MSci Marine Biology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

An integrated Master's degree in marine biology with a 40-week professional placement after Stage 2, studying life in the ocean from molecules to ecosystems with high-tech training from deep-sea impact assessment to next-generation sequencing. The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and uses Queen's University Marine Laboratory on Strangford Lough.

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

What you will study

Students take two residential field courses at the marine laboratory, with modules including Environmental Biology in Year 1 and Coastal and Oceanic Biology in Year 2, then complete a 40-week period of work experience. Recent placements have involved marine mammals, fisheries management and molecular ecology at laboratories in Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Great Britain.

Career pathways

Graduates prepare for marine conservation, environmental consultancy, documentary film making, wildlife tourism, fisheries management and academic study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including Biology and at least one of Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics, plus GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 (or GCSE Double Award Science CC/4,4) and GCSE Mathematics C/4; OR AAB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life & Health Sciences plus GCSE Biology and Chemistry C/4 and GCSE Mathematics C/4; OR AAA including Biology plus GCSE Chemistry C/4 and Mathematics C/4. Chemistry beyond GCSE is an advantage. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted (Distinction* = A, Distinction = B) but not in lieu of A-level Biology or Chemistry. Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including H2 and H3 in any order in Biology and one of Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics (O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics if not at Higher), or H2H2H3H3H3H3 including H2 in Biology plus O4 in Chemistry and Mathematics. IB: 34 points including 6,6,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred), Mathematics, Physics or Geography; or 36 points including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Biology; plus GCSE Chemistry and Mathematics C/4. Access courses are not considered (apply for the BSc). Graduates: minimum 2:2 with subject requirements met. MSci applicants not eligible for the MSci are automatically considered for the BSc. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required; last year's entry required at least five GCSE passes at C/4 including English Language and Mathematics. Interviews not normally held. 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 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 5 years full-time

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