Careers & Placements by Sector
-
Introduction
The agricultural industry is undergoing an unprecedented period of change. Traditional reliance on production is being challenged through changes in government policy at local, national, european and global levels, as well as changes in consumer demand. The majority of our graduates will seek careers in the agricultural supply chain, agri-environment and agri-food sectors, in roles including; advisory and consultancy, marketing/sales, production and management and research and development in commercial companies and academia.
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
Explore the types of careers in agriculture using the links below:
- Placement Information
Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation
- Option 1 - your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies’ based on a year out placement to be carried out after Stage 2. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme
- Option 2 - 16 week full time placement to be carried out between Easter and September
Full time means working a 35 hour week
Assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme
- Types of Placement
Agriculture - students have previously secured placements and graduate careers in a range of agricultural production related roles and supporting industries
- Areas include - Industry based roles including Meat, Dairy and Poultry industries (farm quality assurance, primary production, traceability), trainee farm management, farm liaison and support, industry related farm trials, sales and business development activities, harvesting, agronomy, plant breeding and crop related roles, horticulture, animal feeds companies and nutrition, agricultural stakeholder organisations, agricultural research institutes working on a broad range of agri-research projects.
Our Agriculture students have gained experience internationally and links are currently established with employers in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. Many students have gained experience abroad and our Global Opportunities Team offer opportunities to gain international experience.
- Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
- Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.
Support includes;
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experience and skills. Our academics have a wealth of experience, industry connections and specialised skills to support you in developing key career skills.
Profiles of some staff who teach on the Agricultural Technology programme include:
-
Introduction
Environmental careers span across a wide range of sectors. With increased awareness of the impacts of climate change there will be additional demand for graduates to protect and preserve the environment. Positions encompass areas of conservation, innovative research, pollution control, waste management, recycling and carbon management, policy, advisory and consultancy work.
Within this context a Biological/Environmental degree at Queen's is based on a research-led teaching format and will prepare students for a future in a diverse range of careers including:
- Voluntary and charity sector - wildlife and habitat conservation charities and environmental NGOs, pressure groups, expeditions, and trusts.
- Public sector - regulatory bodies, such as local authorities, the Environment Agency, research institutes, educational establishments, and national parks and monuments.
- Intergovernmental and International Development - United Nations (UNEP, UNDP, FAO, WFP), international environmental think tanks and research institutes, commissions and consultative bodies.
- Private sector - ranging from sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams in large, multinational companies to those involved in environmental protection and resource management, such as the water and forestry industries, nuclear, gas, chemical, electricity, oil and mining companies, environmental consultancies, sustainability consultancies and research firms, eco-tourism businesses, and companies involved in renewable energy sources.
Explore the wide range of careers available in environmental science using the links below:
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental education officer
- Environmental engineer
- Environmental manager
- Nature conservation officer
- Recycling officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Waste management officer
- Water quality scientist
- Environmental health practitioner
- Horticultural consultant
- Landscape architect
- Town planner
- Toxicologist
- Transport planner
- Placement Information
Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation
- Option 1 - your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies’ based on a year out placement to be carried out after Stage 2. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.
- Option 2 - 16 week full time placement to be carried out between Easter and September.
Full time means working a 35 hour week
Assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme
- Types of Placement
Environmental - students have previously secured placements and graduate careers in a range of environmental related roles and supporting industries
- Voluntary and charity sector - wildlife and habitat conservation charities and environmental NGOs, pressure groups, expeditions, and trusts.
- Public sector - regulatory bodies, such as local authorities, the Environment Agency, research institutes, educational establishments, and national parks and monuments.
- Intergovernmental and International Development - United Nations (UNEP, UNDP, FAO, WFP), international environmental think tanks and research institutes, commissions and consultative bodies.
- Private sector - ranging from sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams in large, multinational companies to those involved in environmental protection and resource management, such as the water and forestry industries, nuclear, gas, chemical, electricity, oil and mining companies, environmental consultancies, sustainability consultancies and research firms, eco-tourism businesses, and companies involved in renewable energy sources.
Many students have gained experience abroad and the University Global Opportunities Team offer our students many opportunities to gain international experience.
- Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what careers you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
- Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Carers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.
Support includes;
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
-
Introduction
Our Food programme helps students gain the knowledge and understanding of three key areas in relation to food production and consumption.
- Food Quality - concerns the ‘fitness for purpose’ of our food in terms of appearance (e.g. colour and surface qualities, texture, flavour and odour) and how these can be improved.
- Food Safety - considers the physical, microbiological and chemical aspects of our food, which may be harmful to human health and how these can be minimised.
- Nutrition - concerns the nutrient supply from foods necessary to support the human body in health and during ill health throughout all life stages.
Our Food programmes emphasise the inter-relationship between these areas and their equal importance in food production. The programme has underwent a professional accreditation process overseen by the Institute for Food Science and Technology (IFST). This provides quality assurance that the programme offers students ‘the best possible food-related education’.
