Finalising my firm and insurance choices for my UCAS application was one of my most stressful experiences of sixth form. I remember feeling so nervous that I wasn’t making the right choice and so I decided to visit each of the universities I was considering before submitting my final decision.

When I visited Queen’s University Belfast, I fell in love with the campus and had a strong feeling that this was the medical school for me. If you’re struggling to narrow down your options, here are 5 reasons why I chose to study medicine in Belfast and why I believe studying medicine at Queen’s is a great choice!

^{Find out more about Medicine at Queen's}

Excellent clinical teaching and early clinical contact

As a prospective medical student, it’s very important to consider the mode of teaching a medical school utilises to gauge whether it is a good fit for you. At Queen’s, medicine is taught using case based learning (CBL). Students meet to discuss patient cases and identify learning points. Personally, I find CBL is a great way to learn medicine, as it is takes a more active learning approach and also strengthens key skills all doctors need, like teamwork, communication and problem solving.

Queen’s also has a great simulation ward for clinical teaching and students receive early clinical contact through the Family Attachment scheme, which helps improve confidence when meeting patients.

^{Post clinical skills teaching!}

Research opportunities

Developing research skills is an important part of becoming a doctor, and there are plenty of opportunities as a medical student to become involved in research projects at Queen’s. Students can apply for a summer studentship with the medical school to gain exposure into a variety of fields including cancer research at the Patrick G Johnston Centre.

^{Find out more about the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research}

Wide range of medical societies

Queen’s has over 200 societies, and many of these are medical! The popular Scrubs society frequently runs revision nights closer to exams which are incredibly helpful to consolidate learning. There’s a society for nearly every speciality at Queen’s, some of my favourite ones include Women In Medicine (WOMED), Internal Medicine and Teddy Bear Hospital.

I think it’s great to join medical societies, as doing so has enabled me to meet students in other years and to network with different people!

^{Radhika and her friends at the annual SWOT toga event!}

Great career opportunities and facilities

Queen’s is ranked 1st in the UK for career prospects for Medicine, Midwifery, Mental Health Nursing; and Pharmacy and Pharmacology (Guardian University Guide 2024). Additionally, the university is part of the prestigious Russell Group and is committed to providing world-class facilities for students.

^{Find out more about facilities at Queen's}

Diverse cohort

As someone from a small city in Northern Ireland, prior to coming to Belfast I hadn’t met many people from around the world. Belfast is an incredibly diverse city and specifically, the medical school has several students from countries like the UAE, India, Malaysia, and more! I have enjoyed learning more about other cultures and the medicine course is continuously becoming more inclusive to reflect modern society, which is great for our learning!

Find out more

Study Medicine at Queen's

Also by Radhika: Things Not to Worry About Before Coming to University

A Guide to Medical Student Societies at Queen’s

Radhika Gupta Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Derry, Northern Ireland Hi! My name is Radhika, I’m 19 years old and originally from Derry. I’m currently a second-year medical student and so far, I’ve been loving my course and time in Belfast! I like to spend weekends exploring the city with my friends and trying to find good places to eat/drink. My hobbies include photography, reading and yoga! This year I’m trying to become more involved in university activities, so you may see me around campus as I’m a student ambassador, plus I also love spending time in the Student Union with my friends in the evenings! I’m a member of various medical societies like SWOT and WOMED, and also recreational societies like Chess and Arts!