Program Overview

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Biological Sciences

Overview

The School of Biological Sciences provides PhD and MPhil (research degree) programmes in subjects ranging from basic biochemistry, molecular genetics and cancer research, to agricultural science, marine ecology and the economic evaluation of ecosystem services and food retailing.

Research Themes

• Agri-Food Systems and Human Nutrition
• Understanding Health and Disease
• Sustaining Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Agri-Food Systems and Human Nutrition

This theme focuses on how Agri-Food systems can be better positioned to provide safe, authentic and healthy diets with high-quality plant, livestock, and aquaculture products, whilst supporting human and animal health in a way that is sustainable and resilient to climactic changes.

Understanding Health and Disease

The Understanding Health and Disease research theme covers humans, plants, and animals with research strengths in prevention, diagnostics, surveillance, epidemiology, and treatments.

Sustaining Ecosystems and Biodiversity

This theme covers research in biodiversity and ecosystem services for environments ranging from tropical forests to deep oceans.

Key Facts

• Most of the critical problems facing humanity - disease, climate change and food security - require biological understanding to solve them.

Course Content

Research Information

• PhD Supervisors: Information on the research interests and activities of academics in Biological Sciences can be accessed via the School website and the Find a Supervisor facility.

Career Prospects

• Introduction: Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
• Employment after the Course: Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.

Learning Outcomes

A postgraduate research degree involves the undertaking of independent research under the guidance of a professional academic supervisory team, typically using the laboratory facilities on offer in one or more of the teams' labs.

Course Structure

Research degrees vary in length, but typically for an MPhil they are two years long (full-time) and double that for part-time studies.

Assessment

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback.

Feedback

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Facilities

Full-time research students will have access to a desk in a shared office space.

Entrance Requirements

• Graduate: The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

International Students

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

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £5,006
• EU Other: £25,600
• International: £25,600

Additional Course Costs

Students may incur additional costs for small items of clothing and/or equipment necessary for lab or field work.

Funding and Scholarships

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.