Undergraduate Careers & Placements by Sector

The School of Biological Sciences recognises the importance that gaining relevant experience has to our students to support developing skills and a bright career. We have developed a successful placement programme at undergraduate taught level which embeds work based learning as part of the course. All undergraduate students have the option to add a placement onto their degree programme and this is viewed as being one of the most important aspects of the degree, enabling the opportunity to experience jobs in preparation for graduation.

Securing graduate employment is competitive! So gaining as much experience as possible is vital during your time at Queen’s. Each year over 250 students are opting to integrate a work placement into their studies. We have a dedicated placement team to support students and we are continually increasing our links with organisations both locally and internationally to provide high quality opportunities for our students. The School currently operates the most diverse work experience programme in the University and when work placement is undertaken it is an assessed component of the degree course. Assessment is based on how our students develop appropriate graduate level skills, apply aspects of their academic learning, and develop research based project management skills.

For more information check out our brochure!

Explore by field

Explore:

Undergraduate Programmes

Watch this video for an overview of the opportunities and experiences available in the School of Biological Sciences and to hear from our students as they discuss their placement experience.

Discover more placement testimonials:

Student Experiences

Agriculture

Agricultural Technology students investigate how government policy, consumer demand, environmental impact as well as food quality and safety concerns impact agricultural production.

This course has been carefully developed by academics with employer and industry involvement and runs in conjunction with CAFRE to ensure students have the practical skills, knowledge, and experience to progress prosperous careers.

Course Content: Agricultural Technology with professional studies

Graduate Roles
The majority of our graduates will seek careers in the agricultural supply chain, agri-environment and agri-food sectors, in roles including; advisory and consultancy, marketing/sales, production and management and research and development in commercial companies and academia.

Explore the types of careers available in agriculture using the links below:
Placement Information
Placement Timeframe:

Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation. Placement is assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme.

Option 1 - Year Placement

If your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies,’ placement commences the end of second year, starting from June to September. It is an option for students to split the year placement between two different placement hosts. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.

Option 2 - Short Placement

A 12-14 week, full time, placement commencing May/June to September. Please note 'full time' means working a 35 hour week.

Placement Roles:

Agriculture students have previously secured placements and graduate careers in a range of agricultural production related roles and supporting industries, such as:
- Meat, Dairy and Poultry Farm Quality Assurance
- Trainee Farm Management
- Farm Liaison and Support
- Industry related farm trials
- Agri Sales and Business Development Activities
- Plant Breeding, Harvesting and Crop related roles
- Business Development Executive
- Horticulture or Agronomy
- Animal Health, Feeds and Nutrition
- Agricultural Stakeholder Organisations
- Research Technician
- Agricultural Research Institutes working on a broad range of agri-research projects
Many of our Agriculture students have gained experience internationally and links are currently established with employers in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. Our Global Opportunities Team offer many opportunities to gain international experience.

Key Contact:

Grace Heatley: g.heatley@qub.ac.uk
Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
Benefits Include:
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
Testimonials
“I would not be in the position I am now, having secured the job of KEENAN Regional Business Manager for Northern Ireland, without completing my year’s work placement. From completing the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture with a year’s placement on a dairy farm, I understood the value and importance of securing a high-quality placement... Most recently I have been given the opportunity to spend 3 months in Dubai with the Alltech and KEENAN team and 3 weeks in Canada. I could only have dreamt of these opportunities if I had not completed this degree and work placement. I would encourage anyone considering this degree to do it. The journey is about more than just finding a job but pursuing a career path. Take the time to explore different opportunities and learn from every experience, whether positive or challenging."

Adam Smyth (pictured above) - Placement with Alltech - KEENAN

“Placing Queen's University students on dairy farms in New Zealand for their practical work placements, has been overwhelmingly positive. Queen's students have demonstrated a high level of professionalism throughout the placement programme and come prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge.”

Trina Moore - Recruitment Manager, Max People
Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.

Support includes:
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
Our Academics:

At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experience and skills. Our academics have a wealth of experience, industry connections and specialised skills to support you in developing key career skills.

