Applicants must hold at least a Second Class Honours Grade II (2.2) in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in Biological Sciences, such as microbiology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology. A 2.1 equivalent (~60–65% or ~3.0–3.3/4.0 GPA) is preferred. Applicants with a 2.2 may still be considered if they have strong prior learning or relevant research/industry experience (Recognition of Prior Learning – RPL.