Austrtalia 
Bangladesh
Canada
France
India
Ireland
Malta
Mauritius
United Kingdom
United StatesTop 100 university in the world
Key Information Need (KIN) - Queen's University Belfast
Type of Institution
Higher Education Institution (HEI)
Main campus
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Admission intakes
September & January
International students
37%
No. of students per staff
16.0
UKVI status
Student sponsor
UKVI compliance
Track record
Graduate route
Eligible
About Queen's University Belfast
Dating back to 1845, Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is the 9th oldest university in the UK – founded by Queen Victoria the University has been providing tertiary level education over 175 years.
It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and one of the UK’s 24 elite research-intensive institutions. 99% of QUB research environment is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
Queen's historic campus is located in the attractive, leafy suburbs of south Belfast, a lively area only 15 minutes' walk away from the city centre. Remaining in the heart of Belfast, today, the University is a major part of Northern Ireland, and exists as a centre of international-standard education and research. Queen's campus now consists of over 300 buildings while the Lanyon building remains the main building and the symbol of Queen’s University Belfast.
Website
www.qub.ac.ukContact details
Address: University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Telephone: +44 2890975088
Email: international@qub.ac.uk
Why choose to study at Queen's University Belfast
Offering the lowest tuition fees in comparison to other Russell Group universities, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is a top choice by international students. Some of the major reasons for choosing Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) are:
Rankings & ratings
No. 85
top university in the World
No. 1
in the UK as the most
entrepreneurial university
- No. 85 top university in the World (Time Higher Education Impact Ranking 2022)
- Top 75 universities in Europe for Teaching Excellence (Times Higher Education, 2019)
- 29 in the UK and 201 in the World (Time Higher Education World University Ranking 2022)
- No. 24 in the UK for Teaching Excellence (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
- No. 17 in the world for international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022)
- One of the top 10 most beautiful historic universities in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2020)
- 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent
- Joint 1st in the UK for Research Intensity (Complete University Guide 2022)
- 14th in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
- 3 subjects (Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Nursing and Performing Arts) are in the World Top 100 (QS World Rankings by subject 2022)
- 13 subjects in the top 200 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2022)
- No. 2 in UK for Dentistry courses (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
- No. 2 in UK for Food Science courses (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
- No. 3 in UK for Pharmacology and Pharmacy courses (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
- No. 6 in UK for Accounting and Finance courses (Complete University Guide 2022)
- No. 1 in the UK as the most entrepreneurial university in 2019 and 2020 (Octopus Ventures Impact Rankings) with 1,954 people employed in 37 active spin out companies (Queen’s Research and Enterprise, 2020)
- No. 8 in the UK for Law (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education) & 85 in the World (Time Higher Education Subject Ranking 2020)
- The Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) Award to The McClay Library at QUB for its outstanding architectural design and facilities
- 2nd out of 8 UK universities for satisfaction with social facilities including cost of living and cost of accommodation (International Student Barometer 2020/1)
- 1st of 8 UK universities for satisfaction with sporting facilities (International Student Barometer 2020/1)
- QUB Graduate School ranked No. 1 among 159 universities worldwide in comparison with other graduate school facilities (International Student Barometer 2015.)
