Dr Seán McSweeney, Dean of Engineering MTU; Valerie Cowman, Campus Manager Cork College of FET Bishopstown Campus; Dr Michael J. O’Mahony, Head of Department Process, Energy and Transport Engineering MTU and John Fitzgibbons, Director of Further Education & Training Cork ETB, at the launch of the Tertiary BSc. in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology, a unique collaboration between Cork College of FET and MTU. PHOTO: Jim Coughlan

A new game changing degree is launched

Liudmyla Bortok

Published: Wed 20 Aug 2025, 11:25 AM

Last updated: Wed 20 Aug 2025, 11:34 AM

The life sciences community in Cork has joined forces to launch an exciting new degree programme.

The BSc in Process Manufacturing Practice & Technology is now open for applications, with the first students starting in September 2025.

This innovative three-year programme is the result of a unique partnership between Cork College of FET – Life Sciences Centre and Munster Technological University (MTU). It has been designed to meet the fast-growing demand for skilled workers in Ireland’s process manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries.

Unlike the traditional CAO route, this new pathway gives learners an alternative entry into higher education. It is open to school leavers, mature students, and graduates of further education. The programme blends academic study with practical training and paid work placements, giving students the best of both worlds.

“This programme is a game-changer for learners and industry alike,” said Gobnait Burke of the National Tertiary Office. “It opens doors for those who may not have considered university and ensures graduates are job-ready with real-world experience.”

Programme highlights:

• Year 1: Delivered at Cork College of FET, including a Level 5 award and introductory modules from MTU

• Years 2 and 3: Delivered at MTU Cork Campus, leading to a Level 7 Ordinary Degree

• Work-Based Learning: Paid work placements in year 1 and again in years 2 and 3

• Financial Support: No tuition fees in year 1. Students may also qualify for SUSI grants and other supports

The degree is part of Ireland’s Unified Tertiary Education Strategy, which aims to create a diverse and skilled workforce for the future of manufacturing and life sciences.

At the recent consultation event, John Fitzgibbons, Director of Further Education and Training at Cork ETB, welcomed the new programme. “In Cork ETB we have a long tradition of supporting the life sciences sector through our QQI Level 5 programme and industry-specific courses. We are excited to provide a brand-new pathway for learners to enter this growing sector.

“This adds to the suite of tertiary degree programmes we have developed with MTU to meet both learner and industry needs. We look forward to welcoming the first students in September.”

Seán McSweeney, Dean of Engineering at MTU, also highlighted the importance of the initiative: “MTU is delighted to continue our close collaboration with CETB in delivering education opportunities that bring more people into higher education. This programme will change lives and contribute to Cork’s prosperity by strengthening the region’s talent base.”

The first intake begins on 15 September. Applications can be made through the National Tertiary Office at nto.ie or through Cork College of FET – Bishopstown Campus at bishopstowncampus.ie.

For more details on Cork ETB’s full range of further education and training opportunities, visit corketb.ie/fet. Updates are also shared on Cork ETB’s YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cork College of FET is the new identity for further education and training in Cork, offering a pathway for every learner.