IFSA Queen’s University Belfast
- Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Belfast is a modern capital city, welcoming, easy to get around and an affordable place in which to live and study. It’s also within the safest region in the UK (UK Crime Surveys 2018/19). The city is best explored on foot or by bike, and the central campus means that most places are within a short walking distance with student travel discounts widely available for public transport.
Belfast has it all:
- A world-class arts and culture scene ranging from intimate galleries to international artists
- The cobblestoned streets of the Cathedral Quarter are home to pubs and live music
- A city centre with worldwide brands, independent boutiques, and artisan markets
- Local and international markets, shops, and restaurants throughout the city and campus, so you’ll never get bored of the cuisine
In Northern Ireland, you’re never far from spectacular scenery. Mountains, forests and stunning coastlines make up the rich landscape of the region, and activities like mountain biking, surfing and golf are popular. Belfast and the nearby Causeway Coast were named No.1 region in the world to visit in 2018 by the Lonely Planet. It’s easy to see why the Northern Ireland was chosen as the one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones!
- Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK (Which? University, 2018)
- Belfast and the Causeway Coast named the Number 1 region in the world to visit in 2018 (Lonely Planet, 2017)
- Northern Ireland is the happiest place in the UK (Office of National Statistics, 2016)
- Northern Ireland named world’s best food destination (International Travel and Tourism Awards, 2018)
- Visa:
U.S. citizens entering the United Kingdom for a stay of less than six months do not need a visa. They apply for prior entry clearance as a ‘student visitor’. Students who plan to work while abroad (voluntary work, internships, placements, part-time work, or vacation work) must apply for a Student Route visa. If students plan to stay in the UK for longer than six months, they must apply for a Student Route visa.
Non-US citizens should consult with Queen’s University Belfast and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition only to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting tuition payments to the program. Students pay room and board fees directly to IFSA.
Academic Overview
Requirements
See minimum GPA.
Direct Enrollment
Founded in 1845, Queen’s University Belfast is the ninth oldest university in the UK. As well as being ranked in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021) Queen’s is a proud member of the UK’s elite Russell Group of research intensive universities. This marks Queen’s as one of the most exceptional teaching universities in the country, alongside heavyweights such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London. The quality of teaching is recognized as being of the highest standard and students are taught by academics passionate about the latest discoveries in their fields.
Academic Credit
QUB follows the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Students are normally required to take 30 ECTS credits each semester in order to receive full academic credit. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
The Music department is one of the best in Britain. Anthropology, Archaeology, Byzantine Studies, Drama, English, Irish Studies, and Modern History are also highly ranked departments. Limited number of internships available with local broadcast media, political parties, theater groups and government commissions. Recommended for Peace and Conflict studies.
Course Highlights
Accounting, Agriculture & Environmental Science, American Studies, Anthropology, Applied Mathematics, Archeology, Architecture, Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Byzantine Studies, Celtic Studies, Chemistry, Cities, Civil Engineering, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Drama, Economics, Education, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering, English, Environmental Engineering, Ethnomusicology, European Film Studies, Finance, French, Genetics, Geography, Geology, German, Greek, Health Studies, Ancient History, Modern History, History of Art, History of Science, Irish Studies, Italian, Latin, Law, Management, Music, Music Technology, Pathology, Peace and ConSlict Study, Physics, Physiology, Politics, Psychology, Public Health, Sociology, Social Policy, Spanish, Statistics, Theology, Urban Studies, Welsh, and Women’s Studies.
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
Arranged by IFSA
Number of Students
Approximately 15,000 students of whom 2,400 are international students (about 1,500 from Ireland and a larger portion of the remaining students coming from the US and Canada).
Housing/Meal Plans
Residence hall/dormitory. Haverford students may not opt for housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
Options
- Semester
- STEM Courses Offered
- Direct Enrollment
Dates
- Semester I: Mid-September to mid-January
- Semester II: Early January to early June
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 5
- Semester II: October 5