The Queen's University of Belfast

Situated amidst three designated conservation areas, Queen's University Belfast's main campus is the size of a small town. Its idyllic setting and renowned academic strength make the university a dynamic and diverse institution.

Background and History

Queen's University Belfast is a member of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK research-intensive universities. The University duly plays its part in the provision of world-class education and research. Founded as Queen's College in 1845, it is one of the United Kingdom's 10 oldest universities. It became a university in its own right in 1908. Today, it is an international centre of research and education rooted in the heart of Northern Ireland.

Location and Accessibility

A 15-minute walk from the city centre, the University's leafy campus gives its name to the attractive Queen's Quarter, nestled between the nearby Botanic Avenue (and Botanic Gardens) and the Ulster Museum.

Travel by Air: Most major UK cities are within an hour's flying time from Belfast's two airports, Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.

Travel by Ferry: Fast ferry services make multiple daily crossings between Belfast and ports in Scotland and England.

Travel by Public Transport: Bus services to Belfast from across Northern Ireland are provided by UlsterBus. Local bus services within Belfast are provided by Metro. Train services to Belfast from across Northern Ireland are provided by NI Railways.

What's on Offer

Queen's University Belfast offers various types of qualification across a range of various different departments and subjects. The variety of qualifications include: Part-time and Short Courses: CPD courses Undergrauate: BA, BSc, LLB, BEng Postgraduate Research and Taught Programmes: MA, MSc, LLB, MEng, MPhil, PhD

Entry Requirements

Due to the broadness of the subjects on offer, there is a consequent broadness in the entry requirements. In terms of A levels, offer grades generally range from BBB at A level to AAA at A level.

University Accommodation

QU Belfast believes that it is their duty to support you through the process of finding a home that suits you while you study in Belfast. Therefore, there are a range of accommodation and room types available across the campus. InElms Village, there are1127 ensuite and 505 standard rooms, there are 257 bed spaces in Willow Walkand 353 standard rooms in Queen's houses. The University goes further, offering aLimited number of Single Sex (SS) accommodation,Quiet Living (QL) accommodation and No Alcohol (NA) accommodation.

Private Accommodation

While the university successfully places over 2000 students in university accommodation each year, there are still those who require to live privately for whatever reason. Therefore, there is an organisation called SU Lets, the ethical lettings agency, which the Students' Union runs in association with local estate agent Morton Pinpoint. Visit the university website to find out more.

Faculties and Departments

The university is divided into three main faculties: the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. Within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences there are 9 further schools, offering courses ranging from English through to Management and Languages. Within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences there are 7 further schools, offering courses ranging from Psychology through to Architecture and Electronic Engineering. Within the Faculty of Medicine, Healthy and Life Sciences there are 4 further Schools, offering courses ranging from Biology through to Pharmacy and Nursing.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Fees for international students are also likely to be considerably higher than those of UK/EU students. For further information it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.  

Financial Support

There are very good scholarship schemes available to students, especially those living outside Northern Ireland in other parts of the UK, as well as other means of achieving financial support. Visit the website to find out more.

Academic Facilities

Queen's opened its award-winning £50m McClay Library in the summer of 2009. This facility provides 2,000 reader places and houses 1.5 million volumes. Within the library, students can utilise a great range of service and user support in the form of media, information and computing. Another notable facility is the modernInternational and Postgraduate Student Centre.The Elmwood Centre is another modern building dedicated to supporting learning and teaching.

 

Other on-site Amenities

Other facilities include the refurbished Students' Union building, which houses three bars and the famous Mandela Hall. Anew £13m sporting facility based at Upper Malone features an arena pitch which can host football, rugby and GAA, with a further 14 pitches right across the grounds. Further to this, there isa strength and conditioning suite, two large multi-purpose sports halls and a swimming pool, as well as various other features.

 

Social and Medical Care

QU Belfast has extensive student support services, including Counselling, Disability Services, Childcare, Income and Student Finance, Widening Participation, Learning Development Unit.

 

What's on in the Area

Belfast is a great place to be as a student because there is a crazy amount of activities and events going on all year round. The city has some of the coolest nightclubs around, superb shopping and enough eateries to satisfy every taste and budget. There's also no shortage of local and international artists and bands that stop by to perform at fantastic venues like Belfast Waterfront and the world class Odyssey Arena. There is also a great sport scene for all those sportsmen and women out there.

QU Belfast Campus has more than 250 buildings, some 120 of them listed as being of architectural merit.

Seamus Heaney studied here, as did Lord Trimble and former President of Ireland Mary McAleese.

Most of Northern Ireland's professionals are QU Belfast graduates.

Is QU Belfast the place for you?

If you like what you have read this far and the idea of studying on a beautiful campus in Northern Ireland appeals to you, then you should definitely consider QU Belfast as your choice for university.

Queen's is investing over £200 million in new staff and improved facilities to improve its research performance, increase its international standing and raise entry standards.