BSc Microbiology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses, central to the environment, agriculture and food, biomedical sciences and biotechnology. The degree is closely linked to the Institute for Global Food Security, is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and follows the National Subject Profile for Microbiology. The programme includes a work placement in year 3.

Faculty: Biological Sciences | Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 4 years full-time (includes year 3 placement) | Intake: 2027/28 entry | Study mode: full-time (with placement/industry year) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1 core modules: World of Microorganisms, Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox, Molecular Basis of Life and Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits each), with optional modules including Biodiversity, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Biology, Fundamentals of Chemistry and organic and bioorganic chemistry. Year 3 is a placement that applies the practical skills gained in the degree in a work environment.

Career pathways

Graduates work across biomedical sciences, biotechnology, environmental science, agriculture and food; past students have gained placements with Northern Ireland Water, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the NHS, Norbrook Laboratories, Randox Laboratories, the Almac Group and Moy Park. Further study through Masters and research degrees is also open to graduates.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics, plus GCSE Chemistry B/6 or Double Award Science BB/6,6, plus GCSE Mathematics C/4; OR BBB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life and Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology C/4 and Chemistry B/6 (or Double Award Science BB), plus GCSE Mathematics C/4; OR ABB including Biology plus the same GCSE requirements. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B) but not in lieu of A-level Biology or Chemistry. IB Diploma: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred), Mathematics, Physics or Geography; OR 33 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology; plus GCSE Chemistry B/6 and Mathematics C/4. BTEC National Extended Diploma: 540 GLH at Distinction and 540 GLH at Merit with Distinction in four specified units, plus GCSE Biology C/4, Chemistry B/6 and Mathematics C/4. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including H3 in Biology and one of Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics. Access/Foundation Course: relevant science course (120 credits) with 80% average and no less than 70% in any module. Graduates: minimum 2:2 Honours degree provided subject requirements are met. IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 5.5 for international applicants. All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Applicants are not normally asked to attend interview.

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. International and EU Other rate for 2027/28 entry Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time (includes year 3 placement)

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