The University is committed to ensuring inequalities are reduced and eliminated within Queen's University. This page details the policies and procedures that ensure this is happening. 

Non-discriminatory admissions policy

Queen's University has both a Undergraduate and Postgraduate Admissions Policy that is non-discriminatory. The policies and accompanying procedures are transparent, fair and consistently applied. 

Tracking applications associated with underrepresented groups

The University tracks and measures applications and admissions for all major underrepresented (and potentially underrepresented) groups. Our Widening Access and Participation Plan details the methodology, priorities and objectives. 

Recruitment of students, staff and faculty from under-represented groups

A number of actions are undertaken by the University to recruit students, staff and faculty from under-represented groups. This includes the Pathway Opportunity Programme, which has been supporting students since it began in 2017. Since then, it has seen over 1750 students pass through its Pathways, receiving support in study and academic skills, university applications and confidence building activities. The programme was put in place to encourage, and recruit, students whose parents did not attend University. 

'Behind the Scenes at Queen's' is an annual event hosted by People and Culture. Taking place in 2023-2024, this informal event showcased Queen’s University Belfast as an inclusive employer.

The University has a range of mentoring, counselling and peer support programmes to support staff and students from underrepresented groups. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

Queen's Diversity and Inclusion Team ensures the University has a culture that is inclusive at all levels, in every system and process.

The University is committed to the promotion of equality of opportunity and to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and student body, in pursuance of the principle of equality of opportunity which was enshrined in the University’s Charter of 1908. The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy details how the university provides equality of opportunity and treatment to all. 

For many years supporting disabled students and staff at Queen’s University has been a key priority. Support – whether by providing accessible facilities in many of our new and refurbished buildings, providing information, resources, training and advice or helping develop peoples’ skills and confidence through programmes such as our Inclusive Employment Scheme is all part of the process of ensuring that we provide a modern, accessible, and rewarding environment for all staff and students. The University has a Disability Action Plan for staff and a student Disability Policy. 

Queen's Accommodation are committed to providing all our students with the accommodation that is best suited to their needs. They work closely with the disability and wellbeing teams to ensure a wide range of facilities are available for students in accommodation.

Anti-harassment and bullying

The University is committed to promoting a positive, respectful and harmonious working environment in which no-one feels bullied, harassed, or intimidated. Prevention of bullying and harassment is achieved via the procedures detailed in the  Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy which. 

We are fortunate to have a number of trained Anti-Harassment Advisors on campus at Queen's University.  Anti-Harassment Advisors work in a variety of roles across campus, providing a confidential information service to staff on issues relating to bullying, harassment and discrimination.