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. 

The Agricultural Technology degree programmes enable graduates to gain an understanding of:

• Crop and animal production systems for the sustainability of the agricultural industry, including the underpinning scientific, economic and business principles and the applicability of recent developments
• The impact of global, EU and regional policy on the agricultural industry
• Assessing agri-environment interactions and devise environmental management strategies
• Managing agriculture as a business
• A professional approach to the work environment, study and life-long learning
• Devising, managing and evaluating project work

Please see below the Course Links:

“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 - BSc Agricultural Technology Graduate & Regional Business Manager, KEENAN

Dr Paul Williams

Email: p.williams@qub.ac.uk

Biochemistry students explore and examine the structures, functions and biological roles of molecules involved in metabolism, cell signalling and the transmission of genetic information.  Available as MSci. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Students will gain an understanding of the concepts and theories relating to Biochemistry and the application of a range of practical laboratory skills. Students will explore the relevant analytical principles and techniques, and apply these in a research setting. You will understand collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and the ability to problem solve. Additional skills such as; personal and team skills, data management, presentation skills, career management planning and applying your degree in the workplace will also be covered.

Students from our Biochemistry course can gain employment in growth areas such as the biotechnology, food and pharmaceutical industries, biomedical research, the NHS and research and development in academia and industry. Approximately one third of our graduates go on to further study before entering specialist employment. 

Biochemistry Subject Talk: https://youtu.be/d34ZQZQCUTs

Please see below the Course Links:

Please see below the Course Links:

"I have just completed my BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies degree and really enjoyed the course. The staff were passionate about their research and we covered a range of interesting topics. I particularly enjoyed getting more laboratory experience during my BSc research project, which built upon the invaluable research experience I gained during my placement year at GSK. This placement also provided great insight into potential future careers and I would strongly encourage other students to apply to the Professional Studies pathway if possible. The School of Biological Sciences has an amazing careers team who provided lots of resources when we were applying for placements and went above and beyond to provide support before my PhD interview. Overall, the course prepared me to continue developing my research skills through a PhD and I look forward to returning to Queen’s in September." 

Samantha Collister - BSc Biochemistry with Professional Studies Graduate

Dr Cuong Cao

Email: c.cao@qub.ac.uk

Biological Sciences students examine many aspects of the biosciences, from molecular biology through to whole organisms and ecosystems. Available as MSci. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Also available as FD (Taught at Belfast Metropolitan College, Belfast).

This course ensures students will 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.

Our graduates are employed in organisations working within research and development, environmental monitoring and management, water quality management, animal welfare, academic research, the agri-food industries, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, teaching and education, and science communication.

Biological Sciences Subject Talk: https://youtu.be/ehHHIw4h3tY

Please see below the Course Links:

Please see below the Course Links:

"I have recently graduated from BSc Biological Sciences and can highly recommend this pathway to any prospective students. Heading into this course I had no idea what field of biology I would finish in, all I knew was that I very much enjoyed the subject at A level. I think one of the main benefits of this course is that you have such a wide variety of modules to experience and choose from. Moving through the school, you learn a lot about your own interests, and you get to tailor your modules and final year honours’ project to your own interests. The support system within these modules is vital to you as the student, and a core component of the integrity and backbone of QUB Biological Sciences. You will be surrounded by world-class researchers ranging from microbiology to marine biology, who all share a deep passion for their field and a great appreciation for the importance of biological research in the future of economics, politics, and society.

Some of my greatest memories over the last three years were formed during field courses and laboratory classes, during which I met some of my best friends, and gained lifetime skills that will support me in my future career. These interactive lessons give students the best opportunity to speak to other members of their course and interact with their professors. My time at university would not have been the same without these field courses, especially in the Applied Ecology module, which facilitated a space for us to break the ice with our peers at the beginning of second year, having never met in person in our first year due to COVID-19. I also give this field course credit for sparking my interest in pursuing a career in research.

To those of you who are thinking of choosing Biological Sciences pathways at Queen’s and those who are already in their courses, it is demanding, and hard work must be undertaken, however the qualifications, work and life experiences are invaluable. As a school and as students, we can support each other so that each person can fulfil their potential and reach their own goals. Without the people I have met and the fantastic career and personal support networks at Queen’s and within the School of Biological Sciences in particular, I would not have had the confidence in myself to continue into a PhD after my undergraduate degree, nor the fond memories and good friends that I have made along the way."

Ellen (Ellie) Dolan - BSc Biological Sciences Graduate

Prof Angela Mousley

Email: A.Mousley@qub.ac.uk

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. Accredited by RICS.

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

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.

Please see below the Course Links:

"The Environmental Management course was incredibly diverse and gave me the opportunity to experience lab-based classes and field trips alongside my classes. Having an insight into the various aspects of what ‘environmental management’ entailed allowed myself and my classmates to pivot into a broad range of exciting career options.  

