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

Programme overview

The MSci in Biological Sciences with Professional Studies is a research-led integrated master's degree covering biodiversity and conservation, cell and tissue physiology, ecology and behaviour, microorganisms, plants and animals, and genetics and evolution. It includes a 40-week work placement between Stage 2 and Stage 3 and a full-time final-year research project. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 5 years full-time including a 40-week work placement | Intake: 2027/28 entry | Study mode: full-time (integrated, with placement/industry year) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stages 1-3 build laboratory and field skills, including a third-year research project module, with a 40-week work placement between Stage 2 and Stage 3 and a full-time research project in the final year.

Career pathways

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

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB 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 AAB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life and Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics; or AAA including Biology plus GCSE Chemistry and Mathematics. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted. Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including H2 and H3 in Biology and one of Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics; or H2H2H3H3H3H3 including H2 in Biology and O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics. IB: 34 points including 6,6,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Geography; or 36 points including 6,6,6 with Biology. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 with subject requirements met. Access courses are not considered (apply for the BSc). 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: 5 years full-time including a 40-week work placement

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