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Northern Ireland is home to two unis, Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. Both are well-respected institutions and there are a whole lot of reasons why you should study at one of these two incredible Northern Irish universities. So, if you're thinking of going to uni in this unique corner of the British Isles, let us convince you. Here are our top 18 reasons why it's awesome to study in Northern Ireland.
1.) It’s called Norn Iron
In the Northern Irish accent (which is pretty sexy, by the way), ‘Northern Ireland’ comes out as ‘Norn Iron’ and that’s pretty much what everybody knows it as, meaning you get to spend three years telling people you live in Norn Iron and thus sounding like you’re in Game of Thrones or something. Which is a funny coincidence because…
2.) You might see some of the locations Game of Thrones was filmed in
Game of Thrones was pretty much the most popular programme in the world, and if you decide to go to uni in Northern Ireland, you could end up spotting many of the the locations used in the show. Filming was based at Titanic Studios in Belfast, and Northern Ireland’s stunning scenery provided much of the landscape for the exterior shots as well, including Winterfell, which is actually Castle Ward in County Down. Many locals appeared in the show as extras, so you might even meet some people who featured in it.
3.) There are only two universities in Northern Ireland
Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster are the only unis in Northern Ireland, and both have campuses in the centre of Belfast, meaning there’s a close knit feeling among the country’s student community. Ulster University has other campuses in different areas of Northern Ireland, so there are options if Belfast isn't for you.
4.) The University of Ulster is the second biggest university in all of Ireland and Northern Ireland combined
Just because there’s only two universities, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of places to go around, as the University of Ulster is the second largest on the whole island, after the National University of Ireland in Dublin.
5.) The pubs
Let’s face is, Irish pubs are the best in the world, that’s why they’re literally everywhere. If you go to uni in Northern Ireland, there’ll be Irish pubs everywhere, except of course they’ll just be called ‘pubs’.
6.) Potato bread
Bearing in mind alcohol isn’t technically a food, what are the two best foods in the world? That’s right, potatoes and bread. What could be better than combining the two to create potato bread (also known as potato cakes). Potato bread is a magnificent combination of bread and potatoes which you’ll find everywhere in Northern Ireland. Yum!
7.) The Ulster Fry
Potato bread appears as part of Northern Ireland’s most famous dish, the Ulster Fry. Typically consisting of bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, potato bread and soda farl (fried soda bread, another Northern Irish favourite), it’s similar to the full English breakfast only with more bread, which can only be a good thing in our book.
8.) The fact the DeLorean was made in Northern Ireland
The DeLorean, AKA the ‘Back to the Future’ time machine car, AKA the coolest car in the entire world, was manufactured in Belfast. And who doesn't love 'Back to the Future'?
9.) Northern Ireland’s love of cranes
There’s something incredibly endearing about a country that loves a pair of cranes so much they made them a national landmark. Samsung and Goliath (yep, they've got names) were originally used in the ship building industry at Harland and Wolff ship yard in Belfast in the 60s and 70s, before being granted protected status in 2003. Definitely a must visit for civil engineering students.
10.) And George Best
George Best was a Northern Irish footballing legend, and one of the best known athletes in the world. Locals love him so much they named the airport after him. Other famous people hailing from Northern Ireland include Liam Neeson and Kenneth Branagh.
11.) Excellent unis on offer
As a member of the Russell Group, Queen’s University Belfast is a world class research facility, and 93% of graduates of the University of Ulster are employed or in further study within six months of graduation (DLHE, 2021). Either way, you’re golden.
12.) Queen’s University Belfast is a feminist icon
Women could hold any office at Queen’s University Belfast a full 12 years before they could even study at the Oxford University. Which is pretty impressive. The university didn’t just lead the way in women’s rights though. Despite The Troubles, its doors have been open to Protestants and Catholics alike since 1845.
13.) Liam Neeson got his first acting job in Belfast
Hollywood legend Liam Neeson got his first professional acting job treading the boards at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, which is less surprising when you consider he’s actually from Northern Ireland. Although his American accent is impeccable, Neeson grew up in Ballymena in County Antrim. Plus, the Annual Belfast Film Festival is held at Queen’s University Belfast, so it’s ideal for aspiring film and drama students.
14.) Led Zepplin debuted Stairway to Heaven at Ulster Hall
Speaking of firsts, Led Zepplin played their most famous ever song, Stairway to Heaven, for the first time at Ulster Hall. Since anyone at that gig now has major music cred, it kind of seems worth hanging around in case something similar happens, especially if you’re a music student.
15.) Titanic Belfast
The Titanic was built in Belfast, and it was from the city’s port that it set out on its ill fated maiden voyage. Titanic Belfast is a huge interactive museum near the original construction site which recreates parts of the famous ship complete with original artefacts recovered from the ocean bed. With a minute by minute reconstruction of events and real recorded testimony from survivors, it’s well worth visiting this huge attraction to learn what Kate and Leo didn’t tell you about one of the biggest shipping disasters in history. A valuable resource to have nearby if you’re studying maritime history or even human geography.
16.) The Belfast murals
Much like the Berlin wall now forms the East Side Gallery, so Belfast’s tumultuous past is reflected in the stunning Belfast murals, art that can be found on the sides of buildings all over the city. From political propaganda to pleas for peace and even tributes to famous footballers, the vivid street scenes should provide plenty of inspiration to any aspiring art students.
17.) Giant’s Causeway
No list of what makes Northern Ireland great would be complete without mentioning Giant’s Causeway. The most popular attraction in Northern Ireland, this wonder of the natural world was formed as the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred more than 50 million years ago in County Antrim, on the north eastern coast of Northern Ireland. The National Trust managed visitor centre is a mine of invaluable information for students of geology, physical geography and earth sciences, with many a student having written their dissertation on the Causeway (one student claims to have written a thesis proving the Giant’s Causeway was created by elves, but sadly we can’t find it available to read online).
18.) When someone asks if you ever want to leave, this will be your reaction:
Thinking Northern Ireland might be for you? Why not learn more about the student things to do in some of the cities you could be studying in?
Find out more about Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster
