find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses


Posted Dec. 4, 2024

QUB – Queen's University Belfast

Shaping a better world since 1845, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is an independent institution that is well known and much loved for its history, heritage, outstanding facilities and research excellence.

QUB’s dedicated Graduate School is a leading global hub for postgraduate study and opportunities. Its student-centred ethos means that this Russell Group university is the place to share ideas, develop new partnerships and broaden your horizons…

Introducing QUB

Queen’s University Belfast – known simply as Queen’s to the students and staff that call it home – is one of the UK’s most prestigious academic institutions. The university is steeped in history, and was established as one of three Queen’s Colleges in Ireland before becoming an independent university in 1908.

Today, QUB is renowned for its contributions to education, research and culture, a reputation that has led to its recognition as a global institution that attracts students and staff from more than 90 countries to study and teach across a number of disciplines.

Rankings and reputation

UK-wide assessment Research Excellence Framework (REF) provides a reliable benchmark for those looking for a university that puts research quality first. According to the latest REF results, 99% of the research environment at Queen’s University Belfast was assessed as “world-leading or internationally excellent”.

The same research revealed that the university ranked 1st in the UK for research excellence in the fields of agriculture, veterinary and food sciences; 4th for health and biomedical sciences; and 8th for law.

Even long after your postgraduate course has come to an end, the support networks and entrepreneurial initiatives accessible to QUB students ensure graduates are well-prepared, and able to lead and innovate in their respective fields. The Complete University Guide 2025 ranked Queen’s 9th in the UK for graduate prospects, with 91% of QUB graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of course completion.

Course options and opportunities

The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support cutting-edge research and innovation. Its award-winning McClay Library houses extensive collections and advanced digital resources. While QUB’s world-class research centres – including the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine – are also revered for empowering postgraduate students to push the boundaries of knowledge across many fields, such as engineering, medicine, arts and humanities.

Their equally world-renowned Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) continues to develop, offering the best opportunities to Queen’s students. The ECIT’s recently opened (and soon to be expanded) Momentum One Zero innovation centre is the latest addition to the university’s facilities. We’ll let the team at Momentum One Zero explain more about their mission:

“Momentum One Zero enables economic growth and delivers civic value in key sectors by solving business and societal problems through research and innovation in advanced digital technologies (‘secure connected intelligence’) and through the power of data. Led by Queen's University, we are leading in digital technology and data innovation to create sustainable economic growth for generations to come.”

Life as a QUB postgrad

The vibrant city of Belfast is a down to earth yet exciting place to be, making it one of the best student cities in the UK. It’s a city that offers great food and drink, culture, arts and shopping, not to mention an inspiring music scene. For students in particular, Belfast is an ideal location, with its ease and affordability, making it practically perfect in every way.

According to NatWest’s Student Living Index 2024, Belfast is the most affordable student city in the UK. The cost of living is, in fact, £174 cheaper each month for students in Northern Ireland when compared to the wider UK average.

Find out more today

There are currently almost 400 postgraduate courses to explore at Queen’s University Belfast. Discover more today by starting your search for the perfect postgraduate course right here.

Related articles

Top 10 Things To Do If You’re A Postgrad Student In Belfast

Belfast Proves To Be A Great Place To Be A PG Student

Queen's University Belfast

Leave a comment