Queen’s University Belfast welcomes students from the USA!
Queen’s University Belfast has a long and proud tradition of welcoming students from the USA. The University combines the best of tradition with a progressive outlook. Students from the United States have a wonderful opportunity to study at a premier UK institution and to experience life in an exciting and vibrant city.
Queen’s is an institution with a world-class academic reputation and facilities.As a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities, Queen’s is building on its tradition of excellence to secure a future for its students - the leaders of tomorrow. They can look forward to being taught to the highest standards by academics who are both world-class teachers and researchers.
The University offers three general study opportunities for students from North America:
Study Abroad
Over 50 visiting students from the USA come to study at Queen’s each year on the Study Abroad program. Visiting students spend either an academic year or semester studying at Queen’s, where they can choose from a broad range of courses.We work with a number of partners in the US, but students from any accredited university can apply.
Undergraduate Studies (Full Degree)
There are many advantages to pursuing an undergraduate degree at Queen’s.There is a wide range of courses to choose from, and the majority of them are only three years in length (unless they include a placement year).This can make studying in the UK a very cost effective option for American students.
Graduate Studies (Masters and PhDs)
The majority of our students from the US decide to pursue graduate work at Queen’s.The university offers Masters Degree programs that are generally one year in duration.Most of these include a combination of coursework and research.Students are also welcome to apply for PhD programs, which are research intensive and last three to four years.
Contact person
International Officer with responsibility for the USA:
The Study Abroad programme offers the opportunity for students, who are already enrolled at a university overseas, to take time out from their own institutions and spend either one semester or a full academic year at Queen’s.
Applicants normally should have completed one year of University undergraduate study at the time of application and should hold a CGPA of 3.0.Study abroad students are allowed to take modules (classes) across the whole range of university courses (there are some exceptions – medicine, etc.) as long as they meet the pre-requisites for the given course.
Where possible, students should discuss their plans to study abroad with the International Office/Study Abroad Office at their home institution to ensure transferability of credit, etc.Applications and enquires can be sent directly to the International Office at Queen’s.
Undergraduate (Full Degree)
In contrast to the US system, UK undergraduate applications are handled through a centralized clearinghouse. Therefore, application for admission to full-time undergraduate courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCASwebsite. With the exception of Medicine (where the closing date is 15 October) applications from international students are considered up to 30 June through the normal scheme. After that enquiries should be directed to the Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk)
Generally, applicants for undergraduate (Bachelors) degree programs should hold:
A US High School Diploma with a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
·An ACT test with a minimum score of 27 OR an SAT I test with a minimum score of 1800 (600 Critical Reading, 600 Writing and 600 Mathematics).
·A minimum of at least two Advanced Placement (AP) tests at Grade 4 OR two SAT II subject tests at 600 or above. In both cases, these should be in relevant subjects if there are specific course requirements.
The standards required for individual degree programs vary with higher requirements for the very competitive degree programmes, for example, Medicine, Law and Pharmacy.
International Baccalaureate entry requirements are listed in the Queen’s undergraduate prospectus and range from 27-37 points overall depending on the degree program.
Students may be expected to submit additional application materials and those interested in Medicine are advised that they should make arrangements to undertake the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (www.ukcat.ac.uk) during the summer prior to application.
Applicants should check with theAdmissions Officefor further guidance.
Postgraduate (Graduate)
Holders of a four-year Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 will be considered for direct admission to postgraduate (graduate) diploma or taught Master’s course. The taught Master’s Degree refers to a program that combines academic instruction as well as the completion of a written dissertation.
For most courses, your major subject or content of your Bachelor’s degree may also be considered.
Holders of a good four-year Bachelor’s degree and, normally, a good Master’s degree may be considered for admission to postgraduate research programmes (MPhil/PhD).
If English is not your native language, you will need to demonstrate a minimum level of English.Queen’s University requires the equivalent of 6.0 IELTS or 550/213 TOEFL.Some courses, however, have higher requirements (please check with the International Office).
Scholarships for Students from the USA
A list of sources of funding for postgraduate study can be found on the Queen’s UniversityPostgraduate Officewebsite.
There are a number of prestigious scholarships for US students which may be used for postgraduate study at Queen’s:
In 2009-10 Queen’s was very pleased to admit three Mitchell Scholars, and one Fulbright Postgraduate Student.
US Federal Loans
Many US students who are unable to secure a scholarship opt to finance their studies at Queen’s through US Federal Loans. Queen’s is approved by the US Department of Education for participation in the Federal Loan program.
Graduate students may apply for Stafford and Graduate Plus loans to cover the full cost of attendance at Queen’s, including tuition, housing, personal expenses, airfare, etc.
