Expand+How To Apply

Applications for admission to full-time undergraduate courses at Queen’s should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/...

Hide-How To Apply

Applications for admission to full-time undergraduate courses at Queen’s should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/apply.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in Autumn 2017 from 1 September 2016.

The normal closing date for the receipt of applications is 15 January 2017.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

Earlier applicants normally receive decisions more quickly, however, UCAS accepts that some applicants, especially those from outside the UK, may find this difficult. Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.

Take care to enter the details of the institutions and courses clearly and correctly on the application. For Queen's, the institution code name is QBELF and the institution code is Q75. These should be entered in the Choices section of your UCAS application. A Campus Code is not required.

Queen’s University Belfast Terms and Conditions 2017 Entry
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/TermsandConditions/

Expand+Selection Criteria
In addition to the entrance requirements below, it is essential that you read the How We Choose Our Students pdf prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Entrance Requirements
Note: Sandwich degrees (SW) with a Year in Indus...

Hide-Selection Criteria
In addition to the entrance requirements below, it is essential that you read the How We Choose Our Students pdf prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Entrance Requirements
Note: Sandwich degrees (SW) with a Year in Industry are 4- or 5-year programmes with a 1-year industrial placement (which may be international) in the penultimate year

BSc Chemistry and BSc Medicinal Chemistry (incl. sandwich options)

A-level: BBB including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade C.

Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics

MSci Degrees

A-level: AAB including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade C.

Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics

MSci Chemistry with French/Spanish/Study Abroad

A-level: AAB including Chemistry and a second Science subject + GCSE Mathematics grade C.
◦For French option: A-level French grade B or AS-level French grade A
◦For Spanish option: A-level Spanish grade B or AS-level Spanish grade A

(Note: if the language is studied at a higher level then the grade required at that level must be achieved.)

Irish Leaving Certificate:
◦For French option: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 in French and H3 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics
◦For Spanish option: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry, Spanish and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics
◦For Study Abroad: H2H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Chemistry and a second Science subject + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics

Note: applicants for the MSci degree will automatically be considered for admission to the BSc degree if they are not eligible for entry to the MSci degree both at initial offer making stage and when results are received.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please click on Your Country in the International Students website.

If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO at Queen's is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including the International Foundation in Engineering and Science.

For students whose first language is not English

An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability to entry to this degree. Please click the links below for more information:
•English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
•Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Expand+Why Queen's?
Accreditation/Professional Recognition: the BSc degrees are recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, and the MSci Chemistry is accredited by The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Flexibility: we...

Hide-Why Queen's?
Accreditation/Professional Recognition: the BSc degrees are recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland, and the MSci Chemistry is accredited by The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Flexibility: we teach Chemical Engineering as well as Chemistry and in the first year students have the unique opportunity to switch between the two different subjects, providing they have the appropriate A-levels.
Placement: there may be opportunities for short placements and work experience during your degree. Past placement employers have included pharmaceutical companies such as Almac and Warner-Chilcott, Randox (medical diagnostics), and Seagate (computer components).

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the MSci in Medicinal Chemistry with Professional Studies we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society. We make use of innovative technologies and a world class library to enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
•Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
•Practicals: these are essential to the training in this laboratory-based subject area. You will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. Most of the core taught modules at Stages 1 and 2 have practical components associated with them, whilst stage 3 has a double weighted practical module (CHM3015). Typically at stage 1 you would be in the lab for two afternoons and in stages 2 to 3 it is two full days per week.
•E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is typically communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. Opportunities to use IT programmes associated with data manipulation and presentation are embedded in the practicals and the project- based work.
•Seminars/tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 6-10 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups as well as using them as a route to providing individual feedback.
•Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, preparation for seminars / tutorials, writing of laboratory reports can be completed. You are encouraged to undertake private reflection on feedback, and at the later stages undertake independent research using the primary literature to support project work and critically review taught course material.
•Supervised projects: In the final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research. The supervisor and a second academic member of staff will formally meet, interview and review the work at the half way stage, and then provide support in the write up stage, although weekly contact is anticipated in most projects within the School.
•Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic and professional development through the discussion of selected topics.

Expand+Overview
Chemistry is a core science subject that touches almost every aspect of our daily lives, and will become increasingly important in our future knowledge-based society. Chemists develop life-saving drugs, polymers, pest-control agents and ca...

Hide-Overview
Chemistry is a core science subject that touches almost every aspect of our daily lives, and will become increasingly important in our future knowledge-based society. Chemists develop life-saving drugs, polymers, pest-control agents and catalysts that can enhance our quality of life beyond measure.

Four-year MSci degrees are available for high-calibre students with the ability and aspiration to practise Chemistry at the highest levels. BSc students with excellent performance may transfer to the MSci up to the end of Stage 2.

Note: the School has also introduced a new degree in Engineering Chemistry which covers core elements of both chemistry and chemical engineering, and will prepare students for a wide range of careers. It is available in two options - the MSci or the MEng, the award dictated by the modules studied.

Expand+Course Content (including module information)

While providing dedicated subject-specific learning, our Chemistry degrees strongly emphasise opportunities to develop generic problem-solving and reflective-working practices applicable to a range of ...

Hide-Course Content (including module information)

While providing dedicated subject-specific learning, our Chemistry degrees strongly emphasise opportunities to develop generic problem-solving and reflective-working practices applicable to a range of career paths and patterns of employability.

Many of the elements of the BSc are in common with the MSci programme, and allow students to transfer between the two pathways, subject to meeting the appropriate programme requirements.

All degrees are modular, with six modules each year. All provide a thorough training in the three main subject areas (Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry) through compulsory core modules which offer in-depth study of these three areas.

BSc Honours
Chemistry
Year 1:
Students study a common programme with the Chemical Engineers, giving them an understanding of how the two subjects relate to each other and an opportunity to transfer if they decide they are better suited to the other discipline. Key to this is a course structure permitting students to study both introductory Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, alongside a couple of skills modules equipping students to proceed on either degree programme.

In the second semester students then take three modules covering the main fundamental subject areas; inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.

Year 2:
Students are required to take six modules of chemistry, designed to extend their knowledge of the traditional subject areas of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, in addition to introducing aspects of applied chemistry, spectroscopy and theoretical chemistry. Each of the modules contain both practical and coursework components allowing students to develop, practice and demonstrate a wide range of professional skills.

Year 3:
In addition to advancing the three main subject areas of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, students can also can select a number of applied options allowing opportunities to specialise. Students have the choice of taking either a double-weighted research project directly supervised by a member of staff, or experiencing the full breadth of the subject through taking a series of three extended mini-projects in each of the main subject areas, making up a double-weighted module. Key to both of these options is the acquisition of both subject-specific and generic skills to act as a springboard to a successful career.

Different pathways offer opportunities to specialise. In the later stages there are optional specialist modules and extended practical/project work.

The specialist pathways available consist of additional elements which are detailed below:
•Chemistry with Study Abroad: students take French or Spanish alongside Chemistry in Stages 1 and 2, then spend a year abroad studying Chemistry in French or Spanish, and then return to Queen's for Stage 3.
•BSc Sandwich Degrees: students spend their third year working in industry (subject to the availability of a suitable placement), then return to Queen's for a final year of study.
•Medicinal Chemistry: students take modules which include Biochemistry, Genetics and Medicinal Chemistry, and undertake a medicinal or biological project.

MSci Honours (Stage 4)
Students carry out an independent research project. The MSci with Professional Studies four-year degrees incorporate an industrial placement with a leading UK or European company as well as a distance-learning element.

MEng/MSci Engineering Chemistry
This exciting new course reflects the School’s distinctive position as the only combined School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering in the UK. It also reflects the reality of the workplace, where chemists and engineers work together and need to be able to communicate and understand each other. The core topics in both subject areas are studied, and then in the later stages of the course there is the opportunity to select specialist options modules in either Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. This will determine whether students graduate as MEng (Chemical Engineering) or MSci (Chemistry).

Expand+Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of cours...

Hide-Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students through the VLE and on the School’s own website.

Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
•Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
•Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
•Placement employer comments or references.
•Online or emailed comment.
•General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
•Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
•Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
•Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Expand+Career Prospects
Studying for a medicinal chemistry degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates fro...

Hide-Career Prospects
Studying for a medicinal chemistry degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from the chemistry degree programmes at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including medicinal chemistry.

Medicinal Chemistry graduates have entered careers in a wide variety of fields, including the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry, publishing, marketing and teaching. The MSci in Medicinal Chemistry with professional studies is a new programme and it is anticipated that graduates will go on to study for a PhD in a variety of leading institutions or take up a graduate grade position in the pharmaceutical industry.

Employer Links
Consultations
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Warner-Chilcott (international pharmaceutical company), Almac, Invista, Seagate, and Johnson Matthey who are members of the Industrial Advisory board for the course.

Placement Employers
Our past students have also gained work placement with organisations such as:
•Warner-Chilcott (Pharmaceuticals)
•Almac (Pharmaceuticals)
•Norbrook (Veterinary pharmaceuticals)
•Randox (Medical diagnostics)
•Boehringer Ingelheim (Pharmaceuticals)

Other Employer Links
Many of the research projects within the School have industrial input, and are in collaboration with a wide variety of companies operating in the chemical sector. Given the close working relationships, between industry and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering new opportunities to expand placements, industrial contact and career opportunities are continually developing.

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plus initiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast full Employability Statement for further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.