Expand+How and when to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained...

Hide-How and when to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University 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/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in Autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00).

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.

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

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Expand+A level requirements
BBB 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
BBB including Double ...

Hide-A level requirements
BBB 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
BBB 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
ABB including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Biology and at least one from Chemistry (preferred), Geography, Mathematics or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Chemistry and O4 in Mathematics
OR
H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Biology + Ordinary Level grade O3 in Chemistry and O4 in Mathematics

Access Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 80% with no less than 70% in any module normally including two Biology modules (Level 3) and one Chemistry module (Level 3).
GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall including 6,5,5 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
33 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 5 in Chemistry and grade 4 in Mathematics would be required.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits), with 100 credits at Distinction grade and 80 credits at Merit grade + GCSE Biology grade C/4 and Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with at least 540 GLH at Distinction grade (minimum 240 GLH to be externally assessed) and 540 GLH at Merit grade + GCSE Biology grade C/4 and Chemistry grade B/6 or GCSE Double Award Science grades BB/6,6 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

For the RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma, applicants must have Distinction grades in four specified units to include:

Principles of Applied Science I
Principles of Applied Science II

and two from the following:

Biological Molecules & Metabolic Pathways
Genetics & Genetic Engineering
Diseases and Infections
Microbiology & Microbiological Techniques

Extended/National Extended Diploma must be relevant.

Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Biological Sciences. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For entry last year, applicants for programmes in the School of Biological Sciences must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics), though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The minimum acceptable is two subjects at A-level plus one at AS though candidates offering this combination will be considered on an individual basis depending on the degree for which they have applied. The offer for repeat candidates may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected and all subject requirements must be met.

Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE (or equivalent) profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.

For applicants offering a relevant HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 1 Distinction and remainder Merits.

For those offering a Higher National Diploma, there may be the possibility of advanced entry to Stage 2 depending on relevance of the HND and first year results (at least half of the first year units must be at Merit grade). Where offers are made for entry to Stage 2 students would be required to achieve 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits in all units assessed in final year. Those not eligible for entry to Stage 2 would be considered for entry to Stage 1 provided at least one first year unit is at Merit grade. Students would be required to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year.

For those offering a HNC or HND, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of degree courses in the School of Biological Sciences, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.


International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 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 degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
•Academic English: 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.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.
•Foundation
The INTO progression course suited to this programme is
http://www.intostudy.com/en-gb/universities/queens-university-belfast/courses/international-foundation-in-engineering-and-science.

Expand+Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses, and is of immense importance in relation to the environment, agriculture and food, biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Graduates in microbiology are therefore highly sought...

Hide-Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses, and is of immense importance in relation to the environment, agriculture and food, biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Graduates in microbiology are therefore highly sought after in these fields. Microbiology is very central to many aspects of the biological sciences, from pure research to diverse industrial, medical and environmental applications.

Microorganisms play major roles in the diseases of man, animals and plants. Microbiologists have been central to their diagnosis and in combating such diseases through the discovery of effective therapies.

Microorganisms also play a central role in the biosphere, through global environmental processes and recycling of elements and waste products.

In biotechnology and synthetic biology, microbes are also crucial in the manufacture of beverages, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and many other useful products.

Microbiology with Professional Studies Degree highlights


Global Opportunities
•Microbiologists are needed in many different fields – from medicine to biotechnology to environmental science. The subject is actually very broadly applicable and can lead to very diverse career paths.

Professional Accreditations
•The degrees follow the National Subject Profile for Higher Education Programmes in Microbiology as published by the Centre for Bioscience (Higher Education Academy). The degrees also broadly align with the core curriculum in microbiology as described by the American Society for Microbiology. Our degrees are highly regarded – scoring consistently highly in the National Student Survey.

Royal Society of Biology Accreditation

This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. This highlights the academic quality of the course and recognises the course in enabling graduates to meet the needs of the employer through development of technical and transferable skills .

Industry Links
•Past students have gained work placement with organisations such as Northern Ireland Water Ltd, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Forensic Science Service, the NHS, Norbrook Laboratories, Randox Laboratories, the Almac Group, and Moy Park.