Profiles of some staff who teach on the Agricultural Technology programme include:

Environment

Environmental Management students explore the physical, social, economic and cultural aspects of environmental management to understand the environmental systems in which we live and work.

Students will gain core knowledge in science, geography and environmental planning along with acquiring the skills to manage and critically evaluate project work.

Course Content: Environmental Management with Professional Studies

Graduate Roles
Students studying Environmental Management gain core technical skills which allow them to have diverse careers, not only in the rural and land use industries and government services, but also in private sector industries, financial institutions and agribusiness concerns of various kinds. With increased awareness of the impacts of climate change there will be additional demand for graduates to protect and preserve the environment. Positions encompass areas of conservation, innovative research, pollution control, waste management, recycling and carbon management, policy, advisory and consultancy work.

Careers include:
- Voluntary and charity sector - wildlife and habitat conservation charities and environmental NGOs, pressure groups, expeditions, and trusts.
- Public sector - regulatory bodies, such as local authorities, the Environment Agency, research institutes, educational establishments, and national parks and monuments.
- Intergovernmental and International Development - United Nations (UNEP, UNDP, FAO, WFP), international environmental think tanks and research institutes, commissions and consultative bodies.
- Private sector - ranging from sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams in large, multinational companies to those involved in environmental protection and resource management, such as the water and forestry industries, nuclear, gas, chemical, electricity, oil and mining companies, environmental consultancies, sustainability consultancies and research firms, eco-tourism businesses, and companies involved in renewable energy sources.
Explore the wide range of careers available in environmental science using the links below:
Placement Information
Placement Timeframe:

Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation. Placement is assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme.

Option 1 - Year Placement

If your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies,’ placement commences the end of second year, starting from June to September. It is an option for students to split the year placement between two different placement hosts. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.

Option 2 - Short Placement

A 12-14 week, full time, placement commencing May/June to September. Please note 'full time' means working a 35 hour week.

Placement Roles:

Environmental students have previously secured placements in a range of environmental related roles and supporting industries, such as:
- Environmental management (private and public sectors)
- Consultancy
- Environmental impact assessment
- Surveying
- Conservation
- Waste management,
- Ecological impact assessment
- Policy and legislation
Many students have gained experience abroad and the University Global Opportunities Team offer our students many opportunities to gain international experience.

Key Contact:

Dionne Alexander – d.alexander@qub.ac.uk
Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
Benefits Include:
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what careers you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
Testimonials
“3 words to describe placement: Enjoyable, dynamic, and insightful! Placement has been brilliant so far. It is clear that the organisation values its staff and their development. The Large-Scale Team did a wonderful job of integrating me into the team... they were always there to help and answer any questions that I had. Key piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to ask questions – this helps you grow and learn."

Charles Rodriguez (pictured above) - Placement with Action Renewables

"RPS involvement in work placements has always been a positive one and we continue to be enlightened by the up to date educational knowledge of the students and their willingness to learn new practical skills in a busy workplace. For RPS the benefits are two fold in that we not only gain additional resources for the programme period to help deliver our busy workload but also graduating students are more workplace ready to fill any future vacancies we may have."

Raymond Holbeach - Regional Director, RPS Group
Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.

Support includes:
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement

Food Sciences

Food Science and Nutrition students gain knowledge and understanding, and experience cutting-edge technologies involved in food production, research, and consumption. Available as MSci.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Food Science and Technology and has been co-created alongside industry stakeholders to ensure students understand the farm to fork food journey, the ‘fitness for purpose’ in food appearance, texture, and flavour, and how to ensure the nutritional integrity of food to support human health.

Course Content: Food Science and Nutrition with Professional Studies

Graduate Roles
The majority of our graduates seek careers in the food industry, regulatory roles, health promotion, or health and nutrition. There are also a wide range of industries that skills developed on our food course are transferable to.

Examples of the various career routes and roles you can pursue are linked below:
Placement Information
Placement Timeframe:

Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation. Placement is assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme.

Option 1 - Year Placement

If your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies,’ placement commences the end of second year, starting from June to September. It is an option for students to split the year placement between two different placement hosts. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.

Option 2 - Short Placement

A 12-14 week, full time, placement commencing May/June to September. Please note 'full time' means working a 35 hour week.

