Queen's University Belfast is a historic uni founded in 1845, making it the 9th oldest university in the UK. It has since become an internationally respected place of study, with students from over 90 countries attending. It has a strong research reputation and is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities.
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4.6Queen's sits in a central location in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, so most places in the city are within a short walking distance.
It's a compact and walkable campus with a choice of social spaces to hang out – including its own independent cinema, Queen's Film Theatre. Queen's also has a standout Students' Union that's highly rated by students – voted 1st in the UK in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025.
The uni also has a great sporting reputation, with top-level sports facilities and over 50 sports clubs to choose from.
The lively and energetic city of Belfast is a cultural hub, with museums, galleries, theatres and music venues to enjoy. You'll also find lively and quirky bars, pubs and clubs, as well as plenty of shops. It's one of the UK's cheaper cities to live in, boasting a fairly low cost of living and low student rental prices.
Studying in Belfast, you're also never far away from nature and beautiful scenery. A short journey up the Antrim Coast Road takes you to the famous Giant's Causeway, for example.
The city is easily explored on foot or by bike, but it's also well connected by frequent bus and train services. There's no need to worry if you don't have your own bike, as Belfast has a public bicycle rental scheme.
4.3Queen's has an expert team to help students succeed in their careers. It offers support with all aspects of career planning and employability. This includes one-to-one appointments with advisers, where you could discuss improving your CV or your interview technique. There's help to prepare for assessment centres, and the 'Spotlight on' series of talks will share insights into diverse careers, from tech to digital communications.
Queen's University Belfast is a high-ranking university, placing in the top 25–30 of the Complete University Guide league table. It also offers strong graduate outcomes, particularly in the subjects where it ranks highest.
The university has solid ties to industry and a growing network of spin-out companies. Knowing that many employers hire graduates they've met, Queen's helps you to connect with them through careers fairs, employer panels, and industry workshops. These are a great way of learning about different industry sectors, as well as building future connections.
Queen's helps you develop new skills and explore opportunities that could lead you to the perfect career. Its skills award gives you credit for any personal development and work-related activities you do outside of your course. Fun opportunities include the uni's annual Stock Market Challenge. This fast-paced trading skills game will put your negotiation skills to the test – and it's not just for finance students!
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4.4There are around 4,000 rooms available in Queen's uni accommodation, with en-suite or shared bathroom options. Most sites are within five to 15 minutes' walk of the campus, and between five and 30 minutes to the city centre. This gives you easy access to all the city has to offer, including other halls of residence.
If you decide not to live in university accommodation, Belfast has affordable options for you to choose from.
Sites are dotted around the city, and include:
Prices are from £89 to £225 per week. Undergraduate accommodation contracts are for 40 or 48 weeks (44 or 51 weeks if you're in partner accommodation). The fee includes WiFi and free off-peak sports membership. All uni accommodation has access to laundry services.
All residences have 24/7 security services, and residential support staff who run social events.
The best way to get a feel for a university is to go to an open day or check out Belfast in Whatuni's City Guides.
Queen's offers extra funding through scholarships and bursaries if you meet the criteria. This funding helps cover your living costs so you can concentrate on what truly matters – your education. The best part? You won't need to pay the money back.
All new students who get at least three A grades at A-level can enter the uni's Entrance Scholarship Competition. These scholarships range from £600 to £2,400.
GB Scholarships provide extra funding for students from Great Britain (excluding Ireland and Northern Ireland). You can use this money towards your accommodation and travel costs. Students on courses like Medicine are excluded from this funding.
Scholarships and bursaries are also available if you play sport at a high standard. The amount depends on the level at which you compete, and the sport (rugby, rowing, soccer, hockey, or Gaelic games). If you get an award, it may include extra perks such as professional coaching.
If you're eligible for the Queen's GB Scholarship, you won't need to apply. For other scholarships, make sure you check the uni's website and apply by the deadline.
You can get more information about the uni's scholarships and bursaries by using the online funding and scholarship finder on Queen's own website.
Queen's excels in research on agri-food, sustainable energy, medical studies, and innovative cybersecurity. The uni has three faculties:
Between them, they offer undergraduate courses from Accounting to Zoology.
Many of the uni's subjects are in the top ten of their subject table in the Complete University Guide. Queen's has strengths in Agriculture and Forestry and Information Technology and Systems, among others.
Most full-time undergraduate degrees at Queen's take three or four years to finish. Some courses include an optional or compulsory placement year and may lead to an integrated master's. These degrees will take four or five years to complete. Medicine or Dentistry each take five years to study. Most courses are only available full-time.
Degrees may include optional as well as core modules, so you can explore the topics you're most interested in.
If you can't decide between subjects, you may be able to combine them – particularly if it's a language. Courses with ‘and' in the title are studied in in roughly equal measure, such as Law and Politics. Courses that have ‘with' in the title spend more time on the first subject – such as Accounting (Major) with Spanish. 'Major' just means that subject is the main focus of your degree.
Queen's will equip you with skills in critical thinking, leadership, and job-specific skills, preparing you well for your future career. Many of Queen's staff are engaged in world-leading research, giving you the potential to learn first-hand about developments in your subject.
Fees will depend on where you're from. Students from Northern Ireland will pay £4,855 (the fee will increase each year). If you're from elsewhere in the UK, you'll pay £9,535. International students will be charged more, but the amount depends on the subject you study.
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