Postgraduate Taught Courses
Why study a Master’s course in the School of Biological Sciences?
Our students are taught by an outstanding team of academic staff who are internationally renowned scholars at the forefront of their fields. We offer 9 PGT degree pathways.
We foster a stimulating approach to study tailored to the specific disciplines that we offer, through strong theoretical foundations coupled with applied research methods. Our courses benefit from the exceptional quality of the research in the School of Biological Sciences that has been rated joint 1st in the UK for Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. REF2021 is a robust and thorough assessment of the quality of UK universities’ research in all disciplines, providing accountability for public investment in research and demonstrating the benefits of that investment. The assessment is carried out by panels of academics and international experts.
Our courses further benefit from the support of a dedicated team of career and work placement officers that enhance our students’ employability and career progression.
Advanced Food Safety
With an ever increasing global population, climate change challenges and changing geo-political dynamics, the world’s food production and supply chains are under increased pressure, and issues relating to food safety and food security are of key concern for all.
The Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at QUB is one of the University’s four Global Research Institutes, and is leading the world in addressing one of the greatest threats posed by these challenges – how to ensure the continuing security and safety of our food supplies.
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About this Course
The MSc in Advanced Food Safety is tailored towards students seeking to develop a career within the agri-food industry and related sectors, and offers the opportunity to obtain a unique internationally recognised qualification from a global leader in the fields of food safety and food security.
The MSc Advanced Food Safety programme is delivered by IGFS researchers and focuses on the new and emerging issues threatening food safety and food security, and concentrates on the utilisation of recent developments in analytical approaches to monitor and regulate food integrity, authenticity and security.Due to the popularity of this programme, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, and ideally no later than 30th June for courses which commence in mid-September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details. - Course Link
Please see below the Course Link
MSc Advanced Food Safety
Advanced Food Safety (MSc) | Courses | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk) - Testimonials
- Programme Director
Animal Behavior and Welfare
Animal Behaviour is the scientific study of what animals do, from single-celled organisms, invertebrates to vertebrates. It is one of the most exciting and interesting scientific disciplines, expanding rapidly over recent decades. Animal behaviour is key to understanding evolutionary processes, and there is a growing need to understand behaviour due to the impact of an increasing human population.
In addition, an understanding of animal behaviour is of fundamental importance to safeguard animal welfare. Thus, the study of animal behaviour provides the foundation for successful conservation and to increase and regulate the welfare of both domestic and wild animals.
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About this Course
Designed for students aiming to work in research, education, and industry in the life sciences sector. Specifically this MSc will provide you with an advanced understanding of current and emerging issues in both Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare and provide you with an extensive range of lectures on a variety of topics.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details. - Course Link
Please see below the Course Link:
MSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Animal Behaviour and Welfare (MSc) | Courses | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk) - Testimonials
"I completed the MSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare in 2018. Since then, through the work I’ve done, I’ve really discovered my love for being in the field and conducting behavioural research.
Shortly after graduating, I got a job as a research assistant investigating the behaviour of male fallow deer in Phoenix Park. After this, I moved to Seville. I worked in Doñana National Park, looking at the grazing behaviour of deer, horses, and cattle in response to climate change. Currently, I’m working as a beef and sheep scientist in AFBI Hillsborough, and I plan to start a PhD in livestock welfare in the near future.
I thoroughly enjoyed the master’s programme and studying at Queens. I received phenomenal support during it and since graduating. It was the starting point for me; how I discovered my passion, and it laid the foundation towards becoming an animal welfare scientist.
Some tips after graduating: stay in contact with your lecturers, classmates, placement organisation etc. Network, reach out to people, do the “odd-jobs”, the internship, volunteer, work abroad, be open and flexible. It will always stand to you and it’s how you learn what really interests you and where you want to go in your career!"
Gráinne O’Doherty
- Programme Directors
Ecological Management and Conservation Biology
We’re in the middle of a biodiversity crisis; the sixth mass extinction event on Earth driven by man. Wildlife populations have declined by 68% since 1970 while climate breakdown is pushing the Earth beyond safe ecological limits.
There is unprecedented pressure on the environment from overexploitation, habitat degradation and destruction, climate change, invasive species, pollution and emerging diseases. However, you can be part of global and local solutions.
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About this Course
The MSc Ecological Management and Conservation Biology programme has a backbone of taught academic lectures covering the full spectrum of subjects contained within conservation biology including:
- Animal Behaviour
- Biodiversity
- Conservation genomics
- Climate change
- Emerging diseases
- Environmental economics
- Environmental impact assessment
- Grassland management
- Invasion biology
- Marine conservation
- Soil biology
- Wildfire ecology
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details. - Course Link
Please see below the Course Link:
MSc Ecological Management and Conservation Biology
- Testimonials
- Programme Director
Email: neil.reid@qub.ac.uk
Leadership for Sustainable Development
With increasing recognition of the impact of a world living beyond its means, the commitment to sustainable development to meet the needs of present generations without jeopardising those of future generations has never been more essential, particularly for organisations across the public and private sectors.
