food processing industries. The programme equips students with cutting-edge, industry-relevant skills, preparing them for roles as operators, technicians, or supervisors in high-growth sectors.

This practice-based degree aims to address significant skills gaps in Ireland’s advanced process manufacturing sectors, while supporting regional development, widening participation, and delivering on national education and industry policy objectives. Developed in close collaboration with industry partners, the BSc ensures graduates are fully prepared for the workforce, equipped with essential technical, regulatory, and analytical skills needed in high-value sectors such as MedTech, Pharma, and Food processing industries.

Addressing the evolving needs of the modern manufacturing industry, especially in sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food production, and energy, the tertiary BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology is modular and work-based, integrating industry projects and extended work placements. It is delivered via a CETB and MTU learning model across three years utilising CETB’s applied training facilities and MTU’s academic infrastructure. The programme is co-designed and co-delivered by both educational partners, with industry input, ensuring academic integrity and industry relevance.

Key features of the Tertiary BSc. level 7 include:

Portfolio-based assessments and project work in partnership with local employers.
Strong focus on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Lean Systems, Validation, and Process Improvement.
Mentorship from both academic and industrial supervisors during placements.

Provider Locations and Structure

Year 1
Cork Education and Training Board – Cork College of FET – Life Sciences Centre | Carrigaline Campus and scheduled time in MTU Bishopstown | Cork.

Course Content – for all years

Year 1 – Level 5 Award 5M2162 – FE

Code	Title
5N4546	Bioprocessing
5N1921	Cleanroom Operations
5N2158	Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness
5N3484	Plant Utilities
5N1367	Teamworking
4N21810	Environmental Sustainability Awareness
5N1915	Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing
5N1356	Work Experience
5N1959	Quality & Good Manufacturing Practice

Year 2 – MTU

Code	Title
CMOD6007	Academic & Professional Skills
BIOL6007	Biomolecules and Cells
CHEM6030	Chemistry for Manufacturing
CHEP6004	GMP and Quality Control
MATH6056	Maths for Biological Sciences
PHYS6027	Measurement Science
BIOM6004	Contamination Control
PHYS6006	Intro. Industrial Automation
CHEP7019	Introduction to Process Safety
CHEP6015	Lean Manufacturing for Process
MANU6013	Manufacturing Technology
STAT6016	Statistics and Control Charts

Year 3 – MTU

Code	Title
PLAC7030	Process Manu. Work Placement
CHEP7002	Chemical Applications
MANU7006	Maintenance and Utilities
MGMT7048	Manufacturing Operations
MGMT7060	People Management
MGMT7047	Technology Transfer
MANU7007	Validation Science

Accreditation, Embedded and Step Back Awards

This tertiary degree is a comprehensive 3 year degree programme, designed to support academic success. Should a student have to leave the programme before completing the final year, tertiary degrees include embedded awards. Embedded awards formally recognise learning achieved during time in the programme. For this degree, they are:

After successfully completing Year 1 – NFQ level 5 Certificate in Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations (5M2162) from QQI

After successfully completing Year 2 – Higher Certificate in Science in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology

The final NFQ level 7 BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology is awarded by MTU.

Planned Intake (Number of Places)

Entry Requirements and Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades, including:
– Mathematics (O6/H7)
– English or Irish (O6/H7)

Preference may be given to applicants with science or technical subjects such as:

Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Engineering
Applied Maths

A Full level 5/6 QQI award

Mature applicants – (aged 23 on or before 1st January of the course commencement year). These applicants do not have to meet the minimum entry requirements listed here and are considered on an individual basis (previous education, work experience, and demonstration of competence to undertake the programme)

An applicant who is a minimum of 17 years of age with at least 2 years post Junior Certificate relevant experience. All applicants must demonstrate that they would qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant under the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) and/or are in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) long-term means-tested social welfare payment and/or be from one or more of the priority groups or from any priority group identified as part of the next National Access Plan (2022-2028)

Onward Pathways

Graduate opportunities include:

Manufacturing Associate
Environmental Monitoring Technician
Validation Technician
Production Supervisor (entry-level)
Regulatory Compliance Assistant
Continuous Improvement Associate

Industries:

Biopharmaceuticals & Pharmaceuticals
Medical Devices
Food & Beverage Manufacturing
Chemicals & Materials Processing

The opportunity to progress academically include:

Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Technology, Industrial Engineering, or related disciplines.
Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Process Plant Technology
Level 8 Certificate in Process Data Analytics
Postgraduate certificates (e.g., in Quality Assurance, Validation, or Lean Systems).
Professional accreditation through industry bodies (e.g., ISPE, Engineers Ireland).

Special Features

Additional Considerations

Interview and personal statement will be an entry requirement
Entry may also require occupational health clearance or GMP training prior to placement in regulated environments.
Strong emphasis is placed on motivation, applied learning potential, and commitment to industry engagement.

Students must obtain a Merit grade in the Certificate in Life Sciences Manufacturing Operations (5M2162), which comprises Year 1 of this programme, to progress to Year 2 of this programme.