Placement Roles:

Past students have gone on to roles, such as:
- New Product Development
- Technical and Production Management
- Quality Assurance / Food Safety
- Auditory or Regulatory (BRC and SALSA)
- Supply Chain / Logistics
- Health Promotion / Sports Nutrition / Dietetics
- Buying / Procurement
- Business Development
- Nutrition and Food Science Education
- Waste minimisation and environmental management projects
- Food research within industry and research institutes working on a broad range of food science laboratory based projects
Students will have completed the CIEH Level 3 Qualification in Food Safety Supervision for Manufacturing prior to commencing placement.

Many students have gained experience abroad and the University Global Opportunities Team offer our students many opportunities to gain international experience.

Key Contact:

Grace Heatley - g.heatley@qub.ac.uk
Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
Benefits Include:
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
Testimonials
"I have loved every minute of my placement so far. I’ve picked up some extremely useful experience that I will take into final year and all my further jobs. I have matured and become more confident, which is also reflected in my writing... A favourite moment of mine would be having the opportunity to attend a business trip to London Caffe Culture and getting stuck in to networking, tasting tea and even some sales."

Thomas Evan Robinson (pictured above) - Placement with Suki Tea Makers

“Whether it is interns, placement students or graduates, we have been impressed by both the QUB students strong knowledge of the food industry issues but also by their workplace readiness skills. Our strong partnership and alignment will mean QUB students will continue to be strong part of M&S Food Technology recruitment for many years to come.”

Dominic Darby - Head of Food Technology, Marks and Spencer
Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.

Support includes:
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement

Life Sciences

Life Sciences students examine many aspects of the biosciences, from molecular biology through to whole organisms and ecosystems. Available as MSci.

These courses ensure students gain core technical skills and subject specific practical laboratory / field-based skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material. Students will receive training in relevant physical, chemical, and biological methods and their application in a laboratory, field, and research project setting.

Course Content: Biochemistry Biological Sciences Microbiology

Graduate Roles
The Life Sciences industries is a collective term for research institutions, businesses and organisations dedicated to protecting and improving human life. The companies involved in the Life Sciences can include pharmaceutical, biomedicine, agri-food, diagnostics and biotechnology amongst others. Our Graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers. Check out this information on 10 Alternative Science Careers areas which demonstrates that not all science careers happen in labs!

The Life Sciences are a priority sector for the NI Executive and part of the UK and Irish's government economic development strategies.

Explore some of the wide range of careers within life sciences using the links below:
- Biotechnologist
- Clinical Research Associate
- NHS Careers (Allied Health and Healthcare Science)
- Science Regulatory Affairs
- Science Teacher
- Product Development Scientist
- Science Quality Manager
- Plant Breeder/Geneticist
- Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
- Science Writer
- Water Quality Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Soil Scientist
- Health Promotion
- Environmental Consultant
- Animal Technician
- Sustainability Consultant
- Waste Management Officer
- Genetic Counsellor
- Physician Associate
- Fisheries Officer
- Environmental Manager
- Data Analyst
Placement Information
Placement Timeframe:

Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation. Placement is assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme.

Option 1 - Year Placement

If your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies,’ placement commences the end of second year, starting from June to September. It is an option for students to split the year placement between two different placement hosts. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.

Option 2 - Short Placement (not available for students on the biochemistry or microbiology course)

A 12-14 week, full time, placement commencing May/June to September. Please note 'full time' means working a 35 hour week.

Placement Roles:

Our students regularly take up placements in both laboratory and non laboratory based areas such as:

Laboratory Based roles include:
- Waste treatment, recycling processes, pollution systems and green energy
- Pest control and animal pathogens in agriculture
- Clinical trials
- Biotechnology, food and pharmaceutical industries
- Biomedical / health research and development
- Pharmaceuticals
- Environmental Monitoring
- Land management including bioremediation
- Healthcare organisations such as the NHS
- Publicly funded research organisations
- Higher education institutions
Non-Laboratory Based roles include:
- Regulatory affairs or consultancy
- Business development
- Scientific writing and publishing
- Communication and marketing
- Technical support and quality control
- Science education and communication
Many students have gained experience abroad and our Global Opportunities Team offer opportunities to gain international experience.

