BSc Zoology with Professional Studies
About this course
BSc in Zoology with Professional Studies, a zoology degree exploring animal biology, physiology, ecology, and the interactions between organisms and their environments. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. This four-year undergraduate programme features a compulsory professional placement year integrated into the course structure. The first year covers foundational 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 builds on this knowledge with compulsory modules in Invertebrate Biology, Comparative Animal Physiology, and Vertebrate Biology, alongside a range of optional choices spanning cell biology, genetics, and ecology. The third year is dedicated to a professional placement period supported by pre-placement preparation. The final year includes compulsory modules in Research Project and Parasitology, together with optional modules covering topics such as farm animal health, zoonoses, sustainable oceans, immunology, behavioural ecology, global change biology, conservation biology, and medical microbiology.
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: BBB 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 BBB 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 ABB including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4. IB: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 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 33 points overall including 6,5,5 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 18 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 73%
- Organisation and management: 65%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 66%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Animal care and control services: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Access course: 10%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
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
- Invertebrate Biology
- Comparative Animal Physiology
- Vertebrate Biology
- Cell Biology
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Coastal and Oceanic Biology
- Applied Ecology with Field Course
- Microorganisms in Action
- Applied Genetics
- Forensics and Toxicology
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics 1
- Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics II
- Scientific Research Skills: From Fieldwork to Reporting
- Diagnostic Microbiology
- Applied Ecology
- Professional Studies
- Research Project
- Parasitology
- Farm Animal Health and Welfare
- Zoonoses
- Sustainable Oceans
- Immunology and Immunotherapy
- Behavioural Ecology
- Global Change Biology
- Conservation Biology
- Medical Microbiology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Zoology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months. After fifteen months the middle half of graduates earn between £20,000 and £27,000. The £24,000 median after fifteen months is £1,000 less than the UK median for Zoology.
What do graduates of BSc Zoology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Zoology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Zoology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 133 UCAS points.
Is BSc Zoology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Zoology 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 BSc Zoology with Professional Studies at Queen's University Belfast?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.