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Why Study at Queen's

Studying in Northern Ireland at Queen's University Belfast

When you think of going to university, you're probably thinking of a new adventure, your future career and an exciting new social life. You can find all of that and more in at Queen's University Belfast. We're a university that prioritises academic excellence and are dedicated to helping you discover your potential.

 

Our rankings and reputation

Ranked in the Top 200 universities in the world

(QS and THE World University Rankings 2026)

Northern Ireland has the lowest student living costs in the UK

(Save the Student National Student Money Survey 2024)

13th in the UK for Research Intensity

(Complete University Guide 2026)

A member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 UK research intensive universities.

Student Miguel sits on sofa in One Elmwood
Receive a world-class education

Not only are we a member of the prestigious Russell Group, we are recognised as one of the leading universities in the world. Enjoy being taught by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines.

The teaching you receive is fully informed by researchers having huge impact across the globe, meaning a more relevant and valuable degree for you.

Queen's is ranked 2nd in the UK for course content (StudentCrowd University Awards 2025).

 
The city has a great balance of being lively yet easy to navigate, which made settling in much easier. I was also struck by how beautiful Belfast is, with its mix of historic architecture, green spaces, and modern developments. There’s always something to do - from exploring the Cathedral Quarter and Botanic Gardens to enjoying local cafés and cultural events.
Sanam
MSc AI in Business, India
My first impression of Belfast was that it’s a beautiful and welcoming city. The people are friendly, the atmosphere feels safe and relaxed, and the mix of historic and modern architecture makes it very charming. I was especially impressed by the Titanic Quarter. It’s modern, lively, and full of history, showing how the city blends its past with progress. Overall, Belfast gave me a warm and positive feeling right from the start.
Bryan
BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, Malaysia
I love how everything is within walking distance as it is a walkable city. The people in Belfast are approachable and friendly which makes living here great. The cost of living is lower than most cities which is great for students in terms of buying food and bills. The night life here is top tier, from pubs to clubs, everything is great fun in Belfast.
Sophie
LLB Law, NI
As a Muslim, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of food options available. There are plenty of halal butchers and facilities, which made adjusting to life in Belfast much easier. The city truly caters to diverse needs, and I’ve never felt out of place in terms of food or cultural acceptance.
Aleeya
Software Engineering, Malaysia
My first impression of Belfast was how welcoming and well-balanced it feels. I love that it’s a manageable city with plenty of great food spots and cafes, surrounded by greenery. It feels really connected - easy to get around and full of character and community.
Rosa
Actuarial Science, ROI