Queen's University Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast is a globally recognised institution and a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities. Established in 1845, it combines academic excellence with a rich educational heritage, delivering world-class education in one of the UK’s most affordable student cities. Located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital, the university offers a diverse and inclusive community of over 25,000 students, representing more than 90 nationalities worldwide. Around 30% of its learning community are postgraduate students.

Queen’s is a top ranked university and has earned an international reputation for pioneering research, winning the Queen’s Anniversary Prize seven times. It is also among the UK’s top 10 most beautiful universities, blending Victorian architecture with cutting-edge facilities across its £700 million redeveloped campus. Students benefit from career-focused teaching, strong links with global employers, and a supportive academic environment designed to nurture talent and ambition.

Students at Queen’s enjoy access to outstanding resources, expert faculty, and a thriving student life.

Queen’s University Belfast students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Studying at Queens university has been an incredible journey so far, full of challenges and growth."

“Overall it's all good.”

“I am happy and proud to be a student of this university."

Postgraduate

Queen’s is a dedicated educational hub for taught and research postgraduate students, fostering a collaborative environment of world-class teaching, innovation, and cross-disciplinary engagement. The university ranks 13th in the UK for research intensity (Complete University Guide 2026).

Approximately 91% of QUB graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of completing their course, and the university ranks 9th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)

Queen’s boasts over 300 postgraduate programmes, including taught master's degrees, diplomas, and certificates across a diverse range of disciplines.

Courses are delivered through lectures, seminars, lab or studio work, and industrial placements where available. With 99% of its research environment rated world‑leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021, the university is an excellent place to study a postgraduate degree. Queen’s excels specifically in pharmacy, nursing, performing arts, and social policy, each ranked among the global top 100.

Students at QUB are mentored by a team of highly qualified and widely experienced teaching staff, who are passionate about the success of their students, and able to communicate with learners from all backgrounds. Students have access to a virtual learning environment (VLE) for lecture capture, online materials, and digital collaboration. This ensures a modern hybrid learning experience that complements face-to-face sessions. Overall, Queen’s provides a broad yet specialised academic offering supported by strong industry relevance.

Queen’s University Belfast students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The lectures are engaging and promote individual further study and research."

“Fantastic lecturers, interesting content and again staff that actually care about us as people.”

“The course is well structured and it is up to date.”

Postgraduate admissions criteria for Queen’s vary depending on the specific programme being applied to, but most taught master’s courses require a 2:1 (or equivalent) undergraduate degree. Specific subjects or professional backgrounds may be required for professional programmes; for example, pharmacy requires a relevant healthcare degree, while engineering degrees may expect engineering or STEM-related subject.

Applicants from non-English speaking countries must typically provide proof of English language proficiency, with a score of IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0) or equivalent. Those who do not meet the required standard for entry can enrol on foundation programmes which bring them up to the level required for postgraduate study, including public health and business pre‑master’s or diploma programmes.

Postgraduate research applicants require a research proposal, academic transcripts, and references. Selected candidates may be invited for interviews. Queen’s has January and September intakes for many programmes and offers open days plus virtual events for applicants to explore course options and campus environments.

Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities, and ranks 13th among this group overall. Its urban campus hosts 21 subjects within the world’s top 200, and in REF 2021, an outstanding 99% of QUB research was considered world-leading or internationally excellent, particularly in fields like pharmacy, nursing, performing arts, and social policy. The university supports cross-disciplinary research across more than 70 subject areas, including cyber security, biotechnology, and education.

Academic staffing includes two Nobel laureates, one Turing Award winner, and numerous professors delivering international calibre work in cyber research. Queen’s is home to the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT), housing the UK's largest cyber security research centre, CSIT, with over £30 million of funding.

Postgraduate students engage with research-led innovation through the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School, where they benefit from mentoring, access to research networks, and opportunities to publish.

Queen’s University Belfast students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The university is best and also the curriculum is perfectly aligned with the student schedule.”

“One of the biggest reliefs is how supportive the university is, whether it’s academic guidance, career services, or mental health support.”

“An excellent place to study, so far nothing negative about my experience.”

Queen’s University Belfast ensures its postgraduate students are highly employable through structured career development opportunities. 91% of QUB postgraduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation, and the university is ranked 9th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026).

The Graduate School offers one-to-one career consultations, workshops on CVs, interviews, job searches, and a tailored ‘Master Your Leadership’ programme designed to enhance leadership and employability skills. Apprenticeships include GraduatePlus projects, which provide structured employer-led challenges where students can gain real-world experience.

Queen’s local and national employer network supports placements and live projects, particularly in health, IT, and engineering disciplines. Additionally, career fairs and mentorship programmes strengthen professional connections, as well as the university’s widespread community of alumni.

This combination of strong outcomes, employer recognition, and skills-focused training positions QUB postgraduates for career success across a variety of global industries.

Queen’s University Belfast students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The university offers Employability Skills and Academic English classes, which add significant value to the student experience."

“Part-time jobs can be provided.”

“It's really good.”

Student union

The Students’ Union, ranked number one in the UK in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025, is the heart of student life on campus. Situated across from the historic Lanyon building, it has everything you’d expect, from bars and entertainment venues to student kitchen facilities. There are spaces to relax, shops, cafes, and tech-friendly study zones.

The SU is led by a team of six Student Officers who are here to represent you and your views.

Your time at University is about so much more than getting a degree. It’s about making lifelong friends, discovering new passions, developing skills and having incredible experiences that you’ll remember forever.