All students undertake the Level 3 Award in Food Safety Supervision for Manufacturing as part of the module Food Commodities, Processing and Hygiene.Examples of the various career routes and roles you can pursue are linked below:
- Food Technologist
- New Product Development
- Process Development Scientist
- Food Buyer
- Production Manager
- Food Marketing and Business Development
- Technical Brewer
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- Dietitian
- Regulatory Affairs Officer
- Trading standards Officer
- Teacher (Home Economics)
- Food Researcher
- Placement Information
Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation
- Option 1 - your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies’ based on a year out placement to be carried out after Stage 2. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.
- Option 2 - 16 week full time placement to be carried out between Easter and September.
Full time means working a 35 hour week
Assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme
- Types of Placement
Students have previously secured placements and graduate careers in a range of food manufacturing industries, food research related roles as well as organisations working in health related sectors.
- Areas include industry based roles - product development (development assistant, development technology and nutritional input), technical and quality (quality assurance technician, food technology) HACCP and food safety, audit preparation (BRC and SALSA) and additional regulatory related roles, supplier liaison and buying, marketing and business development, product promotion, social media presence, waste minimisation and environmental management projects, food research within industry and research institutes working on a broad range of food science laboratory based projects.
- Additional areas – health promotion and public health, teaching (Home Economics), nutrition related roles including Dietetics after completing appropriate MSc qualifications.
Students will have completed the CIEH Level 3 Qualification in Food Safety Supervision for Manufacturing prior to commencing placement.
- Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
- Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.
Support includes;
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
-
Introduction
The Life Sciences industries is a collective term for research institutions, businesses and organisations dedicated to protecting and improving human life. The companies involved in the Life Sciences can include pharmaceutical, biomedicine, agri-food, diagnostics and biotechnology amongst others. The Life Sciences are a priority sector for the NI Executive and part of the UK and Irish's government economic development strategies.
Students on our degree programmes study many aspects of the biosciences, from molecular biology through to whole organisms and ecosystems, and includes exploration of:
- Genetics and mechanisms and pathways of evolution
- Biological diversity, systematics and conservation
- Cell and tissue structure, function and physiology
- Ecology and behaviour
- Form and function of microorganisms, protists, fungi, plants and animals
Students will gain core technical skills and subject specific practical laboratory / field-based skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical and biological measurements and their application in a laboratory, field, and research project setting. A number of degree courses at the School of Biological Sciences have been granted the prestigious status of being formally accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Explore some of the wide range of careers within life sciences using the links below:
- Biotechnologist
- Clinical Research Associate
- NHS Careers (Allied Health and Healthcare Science)
- Science Regulatory Affairs
- Science Teacher
- Product Development Scientist
- Science Quality Manager
- Plant Breeder/Geneticist
- Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
- Science Writer
- Water Quality Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Soil Scientist
- Health Promotion
- Environmental Consultant
- Animal Technician
- Sustainability Consultant
- Waste Management Officer
- Genetic Counsellor
- Physician Associate
- Fisheries Officer
- Environmental Manager
- Data Analyst
- Placement Information
Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation
- Option 1 - your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies’ based on a year out placement to be carried out after Stage 2. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.
- Option 2 - 16 week full time placement to be carried out between Easter and September.
Full time means working a 35 hour week
Assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme
- Types of Placement
Students seek work placement and graduate opportunities across a range of sectors;
- Laboratory based - areas including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental monitoring , land management including bioremediation, food and drink, water management and testing laboratories, animal and plant health analytical testing laboratories, plant and crop science, healthcare organisations such as the NHS, publicly funded research organisations, higher education institutions.
- Roles include - research and development through to quality control, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), validation, product and process development.
- Non Laboratory based placements - students also seek work placement and graduate employment in areas including clinical trials, regulatory affairs, business development, data analysis, science education and communication. Check out this information on 10 Alternative Science Careers areas which demonstrates that not all science careers happen in labs!
Many students have gained experience abroad and our Global Opportunities Team offer opportunities to gain international experience.
- Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills in a laboratory setting
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
- Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.
Support includes;
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experiences and skills. Our Bioscience academics have a wealth of experience and specialised skills to support you in developing key career skills.
See profiles of these academics and be inspired by those who will be teaching you.
- Dr Angela Mousley (Biological Science – Programme Director)
- Dr Jeanette Robinson (Microbiology Programme Director)
-
Introduction
The oceans are a key element for the existence of life on Earth. 97% of all the water on Earth, and 99% of the habitable space on this planet, is in the ocean’ (source: NASA). Marine Biology careers involve study of all aspects of life in the sear and the environment it depends on.
With a Marine Biology degree from Queen’s students will be equipped with 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 broad-based approach allows students to explore a range of career opportunities within the biological sciences, as well as within the field of marine biology.
This taught content is complemented by an exceptional array of extra-curricular activities aimed at building employability; from work-shadowing marine PhD students from stage 1 of your degree through to dedicated skills-development workshops at our marine laboratory including boat-handling, satellite tracking and underwater video technology.
