BSc Biological Sciences with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The BSc in Biological Sciences with Professional Studies covers biodiversity and conservation, cell and tissue physiology, ecology and behaviour, microorganisms, plants, fungi and animals, and genetics and evolution. Students complete a 40-week work placement between Stage 2 and Stage 3 and a final-year research project. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 4 years full-time including a 40-week work placement | Intake: 2027/28 entry | Study mode: full-time (with placement/industry year) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules include World of Microorganisms, Biodiversity, Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox, Molecular Basis of Life, Fundamentals of Microbiology and Environmental Biology (20 credits each), followed by a 40-week placement and a final-year research project.

Career pathways

Graduates work in research and development, environmental management, agri-food, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, teaching and science communication, or progress to MSc and PhD study; many take a PGCE. Others enter accountancy, management or journalism.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB including Biology and one of Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics, plus GCSE Chemistry C/4 (or Double Award Science CC/4,4) and GCSE Mathematics C/4; or BBB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life and Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics; or ABB including Biology plus GCSE Chemistry and Mathematics. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4 / H3H3H3H3H3 including H3 in Biology and one of Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics; or H3H3H3H3H3H3 / H2H3H3H3H3 including H3 Biology. IB: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Geography; or 33 points including 6,5,5 with Biology. BTEC Extended Diploma: 100 credits at Distinction and 80 at Merit (RQF: at least 540 GLH at Distinction and 540 at Merit, with Distinctions in four specified units) plus the GCSE profile. Access course: relevant science Access Course (120 credits) with 80% average and at least 70% in every module. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 with subject requirements met. All applicants need GCSE English Language C/4 or equivalent; normally five GCSEs at C/4 including English Language and Mathematics. Applicants are not normally interviewed. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

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; 2026-27 fee, to be updated when new fees are known Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time including a 40-week work placement

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