Program Overview

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The MSci Zoology with Professional studies enables students to 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.

The use of remote sensing technologies for the assessment of animal behaviour.

Intellectual, personal and team skills for employment and further study.

How the degree outcomes can be applied to the workplace and career planning.

How to carry out Masters level research.

Programmes with Professional studies undertake a 46 week work placement between stage 2 and 3. The skills and experience obtained are further enhances following the completion of the stage 3 project carried out either in internationally recognised laboratories or at internationally recognised field sites. The experience obtained equips the student with a readily transferable skill set for entry into either employment or future postgraduate study, including research.

Zoology with Professional Studies Degree highlights

Students will spend a full academic year in a research laboratory undertaking a project of their choice from a wide selection of topics ranging from:

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Global Opportunities

Zoologists at QUB 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, Harnas Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation (Namibia), Wildlife Conservation South Africa (Mopane and Mapesu) as well as many other countries through Operation Wallacea.

Zoology graduates can avail of a wide range of employment opportunities aimed at addressing the major global problems such as emerging infectious diseases, maintenance of animal welfare in intensive farming, maintenance of biodiversity, understanding climate change, conservation of endangered species and the use of remote sensing technologies to monitor populations.

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Professional Accreditations

Royal Society Accreditation

This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Ultimately this award highlights the academic quality of the course and its contribution in ensuring that its graduates meet employer needs by acquiring the necessary skill set of both technical and transferable skills.

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Industry Links

Work placements (year-long) are embedded in these programmes and provide students with the opportunity to utilise the practical skills gained during the teaching of their degree and apply these in a work environment. Past students have gained work placement within organisations such as Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast Zoo, Belfast City Hospital, Castle Espie, National Trust, North Atlantic Whale Foundation, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Harnas Wildlife Foundation Namibia, Mapesu and Mopane Private Game Reserve (South Africa), Turtle Conservancy, Health Service laboratories, local veterinary practices and many more.

Zoologists at QUB have the opportunity to avail of the strong international links with Universities in South Africa, America and Canada to arrange placements. 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 in Namibia and South Africa as well as many other countries through Operation Wallacea

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Internationally Renowned Experts

Jonathan Scott – Conservationist, award winning wildlife photographer, author and big cat specialist.

Local expert – Professor Alan Stitt – Dean of Innovation and Impact (QUB) and McCauley Chair of Experimental Ophthalmology RVH (QUB Zoology graduate).

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Student Experience

The research projects undertaken by students in the final year of the programme at international study sites or in laboratories run by world-leading experts presents them with the opportunity to obtain a diverse transferable skill set valued highly by employers and academics seeking PhD students.

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. Past students have gained work placement within organisations such as Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Castle Espie, National Trust, North Atlantic Whale Foundation, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Health Service, Harnas Foundation and many more.

This five-year programme is designed to equip students with a broad knowledge base of both field and laboratory techniques applicable to the research area e.g.: remote sensing technologies to examine animal behaviour and movement and aid conservation and molecular diagnostic techniques for emerging diseases.

"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 Manager & Co-Founder of Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand and Queen's Zoology graduate.

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