

Free & 90% Funded Programmes under Springboard Initiative
The Springboard initiative is now open for applicants commencing programmes in September 2020 and all applicants can now receive funding towards their programme whether in employment or actively seeking employment
How much does the programme cost?
Courses will be free for employed people on NFQ Level 6 courses. For employed participants on courses NFQ level 7 – 9, 90% of the course fee will be funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10% of the fee.
Will the programme affect my social welfare benefits?
The programme has no effect on a candidate’s social welfare benefits.
Candidates who wish to participate in Springboard + 2020 will find full details on the approved courses on the dedicated information and applications website springboardcourses.ie


Springboard + at NIBRT
NIBRT programmes are specifically designed to meet the requirements of the biopharmaceutical industry and the job seeking candidate including:
- A strong track record of NIBRT candidates obtaining employment in the pharma / biopharma sector
- Hands-on practical placements in NIBRT’s award winning facilities to provide candidates with the practical skills and experience required by Industry.
- Modules in career support and development.
- Instructors with extensive experience in training the biopharmaceutical industry.
- Placements in Industry for top performing Springboard graduates.


Current Springboard Courses
The School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science TU Dublin are partnering with NIBRT to offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Validation Technology for Science and Engineering Graduates.
The School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science TU Dublin are partnering with NIBRT to offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Validation Technology for Science and Engineering Graduates. The aim of this postgraduate diploma is to allow graduates to gain the skills and education needed to take up validation roles in the (bio)pharmaceutical
industry. This course is particularly suited to graduates who are looking to enter the validation space in the (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
Course Information
NFQ level | L9 |
Award | L9 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Validation Technology |
Provider | NIBRT/TU Dublin |
Delivery | Blended |
Duration | 18 months |
Application closing date | 31st August 2020 |
The L6 Certificate in Aseptic Biopharmaceutical Operations has been developed in consultation with the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland, to ensure the course offers the skills and experience that is required for this growing sector in Ireland, particularly in relation to aseptic processing and sterile filling operations.
The L6 Certificate in Aseptic Biopharmaceutical Operations has been developed in consultation with the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland, to ensure the course offers the skills and experience that is required for this growing sector in Ireland, particularly in relation to aseptic processing and sterile filling operations. The objectives of this course are to create a core and thorough understanding of cleanrooms including their utilisation, design, regulation and impacts of contamination. Course modules including Biocontamination Control, Sterile Operations, Cleanroom Design and Sterilisation Technologies are offered as part of the programme. This course is particularly suited to anyone who would like to work in an aseptic manufacturing environment in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Course Information
NFQ level | L6 |
Award | L6 Cert in Aseptic Biopharmaceutical Operations |
Provider | NIBRT/IT Sligo |
Delivery | Online |
Duration | 9 months |
Application closing date | 31st August 2020 |
This online course has been designed in conjunction with the biopharmaceutical industry, with whom NIBRT/IT Sligo are closely aligned.
This online course has been designed in conjunction with the biopharmaceutical industry, with whom NIBRT/IT Sligo are closely aligned. The course is designed to introduce current manufacturing processes, good manufacturing practices and current industry trends to the participants. The course is aimed at process operators, technicians, technologists, and production team leaders, primarily seeking employment or wishing to upskill in the bioprocessing and cleanroom areas.
The modules offered in this programme include Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing, Sterile Fill Finish and Bioanalytics. These modules have been developed in consultation with the biopharmaceutical industry in Ireland to ensure the course offers the skills and experience that is required for this growing industry sector.
Course Information
NFQ level | L6 |
Award | L6 Cert in Biopharmaceutical Processing |
Provider | NIBRT/IT Sligo |
Delivery | Online |
Duration | 9 months |
Application closing date | 31st August 2020 |
This graduate programme in Bioanalytical Techniques has been designed in conjunction with the Biopharmaceutical industry to prepare candidates for roles in biopharmaceutical quality control (QC), utilising current bioanalytical techniques.
