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Queen's University Belfast

Belfast, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 17,760
  • Tuition Fee From£ 18,200
  • Country Rank#24
  • Batch Strength24,955
  • Global Diversity15%
  • Gender Ratio42 : 58

Overview

About

Queen's University Belfast is a public research university located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1845, it is the 9th oldest university in the UK and is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities. Sir Charles Lanyon, who is also recognised for designing Belfast Castle, Crumlin Road Gaol, and the Customs House, created the university's main structure in 1849. 

 

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, business, law, engineering, and medicine. Queen’s offers its students 300 academic degree programmes at various levels. The university is segregated into fifteen schools across three faculties. These three faculties are: 

  • Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science (AHSS)
  • Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS)
  • Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science (MHLS)

 

It is a research-intensive university in Northern Ireland, with a focus on interdisciplinary research across a wide range of fields. The university has a number of research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, the Institute for Global Food Security, and the Institute for Collaborative Research in the Humanities.

 

The Queen's University Students' Union (QUBSU), which is governed by university legislation, is situated on University Road across from the Lanyon Building. One of the biggest unions in a university located in Ireland or the UK, the union is easily open to all students at the university.

 
University Name Queen's University Belfast
Official Website https://www.qub.ac.uk/
Year of Establishment 1845
Average Living Cost £17,410 - £17,910
Total International Students 25,295
Country Rank 26
University Type Public
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Ranking

Queen's University Belfast is renowned for its excellence in higher education and consistently earns top rankings both nationally and globally. In the 2023 THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking, it was placed 198th worldwide, showing a positive trend from its previous position within the 201-250 range in 2022. Similarly, according to the QS World University Ranking, the university improved its standing from 233rd in 2023 to 202nd in 2024, indicating another positive trend in its global ranking. Let's look at some more prominent rankings of Queen’s University Belfast in 2024: 

 

  • QS - World University Ranking 2024: #202
  • The Complete University Guide 2024 - University Ranking UK: #27 
  • The Guardian - University Rankings 2024: #50  

 

Course Wise Rankings 

Queen's University Belfast provides a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, renowned for their academic excellence. The university offers top-tier courses across various disciplines. In the QS Rankings 2023, the university's Master of Science (MS) programme in Engineering and Technology was ranked 222nd, while its Master of Laws (LLM) programme was placed within the 101-150 range, showing an improvement from its previous position of 101-150 in 2022. Additionally, Queen's University Belfast's Master of Science programme in Mathematics was ranked in the 401-450 range in the QS Mathematics Rankings 2023. Let’s look at some of the course rankings of Queen’s University Belfast in 2024: 

 

Business & Management Studies Courses

  • The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK: #29 
  • The Guardian - Business and Management: #63
  • The Guardian - Guardian Economics Rankings: #67

 

Nursing Courses

  • The Complete University Guide - Nursing Rankings: #6  

 

Engineering Courses

  • The Complete University Guide - Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering: #10 
  • The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering Ranking: #10 
  • The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering Ranking: #11 
  • The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering: #14 
  • The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering Ranking: #17 
  • The Guardian - Civil Engineering: #17 
  • The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering: #6 
  • The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering: #37  

 

Medicine & Health Sciences Courses 

  • The Complete University Guide - Medicine Rankings: #7 
  • The Guardian - Guardian Medicine Rankings: #13 

 

Law Courses

The Complete University Guide - Law Rankings: #10 

The Guardian - Guardian Law Rankings: #27 

 

Humanities & Social Sciences Courses 

  • The Complete University Guide - Sociology Rankings: #43
  • The Complete University Guide - Sociology Rankings: #35 
  • The Guardian - Guardian Politics Rankings: #60 
  • The Guardian - Guardian Sociology and Social Policy Rankings: #60 

 

Science Courses 

  • The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences Rankings: #22 
  • The Complete University Guide - Computer Science: #21
  • The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy Ranking: #16 
  • The Guardian - Guardian Physics Rankings: #38 

 

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#233

#295

2022

#216

#295

Facilities

Queen’s University Belfast facilities are located on its main campus in the city centre. The campus is known for its Victorian architecture, including the iconic Lanyon Building. It also has libraries, sports facilities, and student services. Some of the key facilities at the university include:

 

The McClay Library: Queen's main library holds over 1.2 million books and journals, as well as study spaces and computer facilities. It offers more than 2,000 seats to its visitors. Also providing a cafe and free wifi to its readers. The library is named after Sir Allen Mclay, a significant benefactor of Queen’s University. 

 

Accommodation: The students at the Queen's University of Belfast have excellent housing alternatives that are reasonably priced. The university currently offers around 3,400 spaces for students. The students can also choose private rental housing, which is reasonably priced. One such well-known choice is Queen's Quarter, where rent runs about £50-£60 per week. The students who dwell in these apartments also have access to a weekly schedule of social activities and excursions.