- Holder of prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award. The University also holds 14 School Awards comprising 3 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze
Graduate prospects
No 11
in the UK for career prospects
- 92% graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after completing their course (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2018/19)
- No 11 in the UK for career prospects after 15 months (Guardian University Guide 2022 and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
- Top 170 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022)
- No 7 for Law Graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2019)
- QUB’s alumni are leading three of the top ten companies in Northern Ireland
Facilities & resources
- Ewald Microscopy Facilities for Mathematics and Physics students
- EEECS LEGO lab for science, engineering and technology students
- State-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering workshops
- Astrophysics Research Centre and teaching observatory for physics students
- Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) for Information Technology students
- Qlab maker space for Computer Science, SESE and EEE students
- Centre for Wireless Innovation (CWI) Computer Science, SESE and EEE students
- Centre for Intelligent Autonomous Manufacturing Systems (i-AMS)
- High Performance Computing(HPC): Kelvin-2
- Film studio featuring custom made Doughty hoists with state of the art broadcast approved LED and cool running lighting systems from Arri, full DMX lighting control system
- Studios at The Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC) featuring multi-channel and stereo facilities with high quality monitoring loudspeakers
FinTrU
Trading Room
- FinTrU Trading Room replicating New York and London trading environments, provides students with access to 12 Bloomberg terminals, trading simulations and other financial software
- Moot court interactive teaching space, through BYOD wireless presentation and bookable surface devices, both teachers and students can easily share content and collaborate in every class
- State-of-the-art lecture theatre with fully immersive online learning environment. The 4K screen allows the lecturer to be face-to-face with up to 64 remote users at once
- KN Cheung SK Chin InterSim Centre for Clinical Skills Teaching
- Pharmaceutical Analysis lab featuring 18 Agilent instruments from gas and liquid chromatographs and mass spectrometers to infrared, fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy systems
- Pharmacy Practice Unit consists of currently available medicines, refrigerated storage, Controlled Drugs safe, as well a full range of up-to-date electronic resources
- Simulation suite for nursing and midwifery students designed as a typical hospital side ward
- Dentistry Lab with the most modern clinical facilities, 90 dental chairs, dedicated lecture/seminar rooms, tutorial rooms, as well as a newly refurbished Dental Clinical Skills Laboratory
- Clinical Anatomy Suite in training and human cadaveric teaching material in a purpose-built facility licensed by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) for medical students and doctors
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine
- Marine Laboratory for Marine Biology students
- The ASSET Technology Centre, a leading analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry research hub
- The Physical Education Centre (PEC) sport hub provides a state of the art fitness area with over 200 pieces of CV and resistance equipment, a functional training and weights area with six power cages and Olympic lifting platforms, four studios, 25m swimming and diving pool, two multi-purpose sports halls, martial arts area, 2 climbing walls, 8 squash courts, 2 handball courts, 4 exercise and dance studios, and outdoor 3G grass pitches
- Recently invested £700m to develop its campus and boasts some of the best facilities of any university in the UK
Student support
- 94% of current international students were satisfied with the subject area expertise of their lecturers (International Student Barometer 2020/21)
- 96% of current international students are satisfied with the library services (International Student Barometer 2020/1)
- 92% of current international students were satisfied with their safety and security at Queen’s (International Student Barometer 2020/1)
- QUB Student Union (QUBSU) is led by students, for students – here to represent you and your views, and help you get the most out of your time at Queen’s
- Student Guidance Centre for information, support, advice and guidance including; Careers Service, Resilience, Wellbeing and Counselling, Student Finance etc.
- Careers, Employability and Skills service for developing work-ready graduates and committed to connecting employers with student and graduate talent
- Dedicated International Student Support team provides specialist advice in relation to visa and immigration matters including applying for your visa to come to the UK and assisting you with any queries you may have during your time at QUB
Unique features
A member
of the Russell Group
- A member of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK research-intensive universities committed to maintaining the highest standards of research, education and knowledge transfer
- 9th oldest University in the UK and have a rich history of leading change
- 7 time winner of Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, the UK’s highest academic honour
- Queen’s Management School was awarded the prestigious EQUIS accreditation for management and business schools, becoming one of only 197 such schools worldwide to achieve this distinction
- Queen’s Management School has been recognised as a world class business school following the award of the Small Business Charter
- Renowned graduates include Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney, ‘Northern Ireland’s Einstein’ John Stewart Bell, and the father of emergency medicine James Francis Pantridge
Accommodation
- Elms BT1 site: City Centre accommodation offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle just a 15-minute walk from Queen’s main campus, available to all students
- Elms BT2 site: New City Centre accommodation offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle just a 15-minute walk from Queen’s main campus, available to all students
- Elms BT9 site: a purpose built accommodation with first-year undergraduate students in mind
- Willow Walk in BT 9 site is a purpose-built accommodation ideally suited to the needs of international and postgraduate students and their families
- Mount Charles is suitable for students who prefer a more independent lifestyle
