MSci Biological Sciences
About this course
MSci in Biological Sciences, a biosciences degree spanning molecular processes, whole organisms, and ecological systems. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The final year involves an extended research project completed within a research-intensive environment. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through compulsory modules such as World of Microorganisms, Biodiversity, Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox, Molecular Basis of Life, Fundamentals of Microbiology, and Environmental Biology. The second year expands into core topics with Cell Biology, Invertebrate Biology, and Plants, People, Planet, alongside a range of optional modules covering topics such as work placements, advanced cell biology, coastal and oceanic biology, and applied genetics. The third year offers specialized optional study in areas like parasitology, zoonoses, behavioral ecology, and conservation biology, alongside an independent research project. The final fourth year is dedicated to a major Research Project (MSci) undertaken in a research-active setting.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or + GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR AAB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life & Health Sciences + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR AAA including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4. IB: 34 points overall including 6,6,5 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry (preferred) or Mathematics or Physics or Geography + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR 36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
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What students say
Based on about 33 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 85 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 7%
What graduates do next
Based on about 26 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Who gets in
Based on about 80 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 93%
- Other HE qualification: 8%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Modules
- World of Microorganisms
- Biodiversity
- Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox
- Molecular Basis of Life
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Environmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Invertebrate Biology
- Plants, People, Planet
- Work Placement
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Coastal and Oceanic Biology
- Applied Ecology with Field Course
- Microorganisms in Action
- Applied Genetics
- Forensics and Toxicology
- Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Vertebrate Biology
- Diagnostic Microbiology
- Applied Ecology
- Research Project
- Parasitology
- Zoonoses
- Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations
- Immunology and Immunotherapy
- Behavioural Ecology
- Global Change Biology
- Conservation Biology
- Medical Microbiology
- Research Project (MSci)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months. After fifteen months the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £30,000. The £28,000 median after fifteen months is £1,000 more than the UK median for Biosciences.
What do graduates of MSci Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 149 UCAS points.
Is MSci Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
How many students continue on MSci Biological Sciences at Queen's University Belfast?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 7% left higher education.