Entry year
2024/25
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2
2.2
Duration
1 year (Part-time)
1 year (Part-time)
Places available
80 (Part Time)
80 (Part Time)
Biopharmaceutical products are highly important in today’s global healthcare systems in treating illnesses and disease. The industry in the British Isles has seen significant investment, particularly in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) where there has been capital investment of approximately £7.97 billion in new facilities, mostly in the last 10 years. The global market for biopharmaceuticals was valued at £149 billion in 2017, and is projected to reach £419 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 13.8% from 2018 to 2025. As a result, over 30,000 highly skilled people are currently employed in Ireland north and south with new companies setting up facilities in RoI every year. The increased uptake of skilled biopharmaceutical employees has necessitated the need for a high quality education in this sector.
Queen’s University Belfast School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has a proven track record for delivering high quality teaching and research and has launched the options-based Postgraduate Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Engineering from this platform. This qualification will provide students with knowledge and skills which will help them to find employment in the field of biopharmaceutical production, separation and purification by applying fundamental science and engineering principles.
It is partly designed to augment skills and qualifications already gained by STEM graduates and by staff who are working in the Biopharmaceutical Engineering sector but who wish to add some specialisations in order to progress. It should also anyone seeking a career pathway change who meets he entrance criteria.
Through studying this postgraduate course students will be able to gain a highly relevant qualification which will give them greatly enhanced employability.
Through the use of theory and mathematical approaches to engineering problems, students will understand and become skilled in the development of systems which can facilitate biopharmaceuticals production and their subsequent purification.
This course is run in collaboration with our industrial partner Eli Lilly, a global company with excellent standing in the field of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production and commercialisation. A collaborative course of this nature is the first of its kind in the British Isles and will provide students with real-world knowledge of how these systems are operated in an industrial setting through the case studies and first-hand knowledge imparted by the academics and industry staff delivering the course.
Q.U.B. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is ranked joint 1st in the UK for research intensity and ranked 13th in the UK for studying Chemistry (Complete Universities Guide UK 2023)
Biopharmaceutical Engineering highlights
Internationally Renowned Experts
You will be taught by experts in the field of medicinal chemistry, chemical engineering, separation science and industry experts who work in Eli Lilly. Having this level of expertise will greatly enhance your understanding and experience of the course.
World Class Facilities
There will be an opportunity for you to see on-site demonstrations of the School’s state-of-the-art pharmaceutical analysis suite. This will allow you to see and experience hands-on separation science as it applies to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Some work may also be undertaken on our new Solid State NMR.
Industry Links
This course is run in collaboration with the (bio)pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, whose staff deliver one of the optional modules. This will grant you direct access to the knowledge and experience of individuals who work in the biopharmaceutical industry.
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Course content
Course Structure
The Certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete 3 of the 6 available module choices (totalling 60 CATS points).
Introduction
This course will start in September 2024 and run until mid-May 2025. Assessment activities will be carried out throughout the course (as applicable to each module's specification). Students on the course will need to have access to a computer with internet access.
Three 20 CATS modules (60 CATS total) must be selected from a choice of six module options.
The teaching will mostly utilise online delivery and blended-learning activities to enable students to access learning materials in a highly flexible manner, compatible with a part-time mode of study. Delivery will take the form of pre-recorded lectures and reading material being made available to students on a weekly basis, followed by regular synchronous online workshops, seminars and Q&A sessions to ensure continuous engagement with the students.
Students who choose CHE7506 as an option will be required to attend classes on campus.
Module Options
CHE7501 Medicinal Chemistry
CHE7502 Biopharmaceuticals & Upstream Processing
CHE7503 Chemical Engineering Principles
CHE7504 Bioreactor Design and Bioprocess Control
CHE7505 Separations, Downstream Processing and Bioanalytical Science
CHE7506 Regulatory Affairs and Quality Systems
Students must make a choice of THREE modules from the following:
CHE7501 Medicinal Chemistry
The purpose of this module is to provide students with the knowledge of the inception of a biopharmaceutical product, what it is made from in terms of chemistry and how it will act in the body. The module is split into three lecture series: Drug Discovery, Proteins and Pharmacology.
Within each of these series there will be lectures which will look at each of the three areas in detail. This module will be delivered by staff from Chemistry and as such there will be key understanding and information imparted by leading medicinal chemists whose expertise has been instrumental in advancing the research intensity of our School.
The module is assessed on a 100% continual assessment basis - workshops, questions/problems and short essays on journals will be used.
CHE7502 Biopharmaceuticals & Upstream Processing
This module will begin the introduction of biopharmaceuticals to students, the need and context for biopharmaceutical products and also what form they may take depending on patient needs. The module is split into two lecture series (following its title) and will be assessed by a mix of formal examination (60%) and tutorials (40%).
