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FAQs

Find the answers to the questions we get asked the most

Q: Where is Queen’s University Belfast?

A: Queen’s University is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Belfast is just a short flight from all other major UK cities, including London, Edinburgh and Manchester. We are also just a couple of hours' drive from Dublin. Please click on this link for more information

http://www.qub.ac.uk/Discover/Living-in-Northern-Ireland/Getting-here/

 

Q: Can I study part-time at Queen’s University?

A: Yes, there are many courses that can be studied part-time. Enter the course you are interested in via the Coursefinder link. Click on the name of the course and under the heading ‘attendance’, it will note if the course is full-time or part-time.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/ 

 

Q: How do I apply for undergraduate study at Queen’s University?

A: Application for undergraduate study is via the UCAS application. Please click on the link to find out more information

http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/ 


Q: When should I apply for undergraduate study at Queen’s University?

A: UCAS will start processing applications for entry in Autumn 2017 from 1 September 2016. The normal closing date for the receipt of applications is 15 January 2017.

 

Q: What are the entry requirements for Queen’s?

A: For the general entry requirements, English Language requirements for International Students and Course Requirements, please click on this link for the details

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/MRCI/admissions/UndergraduateAdmissions/EntranceRequirements/GeneralEntranceRequirements/

 

Q: How much are the undergraduate fees at Queen’s University?

A: For information on undergraduate fees, please click on this link

http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/Fees-and-scholarships/Tuition-fees/

 

Q: Are there different payment options?

A: Yes, there are different payment options, please click on this link for the details

http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/Paymentoptions/

 

Q: How much are the international fees at Queen’s University?

A: Queen’s University fees are very competitive. Please click on this link for more information

http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-tuition-fees/

 

Q: Does Queen’s University offer international scholarships?

A: Yes, Queen’s University offers international scholarships. Please click this link for the details

http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/

 

Q: What are the different degree levels?

A: There are three levels of degrees:

  1. A Bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate programme. There are different types of degrees e.g. Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc).
  2. A Master's degree is a postgraduate taught (class based) programme. They typically take 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time) to complete. There are different types of degrees e.g. Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Business Administration (MBA).
  3. A Doctoral / PhD degree is a postgraduate research programme. PhD students work with an assigned supervisor. It may take several years to complete a dissertation or a research project. There are different types of degrees e.g. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Juris Doctor (JD).

 

Q: How long does it take to complete a degree at Queen’s?

A: An undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) takes three years full-time to complete. A Master's degree (MA/MSc) takes one year full-time, and a PhD takes three years full-time.

 

Q: Are there opportunities to study abroad?

A: Yes, students from the majority of subject areas have the opportunity to travel to one of the University’s partner institutions around the world. E.g.

  • Erasmus offers students the opportunity to study for either one semester or a full academic year in one of 31 different European countries. Erasmus provides financial support for full-time students and is open to all levels in the majority of disciplines.
  • Study USA is a 12-month programme in which students can study business-related courses at a US church-affiliated university or college. Places are available at one of over 100 institutions in the US. Students do not need to be from a business background to apply. Study USA is open to full-time, pre-final year students of any discipline.
  • Other University exchange placements – formal agreements exist with the universities of Newcastle (New South Wales, Australia), Queen’s University, Kingston (Ontario, Canada) and University of Alberta (Alberta, Canada). The time spent at the university overseas will directly replace the period you would have spent at Queen’s and will count towards your degree.

For more information, visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Studyabroad/  

 

Q: What is a joint degree?

A: Joint degrees allow you to study two different subjects. In each year of the degree you will normally study an equal amount of both subjects through a mix of core, optional and in many cases interdisciplinary modules. Students will normally have the opportunity and in some instances be required to complete a dissertation in one of their chosen subjects. Placement opportunities also exist.

Q: Does Queen’s offer joint degrees?

A: Yes, many of the degree subjects can be taken as part of a joint honours degree. Over 30 joint honours degrees are available. The most popular joint honours degrees include:

  • Law and Politics
  • Economics and Accounting
  • Economics with Finance
  • French and Spanish
  • English and History
  • Drama and English
  • History and Politics
  • History and International Studies
  • History and Anthropology
  • Philosophy and Politics
  • Criminology and Social Policy
  • Criminology and Sociology

Q: What is a major-minor degree?

A: In a major-minor degree, two-thirds of the study is dedicated to the first named subject; the other third to the second subject e.g. Economics with French (Major – Economics, Minor – French); English with Creative Writing (Major – English, Minor – Creative Writing).

