Biological Sciences with Professional Studies BSc (Hons)
Queen's University Belfast
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Sandwich

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Sandwich

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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Biological Sciences
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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EU
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Course info

Biological Sciences encompasses many aspects of the biosciences, from molecular biology through to whole organisms and ecosystems, and includes exploration of:• Biological diversity, systematics and conservation• Cell and tissue structure, function and physiology• Ecology and behaviour• Form and function of microorganisms, protists, fungi, plants and animals• Genetics and mechanisms and pathways of evolutionProgrammes with Professional studies undertake a 46 week work placement between stage 2 ...Read more

Biological Sciences encompasses many aspects of the biosciences, from molecular biology through to whole organisms and ecosystems, and includes exploration of:
• Biological diversity, systematics and conservation
• Cell and tissue structure, function and physiology
• Ecology and behaviour
• Form and function of microorganisms, protists, fungi, plants and animals
• Genetics and mechanisms and pathways of evolution

Programmes with Professional studies undertake a 46 week work placement between stage 2 and 3

Students will gain core technical skills, subject specific practical laboratory- / field-based skills, and employer-directed skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical and biological measurements and their application in a laboratory, field, and research project setting. During the final year project students will have access to cutting-edge research facilities across the molecular and ecological disciplines. Additional skills achieved include: Collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, including problem-solving; communication and application of knowledge; the use of computers for data management and presentations, and the development of intellectual, personal and team skills for employment and further study.

Career Prospects

Introduction
A degree in biosciences opens the door to a wide range of careers. Our graduates are employed in organisations working within research and development, environmental monitoring and management, water quality management, animal welfare, academic research, the agri-food industries, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, teaching and education, and science communication. 

Employment in these areas is critical to address global problems such as climate change, food supply and security, biodiversity loss, antibiotic resistance, and global health issues.

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
5/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
17th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
25th
Biology (Non-Specific)
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 90 = 10% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
10%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
80%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Biology (Non-Specific) graduate salary at this uni
£16,000
UK Biology (Non-Specific) graduate salary
£17,000
What students say
N
Nadine
06 Feb 25

The new SU is a perfect hub for students and my school is becoming more and more of a hot spot..Read more

G
Giulia
16 Dec 24

I like the Biological science building and facilities I like the city and my accommodation My roommates are not great It's complicated to register with a..Read more

Modules

Modules (Stage 1)
Modules (Stage 2)
Modules (Stage 3)
Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

BBB - ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Advanced Higher:

BBB - ABB Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 - 33 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H3,H3,H3,H3,H4,H4 - H3,H3,H3,H3,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

A-level Biology or Double Award Science required.A-level General Studies and Critical Thinking are normally excluded from offers. However, the grade achieved may be taken into account when results are published in August and may be used in a tie-break situation.

Advanced Higher Biology required.Offers are normally made on the basis of a combination of Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.

Access to HE Diploma must contain sufficient relevant modules in Biology and Chemistry.Contact the Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk) for advice.Successful completion of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 60 credits is required, including 45 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.

6,5,5 to include Higher Level Biology.

To include Higher Level grade H3 in Biology.If not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Chemistry, English and Mathematics.

BTEC Extended Diploma must have sufficient science content.Successful completion of QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with overall grades DDD

National Extended Diploma must be relevant, ie Applied ScienceSuccessful completion of RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with overall grades DDD Applicants must have Distinction grades in four specified units to include:Principles of Applied Science IPrinciples of Applied Science IIand two from the following:Biological Molecules & Metabolic PathwaysGenetics & Genetic EngineeringDiseases and InfectionsMicrobiology & Microbiological Techniques

Popular A-level subjects

Biology (Non-Specific)

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Biology
96%
Geography
37%
Chemistry
33%
Mathematics
28%
Information & Communication technology
16%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£4,750 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£25,300 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£25,300 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£25300 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Biology (General) reviews

Biology (General)
Biology (General)
N
Nadine
06 Feb 25
Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
The new SU is a perfect hub for students and my school is becoming more and more of a hot spot...
Read more
G
Giulia
16 Dec 24
Biological Sciences PhD
I like the Biological science building and facilities I like the city and my accommodation My roommates are not great It's complicated to register with a...
Read more
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How Biology (General) students rated:

Student rating
( 4.5) 35 reviews
5 star
63%
4 stars
23%
3 stars
12%
2 stars
2%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 2,143 reviews
5 star
53%
4 stars
40%
3 stars
6%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

Queen's University Belfast
University Road Belfast Northern Ireland BT7 1NN United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Balmoral   0.2 miles away
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