FD Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The Foundation Degree (FdSci) in Biological Sciences develops knowledge of scientific methods of enquiry and the principles of biological sciences, from the molecular level to whole organisms and species interactions, including their application in employment. The course is taught at Belfast Metropolitan College. Graduates are eligible for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status.

Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: 2027/28 entry | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 modules: General Biology, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Introductory Mathematics and Study Skills, General Chemistry (20 credits each). Year 2 includes Fundamentals of Science and Work Based Learning 1 (20 credits each).

Career pathways

Graduates of similar programmes work in environmental monitoring and management, water quality management, animal welfare, academic research, agri-food, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, teaching, and science communication. Students completing the FdSci with an overall weighted mark of 55 per cent, and at least 55 per cent in each final-year module, can progress to degree programmes in the School of Biological Sciences at Queen's.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: CC including Biology or Double Life and Health Sciences plus GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 (or GCSE Double Award Science CC/4,4) and GCSE Mathematics C/4; or BC including grade B in A-level Single Award Life and Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology and Chemistry C/4 (or Double Award CC/4,4) and GCSE Mathematics C/4. Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H4H4H4H4 / H3H3H4H4 including H3 in Biology and H4 in Chemistry, plus O4 Mathematics if not at Higher Level. Access course: average of 65% in a relevant Access Course including two Level 3 Biology modules and one Level 3 Chemistry module. IB: 26-27 points including 5,4,4 at Higher Level including Biology. BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science: MMP plus the GCSE profile. All applicants need GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent and normally five GCSEs at C/4 including English Language and Mathematics. Offers are normally made on two A-levels; applicants are not normally interviewed. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,323 a year (2026/27). Foundation degree full-time tuition (NI/ROI/GB); 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 19,000 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: 2 years full-time

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