MSci Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSci in Biological Sciences is an integrated master's degree covering biodiversity and conservation, cell and tissue physiology, ecology and behaviour, microorganisms, plants and animals, and genetics and evolution. It is research-led, with a full-time research project in the final year in a research-active environment. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and offers optional 16-week work placements.

Department: School of Biological Sciences | Duration: 4 years full-time | Intake: 2027/28 entry | Study mode: full-time (integrated) | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules include World of Microorganisms, Biodiversity, Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox, Molecular Basis of Life, Fundamentals of Microbiology and Environmental Biology (20 credits each). Stages 1-3 build laboratory and field skills, and a year-long research project is completed 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: 4 years full-time

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