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Further Information

How do I apply?
What is the closing date for applications? 
Can I make a late application? 
What Qualifications do I need to apply?
When will I be informed of the outcome of my application?  
What do I do if I wish to withdraw my application? 
How much will student fees be and what payment arrangements are available? 
Is financial assistance available?
How is the programme structured?
When are classes held?
How can I get a book of modules and a timetable for next year?  
I am an international applicant and wish to find out more about studying at Queen’s.
Can I receive credit for previous learning?   

HOW DO I APPLY?

Applications should be made through the Direct Applications Portal.  Our courses are listed under the 'Education' subject area.


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WHAT IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS?

The closing date for applications can be found on each individual course page. Please check them carefully as they may differ from course to course.


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CAN I MAKE A LATE APPLICATION?

Applications received after the closing date will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all the applications received by the closing date have been processed. Check the individual course page as further information regarding late entries may be placed there.

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO APPLY?

Masters Programmes

ENTRANCE CRITERIA:
Applicants must normally have:

  • a second class honours degree or higher (or equivalent qualification) OR
  • a degree (or equivalent qualification) with at least five years professional experience in an education, training, or professionally relevant context.

In line with University Regulations, there is a language requirement for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS 6.5 or approved equivalent.  For IELTs a minimum score of 5.5 is required in all four elements of the test.)

Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL):
An applicant’s background, experience and career could be considered as a substitute for a first degree, which would be determined by the quality and content of the applicant’s portfolio for admission under the University’s APEL procedures. Therefore, exceptionally for some programmes, applicants may be permitted the opportunity to demonstrate achievement at an equivalent level through the University’s APEL procedures.

Specific Master’s courses may have additional entrance requirements. These are listed below and on individual degree programme web pages.

MSc Austistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Applicants with one year’s relevant professional experience and access to a relevant working environment will be given preference.

MEd Inclusion and Special Needs Education
Applicants should also have a teaching qualification or, if not a teaching qualification, a minimum of one year of experience in a formal role within the School or classroom setting and access to a School and classroom working
environment.

MSc TESOL
Applicants must have a minimum of 30 hours of relevant teaching experience.

 

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WHEN WILL I BE INFORMED OF THE OUTCOME OF MY APPLICATION? 

You will be notified of the outcome, via the email specified on your application form, by the Admissions and Access Service and you will be able to confirm your intentions via the Direct Application Portal.  This process normally takes 3 – 4 weeks after it is received by the School unless otherwise stated on the course page ie. you may be called to attend an interview on a specified date or satisfy further criteria.

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WHAT DO I DO IF I WISH TO WITHDRAW MY APPLICATION?

This should be done via the Direct Applications Portal where you applied and we would be grateful if you could do this as soon as you are no longer in a position to continue with your application. 

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HOW MUCH WILL STUDENT FEES BE AND WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE?

Course fees can be found on the appropriate course pages under Course Information.

For further information and guidance on tuition fees please refer to Student Finance and Fees Office.


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IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROGRAMME

All part-time postgraduate applicants should be aware that it is extremely unlikely that statutory financial assistance will be available.  It is advisable that you have financial arrangements in place before commencing a postgraduate course. 


Queen’s University Financial Support

  • The Support Fund provides discretionary financial help for students who get into financial difficulty during their course. Full-time and part-time (50% of equivalent full-time course) home undergraduates and postgraduate students can apply.
  • Hardship Fund - Students who are not eligible for support funds, for example, non UK students, can apply to the University’s Hardship Fund.

For further information on both Funds, including eligibility and advice on making an application, visit the Income and Student Finance section of the Student Guidance Centre website (www.qub.ac.uk/sgc).

 


Government Financial Support

 

  • Part-time Students - If you are a part-time higher education student and studying at least 50% of an equivalent full-time course you may be entitled to a grant towards your fees and a grant towards your course costs. Entitlement to the grants will depend on your income and that of your husband, wife or partner and there is no age limit for this support. You will not have to repay this help. Students who already have a degree cannot normally apply for this support.
  • Disabled Students’ Allowances - Full-time and part-time students with disabilities, mental health conditions or specific learning difficulties may be able to get a Disabled Students' Allowance.

For more information, visit the Department for Employment and Learning’s website: www.delni.gov.uk

 

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HOW IS THE PROGRAMME STRUCTURED?

The programme is modular in structure, with all modules attracting Credit Points under the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).  The minimum number of Credit Points required for each Postgraduate qualification is as follows: 

Master's degree: 180 M-Level points
Postgraduate Diploma:  120 M-Level points
Postgraduate Certificate:  60 M-Level points

It is usual for students to complete 60 Credit points in an Academic Year, part-time and full-time students, it is normal to complete the entirety of the programme in one calendar year but other options may be available, please contact the Course Secretary.

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WHEN WILL I ATTEND CLASSES?

University Semester Dates, including assessment dates, can be found here, however, courses may vary or may even be online.  Please refer to the appropriate Course Page.

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HOW CAN I GET A BOOK OF MODULES AND A TIMETABLE FOR THE MASTERS PROGRAMMES? 

MEd/ MSc course pages contain a link to the M-Level Book of Modules, which lists the courses and the modules available.  

Work-based Learning programmes and Counselling courses follow a pattern of compulsory modules and you should refer to the Course Pages for information.

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I AM AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT AND WISH TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STUDYING AT QUEEN’S.

Please note some of our courses are only delivered on a part-time basis.  In the case of international students (from outside the European Union), it is not possible to study on a part-time basis unless you are already in the UK for other reasons and have obtained an appropriate visa.  It is the student’s responsibility to check visa requirements for part-time study in the UK.  We have a minimum entry point of IELTS level 6.5, TOEFL 575 (PBT) or equivalent for international students. For IELTS a minimum score of 5.5 is required in all four elements of the test.  International Students should refer to the University’s  Student Income and Finance Office for further information on fees.    

Please refer to the University's information for Prospective International Students.

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15        CAN I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS LEARNING?  

The School of Education, in line with the wider University, has introduced a Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) for its' Postgraduate courses.

Probably the most straightforward way to view CATS initially is to separate the two aspects into ‘Credit Accumulation’ and ‘Credit Transfer’.

Credit Accumulation refers to the fact that the majority of taught postgraduate courses in QUB are designated as Masters level with Certificates, Diplomas, and Masters degrees being distinguished by the number of Masters level points (M points) gained. 

Students who accumulate the requisite number of M points are entitled to the appropriate award at the following level:  

Masters degree 180 M points 
PG Diploma  120 M points
PG Certificate  60 M points

Credit Transfer refers to the process whereby a student holding a relevant award of this or another recognised institution may, on application prior to initial enrolment in the M level programme, be permitted to transfer credit for that award to the masters level programme under CATS.

To apply for Credit Transfer please see the Application Section, and download the form and check Regulations.  Application for Credit Transfer must be received at the time of application and cannot be considered any time once the course has commenced.  Applications will be considered on an individual basis and you will be notified of the decision in writing.  Credit will only be considered that has been accumulated up to a maximum of ten years. 

This process attracts a modest fee of £48. Please enclose a cheque made payable to Queen's University Belfast with your application.  Completed forms should be returned to the Postgraduate Administrator, 20 College Green, Belfast, BT7 1LN.

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