The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Dip Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) is a specialized qualification designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology applied to pharmaceuticals. This programme explores the principles of molecular biology, bioprocessing, drug development, and biopharmaceutical production, providing learners with the expertise required to thrive in modern healthcare and life sciences environments.
This diploma is ideal for learners who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The course combines theoretical learning with practical applications, enabling learners to understand the development, production, and quality control of biopharmaceutical products, while also appreciating the ethical, regulatory, and safety standards required in the industry.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure the presence of competent and qualified staff, alongside access to up-to-date laboratory facilities, learning materials, and professional resources. These requirements are essential to provide learners with a high-quality, supportive learning environment that fosters skill development, academic success, and professional growth.
The Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology offers learners a recognized pathway to careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research, and healthcare. By completing this programme, learners demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence, scientific integrity, and ongoing CPD, positioning themselves for success in a highly innovative and competitive sector.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Dip Pharmaceutical Biotechnology)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201177
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Dip Pharmaceutical Biotechnology), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201177-1 |
Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201177-2 |
Biopharmaceutical Research Methods and Laboratory Techniques |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201177-3 |
Drug Discovery and Biopharmaceutical Development |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201177-4 |
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance in Biotechnology |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201177-5 |
Bioprocessing and Production of Biopharmaceuticals |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201177-6 |
Professional Development and Ethics in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the core principles of biotechnology and their application in pharmaceuticals.
- Describe molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering concepts relevant to drug development.
- Analyse the role of biotechnology in modern healthcare and biopharmaceutical innovation.
- Apply foundational knowledge to real-world pharmaceutical biotechnology scenarios.
Unit 2: Biopharmaceutical Research Methods and Laboratory Techniques (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of research methods used in pharmaceutical biotechnology.
- Apply laboratory safety protocols and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Conduct experiments using biotechnological techniques and record accurate data.
- Analyse and interpret experimental results to support scientific conclusions.
Unit 3: Drug Discovery and Biopharmaceutical Development (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the stages of drug discovery and development in biotechnology.
- Analyse pre-clinical and clinical research processes in biopharmaceuticals.
- Evaluate challenges in bringing new biopharmaceutical products to market.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to hypothetical drug development scenarios.
Unit 4: Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance in Biotechnology (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of international regulatory frameworks (e.g., EMA, FDA).
- Explain the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and quality assurance.
- Identify risks associated with non-compliance in biopharmaceutical production.
- Apply regulatory and ethical principles to real-world biotechnology case studies.
Unit 5: Bioprocessing and Production of Biopharmaceuticals (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain large-scale biopharmaceutical production processes and bioprocessing principles.
- Analyse technological innovations shaping biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Evaluate sustainability practices and efficiency in biopharmaceutical production.
- Apply practical knowledge to improve bioprocessing outcomes.
Unit 6: Professional Development and Ethics in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in pharmaceutical biotechnology.
- Apply ethical principles and scientific integrity in professional practice.
- Reflect on personal strengths, skills, and areas for development.
- Develop a professional development plan aligned with career progression in biotechnology.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is designed for learners who want to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills to advance in pharmaceutical biotechnology and life sciences. This course is ideal for:
- Individuals seeking to begin or progress a career in pharmaceutical biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or biotechnology research.
- Learners with an interest in molecular biology, drug development, and biopharmaceutical production.
- Laboratory technicians, assistants, or support staff aiming to gain formal qualifications and enhance practical laboratory skills.
- Healthcare and science professionals looking to expand their knowledge of drug discovery, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance.
- Aspiring researchers who want to understand bioprocessing, ethical practices, and scientific integrity.
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare sectors.
- Those aiming to progress into supervisory, research, production, or specialized roles within pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Dip Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) must meet specific standards to ensure high-quality training, learner success, and professional credibility. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Tutors, assessors, and internal quality assurers must hold relevant qualifications and have professional experience in pharmaceutical biotechnology, life sciences, or related scientific fields.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide access to up-to-date study materials, laboratory equipment, research references, and digital learning platforms to support effective learner engagement.
- Practical and Laboratory Facilities: Safe, fully equipped laboratories and practical training spaces must be available to ensure hands-on learning and compliance with health and safety standards.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres should implement robust assessment procedures, internal verification, and secure record-keeping to maintain transparency and reliability of learner outcomes.
- Commitment to CPD: Teaching and assessment staff must actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain current knowledge and best practices in the industry.
- Policies and Procedures: Centres must have clear policies on equality, diversity, safeguarding, and learner support, fostering a professional and inclusive learning environment.
- Technology and Accessibility: Centres must provide learners with access to IT facilities, e-learning tools, and online support for blended or distance learning delivery.
By meeting these requirements, centres provide a high-quality learning environment that equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in pharmaceutical biotechnology and related sectors.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