 

Q: What is the academic calendar?

A: New students are expected to be available for Welcome Week each year. All students are expected to be available for all teaching during the academic year and the full examination period and should note the dates of supplementary examinations each summer. Due to the nature of the course, some courses have additional teaching/placements/ professional practice requirements which fall outside of the normal semester dates. Students are advised to check with their School to confirm any additional attendance requirements outside of these dates.

 

For information on the semester dates, please visit

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/SemesterDates/

Q: Are there any placement opportunities?

A: Yes, a growing number of courses include a term-time placement in Year 3. Recent student placements have covered a multitude of industries and organisations including:

  • Allstate (Chicago and Belfast)
  • JP Morgan (London)
  • Judge shadowing
  • KPMG (Belfast and Luxembourg)
  • Lord Chief Justice’s Office
  • NGO Operation Wallacea
  • Northern Ireland Assembly
  • Arts Council of Northern Ireland
  • BBC
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dublin)
  • Equality Commission
  • Lyric Theatre
  • Police Service of Northern Ireland

Q: Does Queen’s offer any careers advice?
A: Yes, Queen’s offers career guidance, information and advice to help you develop your ideas, formulate a career plan and achieve your goals. We help you connect with employers, develop your skills and get international work and study experience. To find out more, visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/  

Q: Does Queen’s offer any disability assistance?
A: Yes, Queen’s Disability Services will help to arrange the support you need both within your chosen course and within the wider University community.

We currently provide support to students with a wide range of disabilities, including:

  • Physical and mobility difficulties
  • Visual impairments
  • Hearing impairments
  • Medical conditions
  • Specific learning difficulties e.g. dyslexia
  • Mental health difficulties

A Disability Officer will be available to arrange a support package based on your assessed needs and designed according to the requirements of your particular course of study and the resources at our disposal.

For more information, visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/disability/ 

 

Q: Are there Clubs and Societies that I can join at Queen’s?

A: Yes, with over 200 clubs, all of them student-led, there’s something for everyone. To find out more, visit https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/student-life/Clubs-and-societies/  

Q: What are the sports facilities like at Queen’s?

A: Sports facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness training and weights area, four studios, 25m swimming and diving pool, two multi-purpose sports halls, martial arts area, two climbing walls, eight squash courts, two handball courts and outdoor 3G grass pitches. To find out more, visit http://www.queenssport.com/

Q: Are there childcare facilities at Queen’s?
A: Yes, Queen’s offers a range of childcare support, including full-time day care, out-of-school care and a summer activities scheme. To find our more, visit https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/StudentPlus/ChildcareatQueens/

 

Q: Can I study a language as part of my degree?

A: Some degree programmes include a language e.g. BSc International Business with French. In addition, you can study at the Language Centre.  To find out more, visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/InformationServices/LanguageCentre/

 

Q: What are the English language requirements?

A: Queen's accepts the IELTS Academic (both SELT and non-SELT), and TOEFL internet-based tests for direct admission to undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, if taken within the past two years. Other tests which may be accepted by the University for direct admission to degree programmes are listed here http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/

 

Q: What is pre-sessional English?
A: Pre-sessional English provides high quality Academic English lessons which prepare international students for academic study at Queen’s.

This course is designed to:

  • improve your English language proficiency in the core skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, within a university context
  • focus on subject-related work in your chosen area of study including a written project
  • help you to study independently using our extensive online materials.

For more information, visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/Pre-sessional-English/

 

 

School of Law FAQs 

Q: What are the options for undergraduate study at Queen’s?

A: The School of Law offers a range of undergraduate courses including LLB Law and joint degrees with Languages and Politics. Please click on this link to find out more

https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/study/undergraduate/ 

 

Q: I am interested in studying for a Masters’ degree. Which Law programmes are available at Queen’s University?

A: The School of Law offers a range of Masters’ programmes including International Business Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice. Please click on this link to find out more

https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/study/postgraduate-taught/ 

 

Q: I am interested in studying a PhD in Law. What topics are available?

A: The School of Law offers a range of topic areas including human rights, criminology and criminal justice, governance, commercial law and arbitration. To hear from our PhD student click on this link

https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/study/postgraduate-research/ 

 

Q: What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Law?

A: Normally applicants should hold a primary degree in law of 1st or 2.1 class (or equivalent), and have completed or be in the process of completing a Master's degree in a relevant law-related discipline.  However, students with outstanding primary degrees who can demonstrate evidence of relevant research skills and potential will also be given consideration.  Students for whom English is not your native language must have an IELTS score of 7 or above (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component), or equivalent.

