Queen’s University Belfast

Shaping a Better World Since 1845

Featured Programs

This degree allows students to develop their understanding of Economic techniques whilst also learning about the principles of Business Management. Students in Business Economics should have an interest in using economic theory and thinking in applied business settings. This degree has less of an emphasis on using mathematics compared to a traditional economics degree and the programme fosters numerical skills through the use of up-to-date business applications

Students undertaking English with Creative Writing at Queen’s explore literatures in English in the widest possible sense and work with some of the leading writers working in the UK and Ireland. From the earliest writings in Anglo-Saxon to contemporary Irish, British, and ‘global’ literatures, students study English in its historical, cultural and material contexts. Our language modules explore the history and structure of English; its day-to-day usage, including in the media; and the major influences that have shaped it over the last millennium and a half.

The programme in International Relations and Conflict Studies provides students with an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary politics, international affairs and conflict situations in their political, historical, cultural, economic and legal dimensions. Dedicated modules introduce students to core concepts and debates in International Relations and the study of conflict. Students will acquire familiarity with the experiences of differing national polities and societies, facilitating the development of culturally sensitive cross-national comparisons.

International Relations at Queen’s is about more than just armed conflict and insurgency. It also examines such trends as globalisation and considers the challenge from the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the process of European integration, humanitarian issues (such as poverty, development and refugees), and the role of the media in conflict. The academic study of politics is concerned with the sources of conflict, co-operation, power and decision-making within and between societies, how differences are expressed through ideology and organisation, and how, if at all, disagreements and problems are resolved. We look at conflict, co-operation and its origins, dynamics and trajectories, at theories of society, at the value and ethical basis of political ideas and action, and at politics in different national and historical contexts.

The Film Studies and Production degree at Queen’s offers a unique blend of practical filmmaking and critical thinking. Students will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in digital production, screenwriting, cinematography and editing, as well as developing their understanding of film, moving image and broader film culture. Classes take place in the cinema of the Queen’s Film Theatre and our dedicated Film Studio which features full broadcast-quality LED lighting and green screen. Students benefit from our cutting-edge digital production facilities including offline and online editing suites and use high-definition cameras, and lighting and grip kits for location work. Across the programme practice-based learning is framed by the study of film concepts, critical contexts, and current industrial practices. This approach encourages our students to become creative and critical practitioners with highly developed audio-visual literacy. All of these skills enhance the employability of our graduates within the media and creative industries sector.

Psychology is a core science which studies mind and behaviour. Psychology has a significant impact on all aspects of public life and is at the forefront of helping solve some of the biggest challenges faced in society today in areas of mental health, education, social inequalities, and conflict resolution.

Our degree programme which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) focuses on the scientific inquiry of topics from seven key areas in Psychology, to build understanding and critical insight throughout your degree programme. These areas are:

1. Biological Psychology – Biological basis of behaviour: neuroscience, genetics, animal behaviour
2. Cognitive Psychology – Mental processes underlying thinking, memory, language and learning
3. Conceptual & Historical Issues – Considers where the discipline has come from, where it’s going, and the big unanswered questions of Psychology
4. Developmental Psychology – How we grow and develop, from conception to old age
5. Individual Differences – How we differ from one another in terms of traits, abilities and motivations
6. Research Methods – How we collect and analyse data to further understanding of the mind and behaviour
7. Social Psychology – How we perceive ourselves and others, interact as groups and the influences of culture and society

Psychology also has enormous potential to contribute to a wide range of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both as a stand- alone discipline and in collaboration with other disciplines. Goals that connect to our existing research in obvious ways include Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, but Psychology also has a role to play in any goals that require behaviour change, such as those related to environmental sustainability. Students will learn about the contribution of Psychology to these SDGs through course content embedded throughout the undergraduate curriculum.

A degree in Computer Science teaches you to approach technical problems creatively. It also gives you the information and understanding to find ground-breaking solutions to the world’s emerging problems. The course will also equip you with the practical skills to approach the specification, design, construction and use of computer systems. Employer experience is paramount in this this course, from day one you will learn from prospective employers about ‘real world’ challenges. Industry placements, company sponsored hackathons and project-based learning form a core part of the curriculum and vastly improve our graduate employability rates.

Queen’s University Belfast is a historic college located in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and one of the UK’s most affordable cities to live in. It is a member of the Russell Group - the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities which are the equivalent to the Ivy League in the USA. It offers students an outstanding education that draws upon its rich heritage and combines it with contemporary facilities and experiential learning.

You can expect a warm Irish welcome in Belfast. 93% of American Students feel there is a friendly attitude towards international students at Queen’s (ISB 2022) so you will feel right at home.

University Stats

Total Enrolment:
25,000
Undergraduate numbers:
16,000+
Male/Female split:
42% Male/Female 58%
Location:
Belfast, Northern Ireland (1 hour flight from London)
International student numbers:
3,900
Notable alumni:
Seamus Heaney, John Stewart Bell, Mary McAleese, Mary Robinson

Entry Requirements

Please note that there is no requirement to have completed the necessary testing requirements at the point of application to study at Queen’s. We operate a conditional offer system, meaning that you can apply before you have completed testing. This means that your offer letter would be conditional upon completing your exams at a later point.

When submitting your application it is essential that you provide details of predicted scores for tests/exams you are due to take in Senior Year, as well as achieved scores for all tests/qualifications you have already completed. Failure to do so will delay the processing of your application.

The grades required for admission to our undergraduate Bachelor degree programmes will vary according to your chosen course of study. Please check our Course Finder for detailed entry requirements which are normally expressed in terms of three A-level grades. The comparable US qualifications and grade requirements are shown in the table below. Subject-specific requirements must be met.

An Honors/College level class or SAT I or ACT test may be accepted in place of one AP or SAT Subject test, where the A-level requirement for the course is AAB or lower:

A-level Grade - A B C
Advanced Placement (AP) 5 4 3
SAT II Subject Test 700 650 600
SAT 1 1350 (min 700, 650) 1290 (min 620, 650) 1250 (min 620, 620)
ACT 28 27 26
Honors/College Course A+ B+ C+
High School Graduation Diploma 3.5 3.2 3.0

For example, if the requirement is BBB at A-level, the following combination is possible:

Two from
• Advanced Placement Test with minimum Grade 4
• SAT II Subject Test with minimum score of 650

Plus one from
• Honors/College level course with minimum Grade B+
• SAT I test with a minimum of 1290 (with a minimum of 620 in Mathematics, and 650 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section)
• ACT test with a score of 27

Subjects cannot be counted twice, ie. if you are submitting an AP in US History, you cannot also submit a SAT Subject test or Honors course in US History.

If A-level Mathematics is a course requirement, Advanced Placement Calculus (AB or BC) at grade 4 or higher is required.

Please note that Queen’s University Belfast has institutional codes for the following College Board Exams. You can send score reports directly to Queen’s using the following codes:
ACT: 7799
SAT and AP: 7753

• Applicants who have successfully completed an Associate Degree with an overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 awarded by a recognised US institution will be considered for admission to Stage 1 of an undergraduate degree programme. Any subject requirements must be met.

• Applications are welcomed from applicants completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD). Scores of between 30 and 36 points overall are required depending on individual course requirements. Information on required grades.

For more comprehensive details please click here

Contact Queen’s University Belfast

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Quick Facts

Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, became an independent university in 1908.
Belfast is now a leading global location for investment projects and major developments in innovation and enterprise.
93% of US students satisfied with friendly attitude towards international students, 96% feel safe and secure (ISB 2022).
Ranked in world top 170 for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 22)
Belfast is in the safest region in the UK (UK Crime Surveys 2021/22)