MSci Biochemistry with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSci in Biochemistry with Professional Studies is an integrated master's degree covering the molecular basis of life, including metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information. Students learn analytical principles and techniques, apply them in a research setting, and carry out master's-level research in the final year. The programme holds Advanced Degree Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology and includes a 16-week work placement in Stage 2.

Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 5 years full-time | Intake: 2027/28 entry | Study mode: full-time (integrated, with placement/industry year) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules include Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Fundamentals of Chemistry, World of Microorganisms, Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox, Molecular Basis of Life and Fundamentals of Microbiology (20 credits each). Later stages include a professional studies placement and a final-year research project.

Career pathways

Graduates work in biotechnology, food and pharmaceutical industries, biomedical research, the NHS, and research and development in academia and industry; about one third go on to further study. Others enter science communication, education, legal services, journalism, finance and management, or graduate-entry medicine, dentistry, veterinary and pharmacy programmes.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including Chemistry and Biology plus GCSE Mathematics grade C/4; or AAA including Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics, plus GCSE Biology grade C/4 (or GCSE Double Award Science CC/4,4) and GCSE Mathematics grade C/4. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted (Distinction* = A, Distinction = B) but not in place of A-level Biology or Chemistry. Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including H2 and H3 in Chemistry and Biology, plus Ordinary Level O4 in Mathematics if not offered at Higher Level; or H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Chemistry and at least one of Mathematics or Physics. International Baccalaureate: 34 points including 6,6,5 at Higher Level in Chemistry and Biology plus GCSE Mathematics C/4; or 36 points including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Chemistry and Mathematics or Physics. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 honours degree with subject requirements met. Access courses are not considered (apply for the BSc). All applicants need GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent and normally five GCSEs at C/4 or better 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: 5 years full-time

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