Originally founded in 1845, but only beginning its academic activity four years after its founding, the university has had over a century to establish itself with the acclaim that it has so far received.
In 2006, the university became one of what became 24 research universities to gain entrance into the prestigious Russell Group, a self-selected association that represents the United Kingdom’s (UK) version of the ivy league.
Furthermore, the university recently inducted its first female Chancellor, former United States (US) Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. This act represents a break in the boundaries of patriarchal traditions, which is just one of the ways the university has attempted to enact social change.
Other social initiatives uptaken by the institution include attempts towards improving sustainability, striving towards social justice and equality, and finding solutions for local challenges, to name a few.
Success in these initiatives would require efficient research attempts, which the university is accustomed to, having been ranked in joint first position for Research Intensity in the UK in 2021.
Other factors that may draw prospective students to the university include the Belfast environment. For instance, according to a 2021 ranking, Belfast has the lowest cost of living in the UK, which is ideal for student life.
Furthermore, the scenery is also well regarded, with the university having fallen in the top ten most beautiful historic universities in the UK according to a 2020 ranking.
Furthermore, the Queen’s University Belfast has much to offer prospective students with a variety of schools available from which to study under a number of faculties, such as the following:
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Arts, English and Languages
- School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics
- School of Law
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
- Queen’s Management School
- The Senator George J. MitchellInstitute for Global Peace, Security and Justice
- Institute of Irish Studies
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- School of Mathematics and Physics
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- School of Natural and Built Environment
- School of Psychology
- Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Pharmacy
In addition to these schools, there are even more institutes and centres for education between the different faculties which can be found on the Queen’s University Belfast’s official school website, along with even more information.