BSc Veterinary Biosciences with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Research-led education at the intersection of animal health, welfare, disease and biomedical science, covering animal physiology, immunology, infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacology and comparative pathology with a One Health emphasis. Teaching combines lectures, laboratory work, field studies and research projects. The Professional Studies pathway includes a minimum 40-week work placement as an integral part of the degree.

Faculty: Biological Sciences | Duration: 4 years full-time (includes minimum 40-week work placement) | Intake: September 2027 (2027/28 entry) | Study mode: full-time (with placement/industry year) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students explore animal physiology, immunology, infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacology and comparative pathology, with later specialisation through optional modules and independent research projects in areas such as wildlife disease ecology, conservation, veterinary public health, translational medicine or animal behaviour and welfare. Year 1 includes Environmental Biology with a field trip; an animal handling certificate is available.

Career pathways

Higher degrees before careers in medical, biomedical, veterinary, agricultural and environmental research; placements in veterinary labs, research institutes, animal rehoming and rehabilitation centres and pharmaceutical and biotech industries; postgraduate teacher training (PGCE).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer BBB/ABB. A-level: BBB including Biology and at least 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 & Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology and Chemistry C/4 and Mathematics C/4; or ABB including Biology plus GCSE Chemistry C/4 and Mathematics C/4. IB: 32 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology (and Chemistry preferred, or Mathematics, Physics or Geography), or 33 points including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology. BTEC Extended Diploma DDD with required GCSEs (RQF requires Distinction in four specified units). Access course: relevant science Access course (120 credits) with 80% average and no less than 70% in any module. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 honours degree with subject requirements met. GCSE English Language grade C/4 (or equivalent) required; typically five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better including English Language and Mathematics. Not normally interviewed. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 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 (2027/28). International and EU Other students Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 4 years full-time (includes minimum 40-week work placement)

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