Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, we became an independent university in 1908. Today, we are ranked 85 in the world (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022), and a member of the Russell Group of UK research intensive universities, combining excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos.
- #198 Ranking
- 11 PhDs
- 1,155 Academic Staff
- 18,487 Students
- 6,840 Students (int'l)
- 10,538 Students (female)
- Private Institution Type
Top reasons to study here
- Ranked in the top 200 global universities (QS World University Rankings 2019), Queen's is part of an elite UK group of research-intensive universities.
- You can enhance your degree with a range of study or work abroad opportunities.
- Queen's has invested over £350m in cutting-edge facilities, including the £50m McClay Library, placing us joint 2nd in the UK for university facilities.
PhD Programmes
Humanities (4)
- Ph.D. English
- Ph.D. History
- Ph.D. Irish and Celtic
- Ph.D. Translation
Social Sciences (3)
- Ph.D. Economics
- Ph.D. Irish and Celtic
- Ph.D. Psychology
Business & Management (2)
- Ph.D. Accounting
- Ph.D. Management
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (2)
- Ph.D. Accounting
- Ph.D. Pharmacy
Education & Training (1)
- Ph.D. Education
Journalism & Media (1)
- Ph.D. Translation
Law (1)
- Ph.D. Law
Medicine & Health (1)
- Ph.D. Pharmacy
About
History
Queen’s University Belfast was founded by Royal Charter in 1845.
Founded by Queen Victoria, the Queen's University in Ireland, was designed to be a non-denominational alternative to Trinity College Dublin which was controlled by the Anglican Church.
Education
At Queen’s we offer a world-class education that prepares our students for leadership and citizenship in a global society.
Our inspiring alumni comprises outstanding scholars, Nobel Prize winners - such as Seamus Heaney and David Trimble - and influential leaders who are making an impact in Northern Ireland and across the globe.
Our students enjoy being educated by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines and a significant investment in the student experience has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction.
Research
Researchers at Queen's help tackle the global challenges of our age, changing people’s lives for the better.
We are a world-class international university built on teaching excellence, leading-edge research, innovation, collaboration and engagement.
Queen’s has a proud history of conducting innovative, impactful and world-leading research that has positively changed people’s lives. Our ambition for 2030 is to further enhance our impact by strengthening our research position and working with industry to broaden our translational impact and innovation, ensuring we deliver high-quality, world-leading research, which addresses local and global challenges.
Career
The Employer Engagement Team at Queen's is committed to connecting employers with student and graduate talent. Our bespoke service offers solutions for all your recruitment needs, whether you have a graduate role, internship or placement to fill. We can provide route information to the correct academic department and student group to ensure you are visible to the right candidates.
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2023
198 3
2022
201 -1
2021
200
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2023
233 -17
2022
216 -7
2021
209
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2023
295 13
2022
308 -2
2021
306
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2022
301 100
2021
401
2020
401
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
The Student Guidance Centre brings together a number of support services that guide and advise you throughout your time at Queen’s. From managing your student record, developing your academic and employability skills, and offering support for times when you may feel under pressure, all of our services work together to ensure you have a successful and enjoyable student experience.
Housing services
Our student accommodation in the heart of Belfast city centre is very affordable compared to private renting.
Conveniently located in the centre of Belfast and just 15 minutes from Queen’s main campus, you can be neighbours with the famous Crown bar and the majestic Grand Opera House.
All our new apartments include bathrooms, a desk with lamp, use of a full kitchen, dining table and chairs, television and high-speed internet, as well as including all bills. You will also have free off-peak membership of Queen's Sport.
Library services
Queen's has invested over £50m in the McClay Library, blending the best features of a traditional library with the latest technology.
Facilities include computing and media services, IT training rooms, quiet study and group work areas, a cafe, a Language Centre and a vast range of printed works.
ICT services
All major students areas, including the Students’ Union, the libraries and catering outlets provide access to a secure wireless network.
Students can access over 1,700 PCs based in 20 centres across the campus.
Medical services
The University Health Centre at Queen's University Belfast is an independent National Health general medical practice located next to the Student Guidance Centre. The practice provides both student-focused and general National Health services.
Student Life
Campus life
With a major investment of £350m creating world-class facilities for staff and students over the next decade, Queen’s has some of the best campus facilities in the UK and Ireland.
Sports facilities
Whether you are interested in keeping active, trying a new sport, being part of a team or representing your university, you can be part of the Queen’s Sport Gameplan.
The Physical Education Centre (PEC) is the hub of Queen’s Sport. The state-of-the-art fitness area includes:
- Over 200 pieces of CV and resistance equipment
- A Training and weights area, six power cages and Olympic lifting platforms
- Four exercise and dance studios
- 25m swimming and diving pool
- Two multi-purpose sports halls
- Martial arts area
- Two climbing walls
- Eight squash courts
- Two handball courts
- Outdoor 3G grass pitches
Student clubs
Joining a club or society at Queen's is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, keep up your interest in a passion or, even better, to find a brand new one you never knew you had!
Learn a new language and more about a foreign culture or simply meet up with students from the same part of the world as you
Create a masterpiece with a brush (Art club) or a camera (Photography club).If languages and culture are more your thing why not join An Cumann Gaelach or the French club.
You could even have a go at Chinese Lion Dance.
Other programmes from this organisation
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