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About this Course
This innovative Masters programme is open to applicants from all subject backgrounds, and is designed to create leaders and sustainability professionals in all fields and subjects. The course will require a high level of independence, adaptability, engagement with both the University and external organisations, and a willingness to be challenged.
Programme content is designed to be holistic, so students will study at intermediate level the broad-ranging fields of leadership and management, environmental and sustainability science, social studies, and economics, amongst others, to prepare them for life as change agents in sustainable development. The course embraces personal choice of study where possible to enhance the students’ existing knowledge, experiences, and interests.
A key principle of the programme is the importance of Education for Sustainable Development, and students will complete the course as fully developed individuals with competency in critical-thinking, systems-thinking, interpersonal working, and much more. Modules are taught through action-based, experiential learning methods such as practicals, site visits, work placements and community-based learning consultancy projects, in addition to lectures and tutorials.Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details. - Course Link
Please see below the Course Link:
MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development
Leadership for Sustainable Development (MSc) | Courses | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk)
- Testimonials
"The whole teaching staff on the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development are so supportive and the teaching you receive is so relevant and applicable to what employers want today. The placement opportunities are invaluable and provide opportunities to grow as a person and to hone your skills for your professional life. Overall, it has been such a great experience. I've met new friends and created a solid basis for a successful career in sustainable development."
Constance Mallon
- Programme Director
Dr Kieran Higgins
Email: k.higgins@qub.ac.uk
Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development
Rural areas are crucial to national productivity. Sustainable rural development is a strategy to promote vibrant, healthy rural communities by supporting regional economies, protecting natural resources, ensuring adequate rural services, and addressing food security.
Many rural communities depend on the viability of natural resource-based activities for their livelihoods, from farming, forestry and energy production to leisure, tourism, and artisan markets. Climate change and the increasing encroachment of urban spaces into rural areas present challenges as rural communities navigate the complex landscape of rural sustainability. Rural sustainability leaders are needed to challenge the disparities between rural and urban environments, and enable and strengthen sustainability through policy making, environmental protection and the empowerment of local communities.
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About this Course
This innovative Masters programme is open to applicants from all subject backgrounds, and is designed to create leaders and sustainability professionals in all fields and subjects. The course will require a high level of independence, adaptability, engagement with both the University and external organisations, and a willingness to be challenged.
Programme content is designed to be holistic, so students will study at intermediate level the broad-ranging fields of leadership and management, environmental and sustainability science, social studies, and economics, amongst others, to prepare them for life as change agents in sustainable development. The course embraces personal choice of study where possible to enhance the students’ existing knowledge, experiences, and interests.
A key principle of the programme is the importance of Education for Sustainable Development, and students will complete the course as fully developed individuals with competency in critical-thinking, systems-thinking, interpersonal working, and much more. Modules are taught through action-based, experiential learning methods such as practicals, site visits, work placements and community-based learning consultancy projects, in addition to lectures and tutorials.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details. - Course Link
Please see below the Course Link and Programme Director:
MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development
- Testimonials
- Programme Director
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the exploitation of living systems or molecules from them for commercial gain. Although the word 'biotechnology' is only a few decades old, humankind has been using biotechnology for millennia, for example in baking, brewing and sewage treatment.
Modern biotechnologies rely on our increasing ability to manipulate organisms at the genetic level and include novel waste treatments and bioremediations, new pharmaceuticals, the exploitation of enzymes in 'green catalysis' and exciting new diagnostic techniques. In the 20th century our lives were transformed by information technology; the 21st century may see an equally great transformation, but this time led by biotechnology.
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About this Course
This Masters degree aims to teach the fundamental molecular bioscience underpinning biotechnology along with examples of its current applications.
This MSc is taught by research-active staff members in the School of Biological Sciences. In addition, fundamental biological research skills are taught and students are given an understanding of bio-entrepreneurship. The degree culminates in a three-month, intensive research project in a laboratory in Queen's, thus preparing graduates for a career in research biotechnology.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details. - Course Link
Please see below the Course Link.
MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MSc) | Courses | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk)
- Testimonials
- Programme Director
One Health: Parasitology & Infection Biology
Parasite-borne infectious diseases severely undermine human health in the developing world and tropics as well as agri-food production systems globally. This includes plant health and animal health and welfare.
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About this Course
The MSc programme in Parasitology & Pathogen Biology is designed for students seeking training in parasite-borne infectious diseases that severely undermine: human health in the developing world and tropics; agri-food production systems globally (including plant health and animal health and welfare).