- Guthrie House is suitable accommodation for both first year and returning undergraduate students (separate flats for each student type)
- In 2022/23 QUB is working in partnership with external providers (LIV Belfast, Student Roost and Novel Student) to provide additional accommodation for first year students
- Browse QUB Student Accommodation list to find out more about each one
Clubs & societies
- Over 215 Clubs & Societies in QUB to tickle your fancy. Browse QUB amazing A-Z list to find out more about each one
- You will develop your team working and leadership skills and you can even get rewarded for the work you put in with a Queen’s Degree Plus accreditation
- 54 sport clubs – some clubs compete in local leagues, student only Wednesday leagues and yearly intervarsity tournaments and competitions against other Universities and Colleges
Location highlights
- Top 10 Digital Economies of the Future - the only UK city outside London to be listed (Financial Times’ fDi Intelligence, 2018)
- There are almost 900 international companies located in Northern Ireland (Belfast City Council), making Belfast the second most successful city in the UK (after London) at attracting US trade
- One of Europe’s top 10 small cities for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) strategy (Financial Times, FDI European Cities of the Future, 2018)
- Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of start-ups reaching £1 million in revenue within three years (Enterprise Research Council, 2016)
- 1 in 5 of the world's computer hard drives have parts made in Northern Ireland
- Over 30% of the world's aircraft seats are made in Northern Ireland
- The HBO television show, Game of Thrones was filmed throughout spectacular various locations around Northern Ireland
- Belfast was known as the world’s linen capital and was nicknamed ‘Linenopolis’
- Belfast was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, the world’ most famous ship
- In 2019, the three main industries in Belfast are IT, TV & Movies and tourism
- Belfast locates UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Giant’s Causeway, the idyllic Fermanagh Lakelands, the bewitching Mourne Mountains
- Belfast’s bewitching Mourne Mountains inspired the Belfast-born writer CS Lewis to create his world-famous ‘Narnia’ stories
Belfast is
has the lowest cost
of living in the UK
- Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is one of the 4 countries part of the United Kingdom
- Belfast is home to QUB, Ulster University campuses and Open University that provides distance learning education
- Two world-ranked universities - Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University – have around 50,000 students enrolled, with students from over 140 countries
- Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking 2021)
- Belfast offers lowest student rent in the UK (NatWest Student Living Index, 2020)
- Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK (Which? University, 2018)
- Belfast was voted the friendliest city in Europe (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2021)
- Belfast is a city of the future and is one of the fastest growing tech cities in the UK, with jobs in the tech sector accounting for 24% of vacancies (Tech Nation, 2019)
- Top 10 cities in the UK to develop a digital career (Monster’s Digital Cities, 2019)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q What is DegreePlus as part of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) career service for students?
A DegreePlus is an employability award that allows you to gain formal recognition and a certificate for the extracurricular experience you gain during your time at Queen’s University Belfast. It gives you the opportunity to receive a certificate at graduation, on top of your degree. You can gain this Award by completing an accredited DegreePlus Activity – major activities include extracurricular work experiences, community and voluntary work, global opportunities to work or study abroad, as well as early professional development activities. The award enables you to articulate your skills and experience, with your achievement verified on your Queen's University Student Information System (QSIS) Student Record.
Highlights
- 2,000+ students earn DegreePlus each year
- Choice of 100+ accredited activities
- Award is sponsored by employers
- Platform to make friends and build networks
Taking part in DegreePlus is free of charge, (although some Verified Activities might have costs involved – check with your activity provider), and allows you to add valuable skills and experience to your CV all while having fun, making new friends or travelling abroad.
Q What are the features of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) Graduate School?
A The Graduate School is a hub for the postgraduate community at QUB, a dedicated social and academic space for postgraduate students. It was ranked 1st among 159 universities worldwide In comparison with other graduate school facilities in the International Student Barometer 2015.
It features a dedicated Postgraduate Silent Study Room, six group study rooms, seven teaching rooms for postgraduate taught students and two dedicated skills training rooms for postgraduate research students.
QUB 5 developmental pillars will guide you through your time at The Graduate School and support your development. The 5 pillars are:
- Thinker
- Communicator
- Future-ready
- Innovator
- Leader
The Graduate School is equipped with a range of facilities to support your studies:
- Postgraduate Silent Study Room for up to 65 students
- 6 group study rooms
- 7 teaching rooms for postgraduate taught students
- 2 dedicated skills training rooms for postgraduate research students
- Meeting rooms and Social spaces
You can also use the Graduate School to host your events and activities such as conferences, seminars and presentations.
Q How to travel to Belfast and how to get to QUB campus?
A Belfast has two airports (George Belfast Belfast City Airport & Belfast International Airport), sea crossings from England and Scotland, and a direct rail link from Dublin. You can fly direct to Belfast from over 20 European cities and a number of North American locations. All major UK cities are within an hour flying time of Belfast and Dublin is just a couple of hours drive away. Check here for more information.
For information about getting from the airport to Belfast, please check here.
Getting around the Belfast city is easy on foot, by bike or by taxi. However, if you want to wander a little further afield then there are a number of network of transport options which will get you to your desired destination.