CHE7503 Chemical Engineering Principles
The third of the first semester modules will look at the principles which are applied to chemical engineering in terms of kinetics, heat and mass transport and also thermodynamics. This module will provide students with an advanced understanding of the theory of Chemical Engineering and why these principles must be adhered to in a chemical process especially in the production of a biopharmaceutical product.
There will be a considerable mathematical element to this module and as such there is significant emphasis on the relevant workshops provided. These are assessed and will make up 75% of the available marks for the module. The remaining 25% is based on tutorial work.
CHE7504 Bioreactor Design and Bioprocess Control
The content of this module will look in detail at the design of specific reactors for the carrying out of a chemical process with particular reference being made to the production of proteins in a biopharmaceutical setting. The theory which will be applied throughout this module will align with the previous module (Chemical Engineering Principles) and use the principles of chemical engineering to inform the decisions to be made when designing a reactor for a specific function. This module will be assessed through the use of workshop problems (40%) and a design project with presentation (60%).
CHE7505 Separations, Downstream Processing and Bioanalytical Science
This module looks in detail at the different methods which are employed for the purification of the crude protein following the upstream process. The module is split into four lecture series: filtration, separations, downstream processing and bioanalytical science.
Access to the state of the art analytical suite in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering will facilitate understanding and development of knowledge as students will have the opportunity to use the analytical pieces of equipment within the laboratory to perform their own separations. This will not only aid in reinforcement of the lecture content but will also give students hands-on experience in performing chromatographical separations - a highly desirable skill in industry. CHE7405 has a formal examination which will form 60% of the final mark for the module; the remaining 40% will be derived from submitted tutorial work.
CHE7506 Regulatory Affairs and Quality Systems
The last taught module in the course is delivered in its entirety by staff from Eli Lilly. They will contextualise the key regulatory bodies in detail, as well as the range of global regulations which apply to biopharmaceutical products. One of the unique features of this module is the fact that the content is delivered by industry experts who work with biopharmaceutical products on a daily basis and are consequently fully conversant with the regulatory requirements. This module is coursework assessed through compulsory Eli Lilly run workshops.
People teaching you
Senior LecturerSchool of Chemistry & Chem Eng
Dr Mark McLaughlin is a medicinal chemist.
Mark trained at The Institute of Cancer Research, London and the University of Oxford and currently teaches across the chemistry and medicinal chemistry degree pathways at QUB. His research group is actively engaged in structure-based design and synthesis of small molecules, and using these to validate new therapeutic targets in oncology, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and rare disease.
School of Chemistry & Chem Eng
Nathan has a multi-disciplinary background with a degree in Molecular Biology with Biosciences and a PhD in Chemical Engineering. His research focusses on reactor engineering development for both biological and chemical based systems for deployment in a range of applications.
School of Chemistry & Chem Eng
Seyed holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering, an MSc in Biotechnology and a PhD in Bioscience. His postdoctoral research in Materials Science focuses on developing engineered nanomaterials for biopharmaceutical applications.
Learning and Teaching
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
VLE
Information associated with lectures and assignments is typically communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Canvas.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
- Two of the modules have formal examinations which will make up 60% of the respective modules (CHE7502 and CHE7505).
- All other marks on the course will be made up from assessed coursework elements.
Facilities
Investment continues to be made in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering extending our range of facilities. The well-equipped research laboratories are augmented by excellent computational facilities and some of the most modern instrumentation available. The School has recently invested in a lab containing 18 brand new analytical instruments, from HPLC, GC and mass spectrometers, to FT-IR, UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy, dedicated to the training of analytical techniques.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
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Entry requirements
Entrance requirements
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biochemistry or closely allied subject. Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
There is a possibility that this course may be funded by the Department for the Economy ‘Skill Up’ for eligible applicants resident in Northern Ireland. Please indicate in the ‘Funding your Studies’ page (two sections forward) if you wish to be considered for DfE ‘Skill Up’ funding should it become available. Where there are more eligible applications received than funded places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available funded places.
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2024. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Career Prospects
Introduction
This course will develop your biopharmaceutical engineering knowledge and skills increasing your opportunity of being employed in many roles in the industry. You may be already in employment and want to skill up and equip yourself with the knowledge to either progress on or seek employment in a biopharma company.
Employment after the Course
With a course like this, you will gain highly desirable skills which will feed into the rapidly expanding industry which is biopharmaceutical production. With the vast investment on the island of Ireland alone, there will be many companies for students to gain employment in.
Alongside working in the field of biopharmaceutical production, the skills and knowledge gained through this course will also give students the opportunities to work in a chemical engineering role more widely (subject to options taken).
Employment Links
Eli Lilly, Alexion and WuXi are among the employers who regularly recruit our Chemical Engineering graduates in RoI and locally we also have good links with Almac, Norbrook, Eakin and Teva.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £2,434 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £2,434 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £3,083 |
| EU Other 3 | £8,600 |
| International | £8,600 |
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
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Fees and Funding