BSc Agricultural Sciences at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This degree provides the scientific knowledge, practical skills and strategic insight for agriculture, covering sustainable crop and animal production, soils and nutrient management, ruminant microbiome and climate-smart feeds, big data and AI in agriculture, agricultural policy, agri-environmental interactions, and agricultural business management and entrepreneurship. Students complete a minimum 12-week work placement as an integral part of the degree.

Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 3 years full-time (includes minimum 12-week work placement) | Intake: Academic year 2027/28 entry | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Study covers the fundamentals of modern sciences for agriculture, sustainable crop and animal production systems, soils and nutrient management, ruminant microbiome and climate-smart feeds, big data and AI, agricultural policy and agri-environmental management, with research project work in the final year.

Career pathways

Past students have completed placements with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Countryside Services, Dale Farm, Fane Valley, John Thompson and Sons, Monaghan Mushrooms and Moy Park, among others. Graduates are also prepared for postgraduate study including PhDs and Master's programmes such as Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer BBB at A-level including Biology and at least one of Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics plus GCSE Mathematics C/4; or BBB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life and Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology C/4 (or Double Award Science CC/44) and GCSE Mathematics C/4; or ABB including Biology plus GCSE Mathematics C/4 (GCSE Chemistry or Double Award Science is an advantage). Irish Leaving Certificate H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in Biology and one of Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics (Ordinary Level O4 Mathematics if not at Higher Level), or H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in Biology. IB 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level with Biology and one of Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics, or 33 points including 6,5,5 with Biology, plus GCSE Mathematics C/4. BTEC Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma (relevant) DDD plus GCSE Biology C/4 or Double Award Science CC/44 and GCSE Mathematics C/4, with Distinctions in four specified units including Principles of Applied Science I and II. Access course: relevant science course (120 credits) with 80% average and no less than 70% in any module, plus GCSE Mathematics C/4. Graduates: minimum 2:2 with subject requirements met. GCSE English Language C/4. Applicants not normally interviewed.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 28,500 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (includes minimum 12-week work placement)

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