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Queen's University Belfast

Belfast , Northern Ireland ,United Kingdom

Biological Sciences FD

This programme aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biological sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.

Students studying the FdSci in Biological Sciences will develop understanding of:

  1. the relevance of biological sciences in the current economic environment
  2. the hierarchical nature of biological sciences ranging from molecular level to whole organism and species interactions
  3. the need for competence and dexterity in contemporary biological practical techniques and cognate disciplines
  4. a professional approach to work, study and lifelong learning

This course is taught at Belfast Metropolitan College, Belfast.

Campus Information

Belfast

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES Across health sciences laboratories, business, engineering and computing. Including a financial Trading Room with Bloomberg terminals, interdisciplinary health and life sciences research facilities and innovative engineering hubs.

Intakes

  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More Information Required
20 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
10 Days
Visa Process
35 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The Queen’s Careers Team are here to support students and graduates with all aspects of career planning and decision making.

We’ll help you set career goals, communicate your worth to employers and equip you with the skills you need to stand out in the competitive global job market. The skills we help you build, will benefit you forever.

What type of support do we offer?
We can help you with everything from building a career plan to engaging with employers, refining your CV or perfecting an application.

We can also support you to secure placements, work experience or study abroad opportunities. Our diverse range of employability programmes and events are designed in consultation with industry to help you lead, achieve, develop and succeed.

Book a programme or event

SUPPORT FOR GRADUATES
Have you graduated recently? Have a look at our graduate resources, such as recorded webinars from our recent Gradfest events and GradGuides, to help you achieve your personal development goals and enjoy career success.

Access our services
In the below sections, you’ll find online tools and resources to help with your career planning, along with information advice and support on a host of careers-related topics. Can’t find what you need

Take part in an event or programme 
From employer panels to Careers fairs, discover our virtual activities for autumn 2020

Access advice on CVs and Interviews
From writing the perfect cover letter to nailing a virtual interview, we're here to support you through the job application process.

Find a job through MyFuture
Whether you want to find part-time work on campus, an internship or a graduate role, MyFuture is your go-to jobs board.

Develop your employability
We have collated a range of online resources to help you develop and enhance the skills that employers are looking for.

Make your extra-curricular activities count with DegreePlus
Our employability award lets you gain recognition for work-related experience you gain during your time at Queen's.

PSW Opportunity

2 Years PSW is applicable after the course completing (Bachelors level or above)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

A level requirements
CC including Biology or Double Award Applied Science + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Note: It would be an advantage to have studied Chemistry beyond GCSE level.
Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H4H4 including grade H3 in Biology and H4 in Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

If not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level Chemistry grade O4 would be considered.
Access Course
Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65%. Must be a relevant Access Course normally including two Biology modules (Level 3) and one Chemistry module (Level 3). GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
26-27 points overall including 5,4,4 at Higher Level including Biology + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

If not offered at Higher Level/GCSE then Standard Level grade 4 in Chemistry, English and Mathematics would be accepted.
BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
QCF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science (180 credits) with 9 Merits and 9 Passes (a minimum grade may be stipulated in relevant units) + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH)), with 540 GLH at Merit (a minimum of 240 GLH in externally assessed units) and 540 GLH at Pass (a minimum grade may be stipulated in relevant units) + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.
Selection Criteria
In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by School of Biological Sciences. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

A minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language and Mathematics) would be required, though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of two A-levels. The offer for repeat applicants is the same standard as for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering other qualifications will also be considered. The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those applicants offering other qualifications.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of the Foundation Degree in Biological Sciences, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered. However, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

English Language Requirements
An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification

  • Course Code: C101
  • Course Type: Full Time
  • Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
  • Duration: 02 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee: 23200 GBP
    Annual Cost of Living: 9207 GBP
    Application Fee: N/A
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