LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Biotechnology has revolutionized medicine, creating therapies that were once unimaginable. From vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to gene therapies and biosimilars, the field continues to redefine how diseases are treated and prevented. At the heart of this transformation lies pharmaceutical biotechnology, a discipline that merges biology and technology to develop advanced medicines that improve patient outcomes and global health.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Dip Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) emphasizes the growing importance of this area in modern healthcare. Pharmaceutical biotechnology is not simply about producing drugs—it is about harnessing living systems to design therapies that are safer, more effective, and tailored to individual needs. As demand for biologics and innovative treatments rises worldwide, professionals trained in this discipline are essential for driving progress and ensuring accessibility. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries, strengthen pharmaceutical practices, and play a vital role in shaping the future of medicine..
Program Outline
This diploma program is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of biotechnology‑driven medicines. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 60 credits, the course introduces learners to areas such as biologics development, biosimilars, drug formulation, quality assurance, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations in pharmaceutical research.
The program equips learners with the ability to apply evidence‑based approaches, understand complex therapeutic processes, and align with international standards effectively. It emphasizes practical skills that are highly relevant to modern healthcare, ensuring graduates can contribute meaningfully to patient safety and innovation. The qualification also highlights the type of learners it is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Recognized internationally, it opens opportunities in hospitals, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in advanced pharmaceutical sciences.
Unit Structure
| 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 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Dip Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in biotechnology‑driven pharmaceutical care. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as biologics development, biosimilars, and regulatory compliance. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where pharmaceutical biotechnology is central to healthcare innovation.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on biotechnology.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in pharmaceutical biotechnology.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of biologics and biosimilars.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in advanced therapies.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in biotechnology‑based care.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into pharmaceutical biotechnology roles.
- Career changers interested in biotechnology and pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for pharmaceutical biotechnology careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
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.
