Tertiary degree · Level 7 · Science

BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice and Technology starting in Carrigaline, Cork

A three-year practical degree that blends MedTech, pharma and food manufacturing. You study in Cork ETB then MTU with industry projects and a work placement. It suits hands-on students who like science and technology.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
3 years (Year 1 at Cork College of FET, Years 2-3 at MTU)
Award
BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology (MTU)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Cork College of FET, Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline Campus (with some time at MTU Bishopstown) → Years 2–3: Munster Technological University, Cork Campus (Bishopstown)

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert with five O6/H7 grades including Maths and English or Irish
  • Science or technical subjects preferred (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Engineering, Applied Maths)
  • Or a full QQI Level 5/6 award
  • Mature applicants (23 by 1 January) assessed individually
  • Or 17+ with 2 years of relevant experience, plus access-priority criteria (SUSI special rate grant, social welfare, priority groups)
  • Interview and personal statement required
  • Merit in the Year 1 Level 5 award (5M2162) needed to progress to Year 2
  • Occupational health clearance or GMP training may be needed before placement

How to apply

Apply directly to Cork College of FET (Cork ETB), not through the CAO. No portal link is given on the page; contact the tertiary managers.

Apply to Cork College of FET – Life Sciences Centre, Carrigaline (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Bioprocessing and cleanroom operations
  • Good Manufacturing Practice and quality control
  • Lean manufacturing and process improvement
  • Validation science and process safety
  • Work placement in industry

Where it can lead

  • Manufacturing associate
  • Validation technician
  • Environmental monitoring technician
  • Production supervisor (entry-level)
  • Regulatory compliance assistant

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Apprenticeships in Manufacturing and Processing

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.