Key Contact:

Grace Heatley: g.heatley@qub.ac.uk
Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
Benefits Include:
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills in a laboratory setting
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
Testimonials
"3 words I would use to describe my placement experience would be interesting, informative, and fun. Placement has been very educational. When I first joined, I was nervous as I did not know much about regulatory affairs. However, it was a brilliant opportunity for me to learn and experience working in this field. It has been interesting being able to witness various aspects of regulatory affairs working with different pharmaceutical clients."

Tailor Maitri (pictured above) - Placement with G&L Healthcare Advisors

"Almac Group is delighted to support students take their first step on the career ladder through our 12 month placement programme. It is rewarding to see our placement students grow in confidence as they develop their knowledge and skills whilst also making a valuable contribution to our mission to Advance Human Health. Students who complete an industrial placement have a competitive edge by gaining practical and professional work experience in their chosen field upon graduation."

Frances Weldon - STEM Outreach Manager, Almac
Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.

Support includes:
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
Our Academics:

At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experiences and skills. Our Bioscience academics have a wealth of experience and specialised skills to support you in developing key career skills.

See profiles of these academics and be inspired by those who will be teaching you.
- Dr Angela Mousley (Biological Sciences Programme Director)
- Dr Jeanette Robinson (Microbiology Programme Director)

Marine Biology

Marine biology students will learn how to apply cutting edge technologies to help tackle complex issues such as overfishing, pollution and climate change on a scale from molecules to ecosystems. Available as MSci.

This course is designed to blend strong training in marine biology with core skills in the biosciences ranging from physiology and genetics through to conservation biology and global climate change. This taught content is complemented by an exceptional array of extra-curricular activities aimed at building employability; from work-shadowing marine PhD students from stage 1 of your degree through to dedicated skills-development workshops at our marine laboratory including boat-handling, satellite tracking and underwater video technology.

Course Content: Marine Biology with professional studies

Graduate Roles
With a Marine Biology degree from Queen’s students will be equipped with strong training in marine biology with core skills in the biosciences ranging from physiology and genetics through to conservation biology and global climate change. This broad-based approach allows students to explore a range of career opportunities within the biological sciences, as well as within the field of marine biology.

Within this context the Marine Biology degree at QUB is based on a research-led teaching format and will prepare students for a future in a diverse range of careers including:
Placement Information
Placement Timeframe:

Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation. Placement is assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme.

Option 1 - Year Placement

If your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies,’ placement commences the end of second year, starting from June to September. It is an option for students to split the year placement between two different placement hosts. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.

Option 2 - Short Placement

A 12-14 week, full time, placement commencing May/June to September. Please note 'full time' means working a 35 hour week.

Placement Roles:

Past students have gone on to roles, such as:
- Marine area protection and conservation
- Survey and sampling work
- Water quality monitoring
- Population studies
- Field and desk based research
- Marine Consultancies
- Coastal Management
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Management
- Lab based marine related research
Many students have gained experience abroad and the University Global Opportunities Team offer our students many opportunities to gain international experience.

Key Contact:

Dionne Alexander – d.alexander@qub.ac.uk
Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
Benefits Include:
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
Testimonials
"My highlight from New Zealand was definitely getting to be involved with a population estimate study for the Hutton’s Shearwater – a critically endangered seabird which only nests in a specific mountain range on New Zealand’s South Island. I spent 2 nights catching and marking birds on the side of a snowy mountain, then 3 days out on boats counting the number of marked vs unmarked birds for a population estimate following the destruction of nesting areas during the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016. The scenery in the mountains was unbelievable and while on the water I saw a southern right whale only a few metres from my boat, critically endangered Hector’s Dolphins swimming alongside us and all while helping to preserve an endemic species. I don’t take the opportunity for granted for a single second."