Students taking the course will develop expertise directly applicable to human, plant and animal health and welfare, food security and the future sustainability of food production, particularly within livestock and plant/crop production systems.
The course will be run entirely by research active and will offer students the opportunity to gain experience in internationally competitive laboratories.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details. - Course Link
Please see below the Course Link:
MSc One Health: Parasitology & Infection Biology
Parasitology and Pathogen Biology (MSc) | Courses | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk)
- Testimonials
- Programme Director
Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - CAFRE
The Business for Agri-food and Rural Enterprise programmes have been designed to develop a conceptual understanding of the principles and processes of change affecting individuals, groups or organisations within the agri-food and rural business sectors, through an active and innovative approach to learning and teaching.
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About this Course
Students will complete their courses at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Loughry Campus, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone.
The programme consists of three taught modules:
- Skills to Affect Change within Business
- Rural Business Dynamics
- Integrating Learning with Business Needs.
For more information on the MSc Business for Agri-food course, please visit the CAFRE and Queen's website. You can also follow CAFRE on Facebook and Instagram at ‘Discover CAFRE.'
- Course Link
Please see below the Course Link.
Postgraduate Certificate Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise
- Testimonials
"My name is Cormac McKervey. I left Queen’s University Belfast in 1990 thinking ”that’s it, I’m done with education”. But as the years went by, it was clear that you never stop learning. Learning from experience, from mistakes, from others and from in-job training- the learning goes on. Learning makes us better able to cope with issues as they arise and opens opportunities. Thirty years later I was helping my son with his ‘A’ level in Business when I started thinking that maybe I could do some formal learning.
My career has been spent in agriculture as college lecturer, farm manager, farm adviser and now with Ulster Bank, so whatever course I chose it had to involve agriculture and ideally agri-business. I did not have to look too far. The CAFRE/QUB Master’s in Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise was ideal for me for several reasons which I will outline below.
The course can be part time (or full-time) so it did not impact on my work and was broken down into manageable modules that could be done within sensible timelines over three years. It was taught. This was important to me. After so long out of the classroom, I could not be left to get on with the modules myself. Too many distractions and missed deadlines if I was left on my own! The weekly class held Thursdays 7-9pm, gave great structure and to have lectures face- to- face ensured good attendance. It also was great socially to be able to mix and learn from classmates, some who were recent graduates, and others who have been working in industry for years.
The lecturers all come from an agri-food background and understand the sector. They were engaging, supportive, gave good and prompt feedback on modules and were a great source of knowledge. There was a good mix of outside speakers and student participation too. The modules covered topics from leadership and business management through to communication and entrepreneurship. They helped me ‘think outside the box’ and bring fresh thinking to my work routine.
The programme is delivered at Loughry Campus, near Cookstown. To have a course of this quality in Mid- Ulster rather than having to travel to Belfast was brilliant. Much of final year is spent doing a research project on a subject of your choice. I chose to research how NI milk buyers and others in the supply chain could help dairy farmers transition to lower carbon emissions. I enjoyed the project and the support given by my supervisor was invaluable.
Covid restrictions hit in year 2 which meant most lectures were held online. I prefer the classroom but managed the weekly Zoom calls – maybe the course helped in showing that we need to be adaptable to changing circumstances and helped build resilience.
My class graduated in July, and I am delighted in what I achieved, and I am using the learnings from the course every day. I would recommend the course to anyone in the agri-food sector keen to challenge themselves and to push on and keep learning. You don’t have to wait 30 years but even if you have, don’t be afraid to go again."
Cormac McKervey
- Programme Director
Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Business Communication - CAFRE
The Business for Agri-food and Rural Enterprise programmes have been designed to develop a conceptual understanding of the principles and processes of change affecting individuals, groups or organisations within the agri-food and rural business sectors, through an active and innovative approach to learning and teaching.
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About this Course
Students will complete their courses at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Loughry Campus, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. Available as a Postgraduate Diploma and an MSc.
The programme consists of six taught modules, five core and a module related to the chosen pathway. The five core modules are:
- Skills to Affect Change within Business
- Rural Business Dynamics
- Integrating Learning with Business Needs
- Research and Development
- Planning and Evaluating Change Management Programmes.
The sixth module for this Master’s pathway is Business Communication.
For more information on the MSc Business for Agri-food course, please visit the CAFRE and Queen's website. You can also follow CAFRE on Facebook and Instagram at ‘Discover CAFRE.'
- Course Link
Please see below the Course Link.
Postgraduate Diploma Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Business Communication
MSc Business for Agri-Food and Rural Enterprise - Business Communication
- Testimonials
TBC
- Programme Director