I strongly advise completing a one-year placement in industry as the experience is invaluable. You will leave your placement with a better idea of what career you might want to follow and it’s a great opportunity to kickstart your professional network. I would also encourage you to get involved with the numerous opportunities that QUB offer to students to enhance you CV and your student experience. I undertook a study abroad experience in Australia through Queen’s and it was incredible, giving me the opportunity to travel while I studied."  

Jordan Birt- BSc Environmental Management Graduate &  Senior Environmental Advisor, Business in the Community

Prof Alberto Longo

Email: a.longo@qub.ac.uk

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

This 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. 

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

Please see below the Course Links:

Please see below the Course Links:

"When I came to Queen's I was intrigued to learn more about Food Quality as I had an interest in working in the area of food, particularly with the are of Nutrition. I would really recommend this course at Queen's, it has given me the opportunity to learn so much and I'm now employed in a local food producer and I'm able to put the knowledge from my course into practice."

Geraldine Renaghan - Graduate & Food Quality Coordinator, Suki Tea

Dr Susan Doherty

Email: Susan.Doherty@qub.ac.uk

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. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

This course is based on a research-led teaching format and 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 array of extra-curricular activities such as Work-shadowing  PhD students and dedicated skills-development workshops at our marine laboratory.

The broad-based approach of the course allows students to explore a range of career opportunities within both biological sciences and marine biology fields including marine conservation, environmental consultancy, documentary film making, wildlife tourism, fisheries management and academic study.

Please see below the Course Links:

Please see below the Course Links:

"I enjoyed the interactive elements of the course at Queen’s the most. I would say the highlight of my time there would be the fieldtrips involved with the Applied Ecology and Biodiversity modules in first and second year. Heading to the ShareCentre in Fermanagh and the marine labs at Portaferry to carry out our own mini projects and work with fellow classmates was good fun! It was great to put the theory we had learnt into action, whilst working closely with lecturers in a relaxed setting. 

I would recommend the Professional Studies add on to the degree, it really opened my eyes to careers in the environmental field and highlighted how the theories learnt at university transfer across to the real world. I found the careers staff in the School of Biological Sciences very supportive. They were involved in the course every step of the way from CV workshops to interview tips and practise so definitely make use of those services! I found the placement process very organised and it was great that QUB already had good links with employers."

Katie Kerr - BSc Marine Biology with Professional Studies Graduate & Higher Scientific Officer in Water Regulation, NIEA

Dr Jonathan Houghton

Email: j.houghton@qub.ac.uk

Microbiology students study bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses, and their importance in relation to the environment, agriculture and food, biomedical sciences, and biotechnology. Available as MSci. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Students studying on the Microbiology course will be skilled to work competently within laboratories, complete project work both within a team and independently, provide analysis of data and communicate effectively. The course is linked closely to the Institute for Global Food Security and is taught by associated staff.

Please see below the Course Links:

Please see below the Course Links:

"I am currently studying MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies here at Queen’s University Belfast and I absolutely love it. 

My lecturer’s and supervisor’s were inspiring and passionate about their research. I felt that they were really supportive throughout my studies and genuinely cared about their students. I enjoyed all the modules I took throughout this course. There were lots of useful resources provided for all modules and clear guidance provided for all assessments. There was also a great range of honour’s project’s to choose from and the opportunity to reach out to potential supervisors to discuss projects. 

The careers department within the school of Biological Sciences is amazing. I was given a lot of advice that helped me secure a fantastic placement within the Genomic Science department at GlaxoSmithKline. I feel confident that the experience I gained throughout this course will enable me to secure a good job. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who loves biology."

Hannah Johnston - MSci Microbiology with Professional Studies

Dr Jeanette Robertson

Email: Jeanette.Robertson@qub.ac.uk

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. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

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. Students on MSci Programmes can undertake an optional 16 week work placement between stage 2 and 3 which forms an excellent skill base which can be further enhanced during the research project undertaken at stage 3. This experience equips the student with a transferable skill set for entry into either employment or future postgraduate study, including research.

Students develop knowledge and understanding of:

• Concepts and theories from the molecular and cellular levels through to the whole-organism
• The principles and study of animals from the molecular to the community level
• The importance of zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases e.g. Covid-19
• Molecular techniques applied to de-extinction and conservation e.g. cloning
• The use of forensics and toxicology in the investigation of wildlife crime
• Practical laboratory skills to investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical and biological measurements and their application in a research project
• Collation, quantitative analysis and interpretation of experimental data, including problem-solving
• Communication and application of knowledge on the biological sciences
• The use of computers for data management and presentation
• Intellectual, personal and team skills for employment and further study

Please see below the Course Links:

Please see below the Course Links:

"Studying Zoology at Queen's gives you such a broad variety of options and opens many doors. I now run my very own elephant sanctuary and foundation by working with the local people to bring their elephants away from tourism and home to the forest - Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary. I could not have reached this goal without all the help from QUB and their guidance during my time there and after."

Kerri McCrea - Zoology graduate & Manager and Co-Founder of Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand

Prof Nikki Marks

Email: N.Marks@qub.ac.uk