 

Q: Why study Law at Queen’s?

A: There are many reasons to study Law at Queen’s e.g.

  • The Law School has strong links with the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Northern Ireland Assembly (all based in Belfast). This gives you a unique opportunity to meet law makers and leading judges.
  • The new £20 Million law school features world class facilities to support an innovative culture of learning.
  • Our peer mentors are a group of current students from the School who provide support and guidance to our new students. Throughout the year the mentors organise a number of events for new students, from coffee mornings, through academic support (in a very general peer-to-peer manner), to social events such as games nights.
  • Employer engagement is a key strength of our courses, whether it be through placement opportunities, or through our London Study Tour.

Please click on this link to find out more reasons to study Law at Queen’s

https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/study/why-law-at-queens/ 

School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics FAQs

Q: What courses can I study?
A: There is a wide range of courses available – undergraduate, postgraduate, single and joint degrees. Please click on this link to find out more

https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/happ/subject-area/ 

 

Q: Where will a degree in Politics or Philosophy take you?

A: Our graduates have gone on to work in diverse fields such as the media, politics, consulting, PR, NGO work and much more. Please click on this link to find out about our graduates. 
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/happ/student-experience/happ-alumni/ 

 

Q: Are there placement opportunities on the BA Anthropology degree?

A: Yes there are placement opportunities e.g. current placement partners include:

  • Operation Wallacea, which works with teams of ecologists, scientists and academics on a variety of bio-geographical projects around the globe.
  • Belfast Migration Centre offers students of the module ‘Migration, Displacement and Diasporas’ internship opportunities in their ‘Belonging Project’.

School of Arts, English and Languages FAQs

Q: Are there funding and scholarship opportunities?

A: Yes, undergraduate funding, postgraduate funding and travel scholarships are available. Please click on the link to find out more

http://qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Study/FundingScholarships/

 

Q: What are the facilities like in the School?                        

A: Queen’s has invested in state-of-the-art facilities such as the Brian Friel Theatre, Film Studio, Sonic Laboratory, Queen’s Film Theatre and Music Concert Halls. Please click on the link to find out more

http://qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Discover/facilities/

 

Q: What courses can I study?
A: There is a wide range of courses available – undergraduate, postgraduate, single and joint degrees. Please click on this link to find out more

http://qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Study/

 

Q: Are there any work placement opportunities?

A: Yes, there is a diverse range of placements available with local industries in Belfast and beyond. Please click on this link to find out more

http://qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/businesscareers/workplacement/

 

Q: Where do Music graduates usually work?

A: Graduates in Music have found success throughout the UK and internationally, in both musical and non-musical careers. Our graduates have worked as professional musicians in a wide range of specialisms, including performance, composition and careers within the recording industry. Many of our graduates have also enjoyed successful careers in teaching and arts administration.

 

Q: Do you offer sign language courses?

A: The Language Centre offers sign language courses.  To find out more, visit http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/InformationServices/LanguageCentre/

School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work FAQs

Q: What undergraduate courses can I study?

A: There is a wide range of courses available – undergraduate, single and joint degrees. Please click on this link to find out more

https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/study/undergraduate/ 

 

Q: What postgraduate courses can I study?

A: There is a wide range of courses available – postgraduate taught and research. Please click on the links below to find out more:

https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/study/postgraduate-taught/ 

https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/study/postgraduate-research/ 

 

Q: Is the Social Work degree recognised in the UK?

A: The BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) degree is a professional qualification in Social Work accredited throughout the UK and recognised in the Republic of Ireland and elsewhere.

 

Q: What is a typical salary for Social Work graduates?

A: The typical starting salary of graduates six months after graduation is between £21,000 and £22,000 with 90% of graduates finding employment (Source: Unistats).

 

Q: What is Criminology?

A: Criminology focuses on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as how the criminal justice system respond to crime. Criminologists are interested in how activities come to be defined as criminal, and why definitions of crime vary across countries and over time. The subject includes a wide range of social and psychological theories that attempt to explain criminal behaviour and the effective operation of the criminal justice system.

 

Q: Does the PGCE course cover early years or post-primary teaching?

A: The PGCE course covers post-primary teaching only for the 11-18 year age range.

 

Q: Is the PGCE a full-time or a part-time course?

A: The PGCE course is a full-time 1 year course. Typically, Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. Optional courses are available in the evenings from 5-7pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day.

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