Clubs and societies

Students at Queen’s have lots of opportunities to meet new people, discover new passions, develop skills, and have incredible experiences. This could be by joining some of the 240 student-run clubs and societies, getting involved with the local community through volunteering schemes, taking part in programmes and competitions that foster entrepreneurship or attending some of the 400 plus events held, which vary from fairs, workshops, charity events, awards and more. Students can also access free, confidential advice concerning academic, conduct, money and housing issues throughout the academic year.

Queen’s University Belfast students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Student life is vibrant, with plenty of clubs, events, and meetups that help you connect with others.”

“The students union is the best in the UK and Ireland, that I have seen, though I am biased. The university itself genuinely cares about its students, is well run and I have watched it steadily improve over the last few years.”

“It is internationally friendly and vibrant place especially the SU.”

City life

Life at Queen’s is about so much more than lectures. Right in the heart of Belfast, the campus is buzzing with things to do and places to explore. Whether you're grabbing a coffee with friends, catching a film at the Queen’s Film Theatre or relaxing in the Botanic Gardens next door, there’s always something going on.

One Elmwood brings Student Services and the Students’ Union together under one roof—creating a space where support, study, and social life seamlessly blend from your first question to your final year.

Queen’s also has top sports facilities, so whether you’re into fitness, team sports or just trying something new, you’ll find your place. With a friendly, diverse student community and a city full of culture, food and nightlife, Queen’s offers a student experience that’s exciting, supportive and full of opportunities to make the most of your time at uni. 

Accommodation

Queen’s has a range of attractive student housing options, including over 3,500 rooms available via university-managed halls and external partners. Postgraduate contracts of 38 to 51 weeks are available, all-inclusive of utilities, internet access, and contents insurance

Queen’s offers purpose-built postgraduate residences like Willow Walk (studio and multi-bed apartments close to campus) and city flats near Botanic Avenue. These postgraduate-tailored options suit a diverse range of preferences and budgets.

Halls of residence include 24/7 safety teams, residential life events, and free QUB Sport membership. International postgraduates in Medicine, Health & Life Sciences also receive a £1,000 accommodation award when living in halls.

Facilities

The main Queen’s campus offers extensive learning and research facilities, including fully modernised libraries, labs, lecture theatres, and media studios, supported by the Graduate School. The university’s state-of-the-art Belfast campus provides effective IT services, high-speed Wi‑Fi, and on-site shops, cafés, and healthcare, making daily postgraduate life convenient and enjoyable.

Sport membership unlocks sports halls, gyms, fitness studios, and advanced performance suites, ensuring all students can stay active and exercised during their studies.

Queen’s University Belfast students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Amazing facility.”

“The facilities are top-notch, with well-equipped libraries, quiet study areas, and modern classrooms that make studying more comfortable.”

“Pretty good. Lots of facilities, active campus"

Queen’s offers a wide range of tailored support for postgraduate students. The Graduate School provides academic and administrative guidance such as visa advice and progress monitoring, and hosts a range of inductions, workshops, and networking events.

Personal tutors are assigned to each student to offer academic mentoring and pastoral care throughout their studies, ensuring continuity and well-being support. These tutors are often the first point-of-contact for any issues with academics, or personal development.

The Student Plus service supports student well-being by offering counselling, mental-health resources, and skills development workshops on topics like time management and resilience. A strong emphasis is placed on accessibility: disabled students can access support plans, assistive technology, and inclusive learning adjustments.

Additional specialist support includes the international student team (visa guidance, study adjustment), the careers network (career development, internships), and the legal advice centre—which provides pro bono legal guidance.

All services are accessible via Queen’s comprehensive online platform and the central student guidance centre.

Queen’s University Belfast students on Postgraduate Search say:

“The course gave us the wide aspects of knowledge which surely gonna impact our career journey.”

“There are moments when deadlines pile up, and the pressure of adapting to a new environment feels heavy. But what makes it manageable is the structured support system in place.”

“QUB is an excellent place to study for people with disabilities- their efforts around inclusivity and access are excellent."

Queen’s is committed to supporting its postgraduate students through every stage of their education. There is a wide range of scholarships and bursaries tailored particularly for postgraduate students, with funds dedicated to ensuring that all students have the resources needed to complete their education in comfort and confidence.

The Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship awards up to 50% tuition fee discount to outstanding international taught applicants.

The Stephen Livingstone Scholarship, Kyle Scholarship, and County Antrim Grand Jury Bursary, are available through individual schools like Law and Arts, with awards typically up to £7,500 and varying by programme.

Applicants are automatically considered for university-wide awards upon applying; additional funds may be available through specific departments.

Taught

Queen’s offers a diverse portfolio of taught postgraduate programmes including MSc, MA, MBA, and PGCert courses, in areas such as engineering, health, education, law, and arts and humanities. Most master’s degrees are run over one year full-time or two years part-time, featuring a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, lab work, and industry placement projects.

Modules are supported through the QUB Virtual Learning Environment for recorded lecture archives, online coursework submission, peer communication, and resource sharing. Most programmes feature a supervised dissertation or major project.

Research

Postgraduate research programmes pan diverse disciplines, supported by the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School. Supervisors guide candidates through structured research training, grant-writing workshops, and conference participation, fostering expertise in both academic and applied research. These degrees typically follow a three-year full-time or up to six-year part-time timeline.

Distance learning

Queen’s offers flexible distance learning options for a variety of programmes, which are delivered via a dynamic online platform that integrates recorded lectures, live seminars, and interactive case-study work. Students receive e-learning support and can engage with peers and faculty remotely. Assessment is conducted online, with dissertations and project supervision completed virtually. This model offers career-minded professionals the flexibility to study internationally while maintaining work-life balance.