MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies
About this course
MSci in Microbiology with Professional Studies, a microbiology degree exploring the biology of microorganisms, genetics, and molecular life sciences. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The course includes a compulsory professional placement year. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as World of Microorganisms, Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox, Molecular Basis of Life, and Fundamentals of Microbiology, alongside optional modules in chemistry and environmental sciences. Year 2 advances into core areas with Cell Biology, Microorganisms in Action, Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis, Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1, Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II, and Diagnostic Microbiology. Year 3 consists of Professional Studies, dedicated to placement preparation and work-based learning. Year 4 focuses on advanced study through Research Project, Parasitology, Zoonoses, Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations, and Medical Microbiology. The final year concludes with an extended Research Project (MSci) undertaken in a research-intense environment.
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 B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR AAB including Double Award Applied Science or Double Award Life & Health Sciences + GCSE Biology grade C/4 and Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR AAA including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + 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 B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR 36 points overall including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 82%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 82%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Skilled trades occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 80%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Modules
- World of Microorganisms
- Genetics and the Molecular Toolbox
- Molecular Basis of Life
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Microorganisms in Action
- Microbial Metabolism and Biocatalysis
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II
- Diagnostic Microbiology
- Professional Studies
- Research Project
- Parasitology
- Zoonoses
- Microbiome: Biotechnological applications and ‘Omic manipulations
- Medical Microbiology
- Research Project (MSci)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies 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 £22,000 and £30,000. The £28,000 median after fifteen months is £1,000 more than the UK median for Microbiology and cell science.
What do graduates of MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 141 UCAS points.
Is MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.