World Class Facilities
•Microbiology is linked closely to the Institute for Global Food Security and is primarily taught by associated staff.

Student Experience
•Work placements on these programmes provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment.

Expand+Introduction
Microbiology provides fundamental training in data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and communication. Microbiologists can use these skills in a wide range of careers in research, medicine, industry, education, business and communica...

Hide-Introduction
Microbiology provides fundamental training in data analysis, problem solving, teamwork and communication. Microbiologists can use these skills in a wide range of careers in research, medicine, industry, education, business and communications, or as a route to further study.

Stage 1
• Molecular Basis of Life
• Fundamentals of Chemistry Basic Chemistry 1 (optional)
• Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism in Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry (optional)
• The World of Microorganisms
• Biodiversity (optional)
• Ecology and Environmental Science (optional)

Stage 2
• Experimental Biochemistry (optional)
• Cell Biology 2
• Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics
• Microorganisms in Action
• Plant Biology and Rhizosphere Interactions (optional)

Stage 3
• Research Project
• Industrial Microbiology (optional)
• Medical Microbiology(optional)
• Parasitology
• Zoonoses
• Bacterial Genetics and Genetic Manipulation

Year Out (Professional Studies)
All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Stage 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies.

Expand+Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.

Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.

Feedback

As students progress through the BSc in Microbiology with Profes...

Hide-Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.

Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.

Feedback

As students progress through the BSc in Microbiology with Professional Studies 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:

Facilities

Microbiology is linked closely to the Institute for Global Food Security at QUB and is primarily taught by associated staff. The Institute is one of three major research centres in the University.

Expand+Career Prospects

Introduction
Microbiology is an interdisciplinary subject with key links to the other Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering and Medicine. Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and no...

Hide-Career Prospects

Introduction
Microbiology is an interdisciplinary subject with key links to the other Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering and Medicine. Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers.

Many job opportunities are available in biomedical, industrial and government organisations, and in universities and colleges of higher education.

These jobs cover innovative research, the development of new products, advisory and consultancy work or teaching. All are aimed at improving the health, environment and economy of countries in both the developed and developing world. In particular, companies and organisations concerned with animal and plant health, food and beverage processing, water quality, environmental management, pharmaceutical products and biotechnology require graduates in microbiology.

Job opportunities exist across a number of areas including:

Healthcare: Microbiologists are essential in the fight against infectious diseases working in hospitals and Health Protection Laboratories. Here they diagnose infections, monitor treatments, develop vaccines, provide advice or track disease outbreaks.

Basic research: In order to either solve the problems caused by microorganisms or exploit their capabilities fundamental research on their biochemistry and genetics is required. Many microbiologists work in universities and research institutes exploring the detailed workings of microbial cells.

Environment: One of the greatest challenges currently facing society is that of climate change and environmental protection. Microbiologists are key players in the development of waste treatment technologies, recycling processes, pollution warning systems and in the production of green energy.

Agriculture: Pest management is an essential component of modern agricultural practice.
Microbiologists have key roles to play in the development of pest control systems and in the diagnosis and treatment of animal pathogens.

Business: Microbiologists work in many bioscience and food companies, carrying out research, developing new products or carrying out quality control of manufacturing processes to ensure the microbiological safety of goods such as medicines, cosmetics, food, drink etc.

Outside the lab: Many trained microbiologists never go on to work in the microbiology field. However, they can use their skills and knowledge to pursue careers in marketing, technical support, regulatory affairs, education, as patent attorneys, and in public relations, journalism and publishing.

Employment Links
The School of Biological Sciences has a dedicated Work Placement and Careers advisor who has developed contacts with an extensive portfolio of employers, both nationally and internationally, within the science sector.
Advice is also provided on CV preparation, interview techniques and securing summer work or longer placements.

Past students have gained work placement with organisations locally, nationally and internationally such as:

•Northern Ireland Water Ltd
•Environment Agency
•Forensic Science Service
•Moy Park
•Randox Laboratories
•Norbrook Laboratories Ltd
•The Almac Group
•Health Service
•GSK

Prizes and Awards

A level 2 prize is awarded for the best overall student in conjunction with the UK Microbiology Society.

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.