This graduate programme in Bioanalytical Techniques has been designed in conjunction with the Biopharmaceutical industry to prepare candidates for roles in biopharmaceutical quality control (QC), utilising current bioanalytical techniques. This course is particularly suited to those with an interest in the QC area of biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The course covers the requisite knowledge, skills and professional competence required to be part of the skilled workforce required for the rapidly expanding biopharmaceutical sector. As part of the course students will gain hands-on experience in the NIBRT/Waters Corporation Bioanalytical lab which has been specifically designed to provide comprehensive, hands-on practical experience in a cGMP biopharmaceutical facility.
Course Information
NFQ level | 9 |
Award | Level 9 Certificate in Bioanalytical Techniques |
Provider | NIBRT/IT Sligo |
Delivery | Online |
Duration | 5 months |
Application closing date | 31st August 2020 |
Biopharmaceutical Science involves study of the discovery, development and processing of modern, medical drugs by artificially growing some or all of the components utilising cell culture technologies
Biopharmaceutical Science involves study of the discovery, development and processing of modern, medical drugs by artificially growing some or all of the components utilising cell culture technologies. The processes involved are more biological-based as compared to the traditional chemical-based processes associated with small-molecule pharmaceutical products. The Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical sectors are among the fastest growing in the Life Sciences area both nationally and internationally.
Course Information
NFQ level | 9 |
Award | L9 Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Processing |
Provider | NIBRT |
Delivery | Online |
Duration | 9 months |
Application closing date | 31st August 2020 |
Biopharmaceutical Science involves study of the discovery, development and processing of modern, medical drugs by artificially growing some or all of the components utilising cell culture technologies.
Biopharmaceutical Science involves study of the discovery, development and processing of modern, medical drugs by artificially growing some or all of the components utilising cell culture technologies. The processes involved are more biological-based as compared to the traditional chemical-based processes associated with small-molecule pharmaceutical products. The Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical sectors are among the fastest growing in the Life Sciences area both nationally and internationally.
Course Information
NFQ level | 9 |
Award | L9 Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Science |
Provider | IT Sligo/NIBRT |
Delivery | Online |
Duration | 9 months |
Application closing date | 31st August 2020 |
L9 Masters in Biopharmaceutical Processing (By research)
The Level 9 BioPharmaceutical Processing MSc programme shall run in conjunction with NIBRT with all the laboratory work taking place in NIBRT and many of the lecturers and guest lecturers from NIBRT. The programme consists of 30 credits or 6 taught modules and a 60 credit thesis. The students shall complete 4 mandatory modules and 2 elective modules from a choice of four electives. This programme will appeal to middle-ranked managers/personnel who wish to advance their career while engaging in work-based, applied research that will be beneficial to their employer.
Course Information
NFQ level | Level 9 |
Award | L9 Masters in Biopharmaceutical Processing (By research) |
Provider | NIBRT/IT Sligo |
Delivery | Online |
Duration | 9 months |
Application closing date | 31st August 2020 |
What are the job opportunities in the biopharma industry?
The Biopharmaceutical industry has made a capital investment of approximately $8 billion in new facilities in Ireland, most of which has come in the last 10 years.
This represents close to the biggest wave of investment in new BioTech facilities anywhere in the world. Ireland is now the 7th largest exporter of medicine and pharmaceutical products in the world, with the amount of products exported annually reaching €39bn.
Graduates from NIBRT’s Springboard courses are well positioned for opportunities in the related pharma, medical devices and food science industries.
NIBRT also holds an annual Careers in Biopharma jobs fair.
Application process
As places are limited, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as the program is officially launched. Courses start in August-September 2020 and candidates should apply via www.springboardcourses.ie (use “NIBRT” as keyword to search for the course of interest) Please contact springboard@nibrt.ie and we'd be delighted to answer any questions you may have.
Course Level Guidelines
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Level 6 courses are suitable for candidates with Leaving Cert or equivalent qualifications
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Level 9 courses are suitable for candidates with an honours degree in science, engineering or related discipline
Registration:
Places on these courses are allocated on a first come, first served basis and the courses fill rapidly
Candidates are encouraged to apply today via www.springboardcourses.ie
NIBRT Springboard+ Queries
Please contact springboard@nibrt.ie
NIBRT Safety
NIBRT provides a “one stop shop” for the bioprocessing Industry’s training requirements. We provide a dynamic catalogue of course content from which we build unique training solutions for our Clients.
Those attending a NIBRT training or research event or class must complete a comprehensive safety program.
To learn more please watch this video.