Course Structure

Introduction

Biomedical Sciences comprises the health related sciences such as:

• Biochemistry
• Homeostasis
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Further modules provide a sound background to other fundamental areas of Sciences that will provide the foundations of general scientific knowledge moving forward.

Year 1 (Level 4) Modules

Students must complete six compulsory modules:

• Fundamentals of Science (Biomedical)
• Mathematics and study Skills for Biomedical Science
• Fundamentals of Chemistry
• Biochemistry and Metabolic Disorders
• Human Biology and Homeostatic Regulation
• Introduction to Work Based Learning

Year 2 (Level 5) Modules

Students must complete six compulsory modules:

• Anatomy, Physiology and Disease 1
• Microbiology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Immunology and Medical Microbiology.
• Anatomy, Physiology and Disease 2
• Work Based Learning

Contact Teaching Hours

Large Group Teaching

14 (hours maximum)
Lectures

Learning and Teaching

The Biomedical Sciences foundation Degree Programme aims to provide students with the qualities of critical independent thought and decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods of enquiry and theoretical principles of biomedical sciences, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.

Adviser of Studies

Acts as a first point of contact for students with academic or personal issues that they may require guidance and/or support with.

E-Learning Technologies

Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
A range of learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials and web-based learning activities.

Inducttion

A formalised induction for all students.

Lectures

These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally in delivered groups to all also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments.

Practical laboratory

Practical classes contribute to a number of modules, and the hands-on experience is essential and hugely popular.

Self-directed study

This is an essential part of life as a student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out. Through this, students become independent learners.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• The programme is assessed through both formative and summative assessment tools. These
  assessment tools will reflect the balance of theory and practice, and taught modules will have two
  assessment components: continuous assessment and written examination.

Feedback

As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, personal tutors, Advisers of Study and your peers.  As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work.  Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms.

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.

Modules

Entrance requirements

A-level

CC at A-level including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
BC at A-level to include Biology or Chemistry at grade B and a further science subject from the list below + GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

A-level Science subjects accepted: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, ICT (not Applied), Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Technology & Design. Other subjects will be considered on an individual basis and you should contact the Admissions and Access Service for guidance (admissions@qub.ac.uk).

Note: It would be an advantage to have studied both Biology and Chemistry beyond GCSE level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

A minimum of five subjects will be required in the Irish Leaving Certificate, at least four of which should be at Higher Level.

H3H4H4H4H4/H3H3H4H4 including grade H3 and H4 in any order in Biology and Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
OR
H3H3H4H4H4/H3H3H3H4 including grade H3 in Biology and H4 in a second science subject (see list under A-level requirements) + O4 in Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
OR
H3H3H4H4H4/H3H3H3H4 including grade H3 in Chemistry and H4 in a second science subject (see list under A-level requirements) + O4 in Biology + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

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 normally two Chemistry modules (Level 3) + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course. NB Applicants who have one Chemistry module (Level 3) will be considered on an individual basis provided they have another Science module (Level 3).

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) (180 credits at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades MMM.
This will include achieving a minimum of a Merit grade in four to six stipulated units. GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades MMM.
This should include a minimum of a Merit in four of the following units:
- Scientific Investigation skills
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
- Human Regulation and Reproduction
- Biological Molecules and Metabolic pathways
- Biomedical Sciences
- Diseases and Infections
- Principles and Applications of Science II
- Microbiology & Microbiological Techniques
In addition, applicants must have GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF) (120 credits at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades DM.
This will include achieving a minimum of a Merit grade in four to six stipulated units. GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF) (720 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3) in a relevant science discipline, with grades DM.
This should include a minimum of a Merit in four of the units listed above under BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma requirements. GCSE Biology and Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical 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 Biomedical Science, 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.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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Career Prospects

Introduction

The FdSc in Biomedical Sciences at Belfast Metropolitan College is aimed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge relevant to employment. Also at their core is the notion that they should support widening participation by providing an unequivocal progression route to a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or provide a route to a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology.
www.prospects.ac.uk

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£3,237
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£3,237
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£6,357
EU Other 3	£17,733
International	£17,733

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/applying.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2026 from early September 2025.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2026) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2026. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS 

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

1. Applying through UCAS
   Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2026.
2. Applying direct
   The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
3. Applying through agents and partners
   The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus