Founded in 1845, Queen’s has a long tradition of excellence and is in the premier league of UK research-intensive universities. It has a record of achievement in front line research, first-class education and a commitment to internationalisation and has celebrated 100 years as a leader in higher education.

There are over 17,000 students from over 80 countries, 3,500 staff and 100,000 graduates. Many of our academic staff originate or were educated abroad.

A member of the Russell Group of leading UK research institutions, the University is investing £259 million in new staff and new improved student facilities. At the heart of this is the new £50 million McClay Library, which opened in 2009, a new student village which cost £45 million, and the Students’ Union, refurbished at a cost of £9 million, including an area for students to improve their enterprise and employability skills. Queen’s has also introduced Degree Plus; a new award providing official recognition of extra-curricular activities and achievements and to help graduates in the job market.

The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise showed more than half of the University’s submission rated as world-leading or internationally excellent and Queen’s ranked in the UK’s top ten in 11 subject areas. Music, English and anthropology produced the highest grades.

The University district, which is among the most attractive in Belfast, is one of the city’s main cultural and recreational areas. Queen’s runs a highly successful arts festival each November, has its own art gallery and has the only cultural cinema in Belfast. Another £2 million has been invested in arts facilities, with the opening of the Brian Friel Centre for Theatre Research, featuring a 120-seat studio theatre.