Chris Deery (pictured above) - Placement with Seal Rescue Ireland & New Zealand Department of Conservation

“Placement students work directly with our team of Marine Education Fellows and are held at the same standard and expectations as the fellows. This includes collaborating to organize a Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, and implementing a personal project. Last year, our placement student built a bridge to a neighboring art university to blend art and science by bringing art students to our facility, teaching them about our coast, and hosting their work inspired by our facility in an expedition. This partnership and event will now continue to happen each year, thanks to the leadership of our placement student. I’ve found that having a QUB placement student has been nothing but a positive experience. I would recommend it to anyone who has the capacity to host one!”

Nina Sassano - Educator and Student Program Coordinator, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.

Support includes:
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
Our Academics:

At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experiences and skills. Our marine academics have a wealth of experience, industry connections and specialised skills to support you adequately in developing key career skills.

See profiles of these academics and be inspired by those who will be teaching you.
- Dr Jonathan Houghton
- Dr Patrick Collins

Zoology

Zoology at Queen’s aims to provide students with a broad coverage of the biology of animals and how they interact with other living organisms. Available as MSci.

Zoology students study physiology, genetics, biology, ecological and conservation, while developing the core skills that are valued by employers. This ranges from laboratory skills to social and project management skills.

Course Content: Zoology with professional studies

Graduate Roles
As with any degree from biosciences our graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers. These positions encompass areas of conservation, innovative research and development of new products, advisory and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organisations concerned with animal and plant health, environmental management, pharmaceutical products and biotechnology.

A zoology degree also prepares graduates to pursue careers in teaching, nature conservation and laboratory-based posts in biomedical, industrial, pharmaceutical, academic and government institutions as well as in universities and colleges of higher education. The remainder undertake further training in areas such as computing, administration and management or medicine (human or veterinary), developing their skills from a sound scientific background. Further training also helps them to find employment in a variety of non-biological careers, including, documentary film making, public service administration, industrial management, banking, accountancy and computing.

Explore some of the potential careers open to Zoology graduates below:
Placement Information
Placement Timeframe:

Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation. Placement is assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme.

Option 1 - Year Placement

If your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies,’ placement commences the end of second year, starting from June to September. It is an option for students to split the year placement between two different placement hosts. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.

Option 2 - Short Placement

A 12-14 week, full time, placement commencing May/June to September. Please note 'full time' means working a 35 hour week.

Placement Roles:

Past students have gone on to roles, such as:
- Nature and Animal Conservation
- Innovative research and development of new products
- Advisory and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organisations concerned with animal and plant health
- Environmental Management
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Biotechnology
Zoologists at Queen’s have the opportunity to avail of the strong international links with Universities in South Africa, America and Canada. In addition there is the opportunity to volunteer or carry out projects at many international sites including the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, African Wildlife rehabilitation centres and conservation in Namibia and South Africa as well as many other countries through Operation Wallacea. Our Global Opportunities Team offer many opportunities to gain international experience.

Key Contact:

Dionne Alexander – d.alexander@qub.ac.uk
Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
Benefits Include:
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
Testimonials
"Going to Africa was always a dream of mine.. To work with wildlife in a country in Africa was just amazing and then working at Shanaghan’s was also such a good experience for me - to be somewhere local and something more domestic, to kind of compare the wildlife and domestic side...I became so much more confident, just in the sense that they would give me tasks to do at either placement and I would be like ‘I can’t do it,’ but once you get stuck in, first-hand experience is the most effective way to learn."

Helene Price (pictured above) - Placement with Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary and Shanaghan Veterinary Services

“The involvement of students in our volunteer program has brought a fresh perspective to the Sanctuary. Their passion for wildlife conservation and eagerness to learn have truly been inspiring. Whether they are assisting with animal care or participating in habitat restoration projects, their dedication and hard work have made a significant impact... The positive impact of students participating in our volunteer program cannot be overstated. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and contributions have strengthened our sanctuary's mission and inspired all of us to continue our work in wildlife conservation. We are immensely grateful for their involvement and look forward to welcoming more students in the future.”

Janalene Kingshott - Director of Animal Welfare, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.

Support includes:
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
Our Academics:

At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experiences and skills. Our Zoology academics have a wealth of experience and specialised skills to support you adequately in developing key career skills.

See profiles of these academics and be inspired by those who will be teaching you.
- Professor Nikki Marks
- Dr Michael Scantlebury

Biological Sciences

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