Stepping into a new experience in a new place was never something I thought twice about – but choosing where to do my postgraduate study was still a big decision. After lots of research, I found myself drawn to Queen’s University Belfast and its MA in Translation. Here’s why I think it’s such a great choice for anyone thinking about studying abroad.

A University with History, Excellence, and Research Strength

One of the first things that caught my eye about Queen’s University Belfast is its status as a Russell Group university - a prestigious network of research-intensive institutions in the UK known for high academic standards and world-class research. 

That means the university isn’t just about teaching what’s in a textbook - it’s about being part of a community that creates new knowledge and pushes boundaries in many fields. Even in humanities and languages, that research culture shows up in how courses are structured, with balance between theory and real-world application. 

Plus, Queen’s is one of the oldest universities in the region (founded in 1845), with a beautiful campus right in the heart of Belfast - it feels historic and vibrant at the same time. 

The Lanyon Building

Translation Studies at Queen's: More than Textbook Learning

The MA in Translation at Queen's isn’t just about learning vocabulary or rules - it blends theory and practice with practical workshops and hands-on translation work. Weekly dedicated workshops give students the chance to practice with real texts in many languages, and there’s also a seminar series that brings in external speakers and professionals.

One thing that stood out to me when I was researching was how varied the learning opportunities are. You can pick elective modules that match your interests, and there’s also space to do practice-based research in your assignments - meaning you’re learning how to think like a translator and how to apply your skills in real situations.

Just from the official course listing alone, it was clear that practical language work and careful reflection are central parts of the programme, which was exactly the balance I wanted.

Find out more about the MA in Translation

Belfast: Friendly and Affordable

Another huge factor for me was Belfast itself. Many student cost-of-living indexes report that Belfast has one of the lowest costs of student living in the UK, and most students find their money goes a lot further here than in big cities like London or Manchester.

On top of affordability, Belfast has been recognised as one of the friendliest cities in the UK (Condé Nast Traveller, Readers' Choice Awards 2024) - a huge plus if you’re moving somewhere completely new and want a welcoming environment. It’s easy to meet people, explore the city’s cafés, music venues, festivals, and public spaces, and feel like you’re part of a community rather than just a visitor.

That friendliness isn’t just anecdotal - a lot of international students report that locals and campus staff are warm and helpful, which makes adjusting to life far from home much easier.

Titanic Museum

Supportive Student Life and Practical Benefits

From the very beginning, Queen’s puts a lot of emphasis on student support - not just academically, but in practical areas like visa advice, immigration support, and academic skills development.

There’s also something called the Future Ready Award, which lets students add extracurricular experiences like placements, voluntary work, societies, and clubs to their CVs. This helps you graduate not just with a qualification, but with broader social and professional skills that are valued by employers.

Even outside formal courses, Belfast is full of cultural and creative life, with a lively arts scene and lots of cafés and restaurants. It’s easy to find things to do after class or on weekends - whether you’re into live gigs, food from around the world, or nature escapes nearby.

A Place That Matches My Personal Goals

For me personally, part of the appeal was that I love being in places that feel new and unfamiliar. I enjoy the challenge of creating a life in a different culture and learning through experience, and Belfast felt like exactly that kind of place - lively, historic, and richly textured. The fact that the university is well-connected and highly regarded academically was a big bonus on top of that.

Because I knew I’d be leaving my comfort zone anyway, choosing a university with strong student supports, a welcoming community, and rich opportunities for real-world language work just made sense. And it’s exactly the sort of environment I feel will help me grow not just as a translator, but as a person.

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Nanami Nomura MA Translation | Postgraduate Student | Japan I'm doing a Master's in Translation at Queen's and originally from Japan.  I love learning languages, exploring art and architecture, going for walks, and spending time with animals—especially cats! I'm excited to share my experiences of life and study in Belfast with everyone.