Within this context the Marine Biology degree at QUB is based on a research-led teaching format and will prepare students for a future in a diverse range of careers including: - Marine Biologist
- Marine Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Education Officer
- Aquaculture / Fish Farm Manager
- Fisheries Officer
- Science Teacher
- Oceanographer
- Water Quality Scientist
- Zoologist
- Biotechnologist (Marine)
- Science Writer
- Nature Conservation Officer
- Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
- Academic Researcher
- Placement Information
Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation
- Option 1 - your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies’ based on a year out placement to be carried out after Stage 2. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.
- Option 2 - 16 week full time placement to be carried out between Easter and September.
Full time means working a 35 hour week
Assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme
- Types of Placement
Marine students have previously secured placements and graduate careers in a range of marine related roles and supporting industries
- Types of roles and placements - students have previously completed in areas such as marine area protection and conservation, survey and sampling work, water quality monitoring, population studies, field and desk based research, marine consultancies, coastal management, aquaculture and fisheries management, lab based marine related research.
- Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
- Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.
Support includes;
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experiences and skills. Our marine academics have a wealth of experience, industry connections and specialised skills to support you adequately in developing key career skills.
See profiles of these academics and be inspired by those who will be teaching you.
-
Introduction
As with any degree from biosciences our graduates are qualified to take up both scientific and non-scientific careers. These positions encompass areas of conservation, innovative research and development of new products, advisory and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organisations concerned with animal and plant health, environmental management, pharmaceutical products and biotechnology.
Within this context the Zoology degree at QUB is based on a research-led teaching format and will prepare students for a future in a diverse range of careers including:
- Nature conservation
- Environmental/Ecological consultancy
- Documentary film making
- Wildlife tourism
- Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
- Science Communication
- Academic research
- Animal nutritionist
- Zookeeper / Zoologist
A zoology degree also prepares graduates to pursue careers in teaching, nature conservation and laboratory-based posts in biomedical, industrial, pharmaceutical, academic and government institutions as well as in universities and colleges of higher education. The remainder undertake further training in areas such as computing, administration and management or medicine (human or veterinary), developing their skills from a sound scientific background. Further training also helps them to find employment in a variety of non-biological careers, including public service administration, industrial management, banking, accountancy and computing.
Explore some of the potential careers open to Zoology graduates below:
- Zoologist
- Animal Nutritionist
- Zookeeper
- Nature Conservation Officer
- Ecologist
- Science Writer
- Animal Behaviour Specialist
- Science Regulatory Affairs
- Science Teacher
- Product Development Scientist
- Science Quality Manager
- Plant Breeder/Geneticist
- Fisheries Officer
- Biotechnologist
- Marine Biologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Education Officer
- Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
- Academic Researcher
- Placement Information
Work Placement is carried out after completion of Stage 2 of the degree programme. For many students this is the most important aspect of the degree, enabling them to experience the types of jobs which are available on graduation
- Option 1 - your degree is undertaken ‘with Professional studies’ based on a year out placement to be carried out after Stage 2. After completing placement you return to your studies to complete your degree programme.
- Option 2 - 16 week full time placement to be carried out between Easter and September.
Full time means working a 35 hour week
Assessed as an integral academic component of the degree programme
- Types of Placement
Zoology - students have previously secured placements and graduate careers in a range of animal related roles and supporting industries
Examples include - nature and animal conservation, innovative research and development of new products, advisory and consultancy work, particularly in companies or organisations concerned with animal and plant health, environmental management, pharmaceutical products and biotechnology
Many students have gained experience abroad and our Global Opportunities Team offer many opportunities to gain international experience.
- Benefits in Undertaking a Placement
- Improved chances of securing a graduate-level job
- A clearer understanding of what career areas you want to progress
- Opportunity to integrate academic theory and practice
- Makes you more employable - develop transferable and technical skills
- Experience of the job application process
- Increased confidence, motivation and professionalism
- Start to develop your own networks and contacts - Get acquainted with experts in your field
- Valuable insights into industry culture and commercial awareness
- Heightened self-awareness through reflection
- Experience of other countries, cultures and languages
- Support at Queen's
Students are supported in their search for placements by dedicated School Careers and Placement Consultants. The School has developed relationships with employers who advertise and recruit our students on an annual basis. Our students undertake placement locally, nationally and internationally.
Support includes;
- Timetabled programme of workshops, supporting students through all stages of work placement including module requirements and the academic requirements related to work placement
- One to one guidance appointments - available weekly to help you make decisions about work placement and how this relates to life after graduation and options with your degree
- Preparation of CV and cover letters - guidance on completing application forms
- Preparing students for placement interviews, including interview technique and mock interview support
- Dedicated points of contact for students before, during and post placement for administrative and academic issues
- Students have access to a school specific web based placement management system and associated resources have been developed specifically for our students
- Suitable placement vacancies are sourced and advertised. In addition students have access to previous placement information
- Sessions with students who have completed work placement
At Queen’s University Belfast we have some of the best academics teaching our students – people who are at the forefront of their field in terms of research, impact, experiences and skills. Our Zoology academics have a wealth of experience and specialised skills to support you adequately in developing key career skills.
See profiles of these academics and be inspired by those who will be teaching you.