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Entry requirements

Check that you meet, or expect to meet the academic and if applicable, English language entry requirements for your chosen programme. The Course Finder provides details of entry requirements, by programme. If you are an international student, refer to the Your Country section of the University’s website for advice on comparability with UK qualifications. 

Depending on your chosen programme, professional qualifications or experience may also be taken into account, and in some cases form an integral part of the entrance requirements.  For some programmes, an interview, admissions test or the submission of written work may form part of the selection process. 

Postgraduate Taught Courses

Master's Degrees 

The normal minimum requirement for admission to a Master's degree is a Second Class Honours degree from a UK or Republic of Ireland (ROI) Higher Education Provider or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates

The University offers postgraduate study for diplomas and certificates in a wide range of subjects. Entrance requirements vary by course and you are advised to consult the individual course entries in the Course Finder. 

The University operates a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme which recognises relevant prior learning for admission and/or credit purposes. For some courses, admission under the recognition of prior experiential learning (RPEL) may be permitted and, if applicable, this will be indicated under the individual course entry within the Course Finder.

Research Degrees (PhD/MPhil/MD/Professional Doctorates)

The normal minimum requirement for admission to a research degree programme is an Upper Second Class Honours Degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education Provider or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. 

Specific entrance requirements for individual programmes are available via the online Course Finder and we recommend that you also visit School webpages and contact potential supervisors to discuss your proposed research. 

Factors taken into consideration by School selectors will include an assessment of an applicant’s academic background and research proposal (if applicable). Relevant publications, professional research experience or other achievements by the applicant may also be considered. 

Further information is available on Higher Doctorates and PhD by Published Works. 

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, evidence of an acceptable level of proficiency will be required. In addition, applicants who are non-EEA nationals must satisfy the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes. Further information is available on the UK Government website.

The evidence should be in the form of a Secure English Language Test (SELT), or another English language qualification acceptable to the University which examines all four elements of language learning – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS Academic and TOEFL internet based tests should be taken within the last two years. Further information is available here.

Details of the English language requirements for entry to each postgraduate taught and research programme can be found in the individual Course Finder pages. 

If you have not yet obtained an acceptable English Language qualification at the required level before sending us your application, your formal offer for postgraduate admission will include an English language condition which you must satisfy before the start of your programme.  

INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a wide range of English language courses designed specifically for international students. 

International applicants 

For more information please visit the international section of our website.

Applicants who require assistance with the application process should email the International Admissions team at intl.student@qub.ac.uk

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