 

Cafeteria: To build a leading-edge retail location in One Elmwood, the University and Hendersons have partnered. With amenities including a deli and hot meals to-go bar, Barista coffee, and a large selection of locally made products. It is a brand-new establishment with something for everyone. The Union Bar is open 7 days a week serving food, offers drinks, club nights, etc. Apart from this, the university also houses Hope Cafe in the library and Junction Cafe in the main site tower.

Notable Alumni

Mary McAleese
Mary McAleese
president of Ireland
Seamus Heaney
Seamus Heaney
Nobel Prize
Lord Trimble
Lord Trimble
Politician

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate 

The acceptance rate of Queen's University Belfast is 31%. This implies that the university is selective in admitting students, attracting a pool of applicants with strong academic credentials and achievements. This level of selectivity often results in a diverse and high-achieving student body, enhancing the overall academic environment on campus.

To boost your chances of acceptance, international applicants should have strong academic records and meet the grade requirements for their desired programs. They may also need to submit standardised test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT). It's important to craft a compelling application showcasing your unique strengths, achievements, and passion for your chosen field of study. Keep in mind that competition can be tough, and admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant.

 

Entry Requirements 

The Sunday Times has described Queen’s admissions policy as “among the most socially inclusive in Britain and Northern Ireland”. Although, there are other things to keep in mind whilst applying to this university. The admission committee at this university considers a variety of factors when evaluating applicants for admission. Queen’s University Belfast entry requirements are quite formative, some of the key factors that are typically considered include: 

 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of High School
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photograph

 

Graduate Admission Requirements

  • Official Academic Transcripts of College
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • CAS statement
  • Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
  • Resume or CV showing work experience 

 

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student, then taking up a standardised test  is a must, as all the courses in the Queen’s University Belfast are taught in English language. Given below are some of the eligible test scores for Queen’s University Belfast: 

 

Eligible English Tests

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

IELTS

6.5

6.5

TOEFL

90

90

 

Fees

Queen’s University Belfast Fees are varied as per the number of postgraduate and undergraduate courses offered here. Given below is information regarding the same: 

  • MBA - £ 22,000/Yr
  • MSc Software Development - £ 21,400/Yr
  • MSc Management - £ 19,900/Yr
  • MSc Accounting and Finance - £ 20,900/Yr
  • MSc Economics - £ 17,900/Yr
  • MSc Psychological Sciences - £ 21,400/Yr
  • MSc International Business - £ 19,900/Yr
  • BSc Accounting - £ 17,400/Yr
  • BA Anthropology - £ 17,400/Yr
  • BSc Biological Sciences - £ 21,400/Yr
  • BSc Mathematics and Computer Science - £ 17,400/Yr
  • BA Film and Theatre Making - £ 17,400/Yr
  • BSc Psychology - £ 21,400/Yr

 

Placements

430 relationships between Queen's University and the industry give students access to many work-project opportunities. At the conclusion of their project, over 80% of these students receive an offer for a permanent position. Students typically receive favourable placements and decent pay. Queen’s University Belfast’s placements take place in industries like management, the healthcare industry, financial services, and the pharmaceuticals department. Graduates have an average salary of £ 46,000 and have a career outcome rate of 90%. 

 

Scholarship

Queen's University Belfast provides scholarships worth 1.5 million GBP annually to international students. The aim of these scholarships is to ensure education remains accessible. The university offers numerous scholarships, making education highly affordable. In response to the current cost of living challenges, Queen's University has introduced a support package of 7.69 million GBP for its students and staff.Given below are some of the major scholarships at Queen’s University Belfast: 

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Scholarship Amount

International Office Postgraduate Scholarships

New students in postgraduate programmes (Excluding QBS PGT)

£2000 – £5000 (depending on fees)

Queen’s Business School Scholarships

South Asian students with offer letters

£6000

Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship

Postgraduate students in eligible programmes

50% reduction in tuition fees

Queen’s Loyalty Scholarship

International students returning for postgraduate study

20% reduction in tuition fees

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at Queen's University Belfast. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

 

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Belfast near Queen’s University Belfast that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near Queen's University Belfast offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, located on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast of Ireland. It has a population of around 6,39,000 people and is known for its shipbuilding, rope-making, and linen industries. Belfast also has a rich cultural heritage, with notable landmarks such as the Belfast City Hall, the Ulster Museum, and the Belfast Castle. The city also has a complex history, particularly during the 20th century, with political tensions and violence between Catholic and Protestant communities. In recent years, Belfast has undergone significant redevelopment and regeneration, becoming a popular tourist destination. Moreover, people in Northern Ireland are known to be friendly towards newcomers. It has won several awards for being an affordable city with many students choosing to live in the ‘Queen’s Quarter’. Cultural Night or the Belfast Mela are where many youth gather and celebrate cultural diversity. 
 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 744

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 820

Transportation

£ 58

Food Cost

£ 444

Entertainment

£ 36

Groceries

£ 128

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,480

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,556

Annual Cost of Living

£ 17,760

 

The above data is sourced from Cost of Living in Belfast on UniAcco.

FAQs