Undergraduate students may also apply for Stafford loans, and their parents may apply for Parent Plus loans.
The most accurate and up-to-date fee costs can be found on the Tuition and Fees website. The tuition fees for new students in the academic year 2009-10 will be as follows:
Undergraduate courses
Classroom-based courses:£9,418 ($15.045)
Courses with a laboratory or workshop component:£11,539 ($18,433)
Pre-clinical elements of medical and dental courses:£12,757 ($20,378)
Clinical elements of medical and dental courses:£24,066 ($38,433)
Postgraduate courses and research
Classroom-based courses: £9,418 ($15,045)
Courses with a laboratory or workshop component: £11,539 ($18,433)
Medical or dental courses involving clinical provision: £21,087 ($33,686)
All students are expected to pay their fees in British Pound Sterling.The USD equivalents are given as guidance only and were calculated on 1/6/2010 at an exchange rate of:
£1 GBP = $1.60
Exchange rates vary daily and can be checked at www.xe.com/ucc.
Northern Ireland is recognised by the British Council as having the lowest cost of living in the UK. We estimate, as a guide, that you should allow between £6000 and £7200 ($9,600 - $11,500) to cover your expenses for one year.
One of the University’s guiding principles is the recognition that knowledge knows no boundaries, and the forging of international partnerships is central to the realization of its Vision for the Future.Queen’s University has links with universities around the world and is committed to enhancing these partnerships still further.
The university is currently engaged in high levels of cooperation with Georgetown University, Boston College, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell.There are also a number of significant research links with institutions all across the United States.
The University also encourages study abroad partnerships with many institutions in US, although we do allow free-movers to apply from universities where there are no formal links.
Visits to the USA
The International Officer for North America makes frequent visits to the USA, and is very willing to meet with prospective students.
Upcoming visits planned to the States are:
DATE
LOCATION
CONTACT PERSON
22-26 Feb 2010
Texas
Bridget Carey (b.carey@qub.ac.uk)
14 March – 27 March 2010
Washington DC, Nashville, TN & Charlotte, North Carolina
Bridget Carey (b.carey@qub.ac.uk)
30 May – 6 June 2010
Kansas City, MO
Bridget Carey (b.carey@qub.ac.uk)
These may change regularly, so please check with the International Office regarding specific visits in your area.Additionally, if you would like to arrange a meeting with the International Officer, don’t hesitate to contact the office.
Societies/Clubs
Queen’s places a huge emphasis on its student experience and if you choose to attend Queen’s, you will be able to experience this in a number of ways. Social activity plays a huge role in the delivery of the Queen’s experience and is something all new and indeed current students should engage in. The University has a great sporting tradition and has provided this island with many of its greatest athletes across a broad range of sports.There are over 140 different student clubs and organizations – there is something for everyone!
Queen’s University Association, United States (QUAUS)
If you would like to correspond directly with an American student currently studying at Queen’s University Belfast, please contact the member of International Office staff named above. We will be pleased to put you in touch with current students, who will be able to give you first-hand information about studying at Queen’s.
Student Profiles
Don Beaudette from the USA
Degree: MA Irish Politics
For me, there were several factors that influenced my decision to come to Queen’s University. One of the keenest was its location in Belfast because it allowed me to study Irish politics from ground level. I was also very enthusiastic about working with the teaching staff in the School. The libraries also have a wide and varied collection of materials, especially on Irish topics.
During most of my undergraduate career I took a keen interest in Irish history and politics and it was the opportunity to study these topics on a deeper level that attracted me to this field. Paul Bew has been supervising my dissertation and he has been highly supportive throughout the year. In general, all my Professors have been more than willing to engage with me both inside and outside the classroom. This kind of interaction has been hugely beneficial to my experience here.
The social life at Queen’s has also been excellent. I benefited from living in the university accommodation. Belfast is an exciting place to live because it is such a vibrant and growing place. There are great cultural resources here that students can take advantage of, and there is even an ice hockey team, which was a little taste of home for someone from Northern US like me. It’s only a ten minute walk to the city centre from the University area.
Living in Northern Ireland has been great for me. In addition to all the natural beauty of Northern Ireland itself, the location is ideal because it allows such easy access to Ireland, the rest of the UK and all of Europe.
Belfast is a great place to be a student, especially if you’re interested in politics.
Jessica Golden from the USA
Degree: PhD Linguistic Anthropology
My course is primarily research-based. I’m studying language and communication and learning research methods.
I attended a summer school at Queen’s two years ago. I had the chance to meet some graduate students and staff and I got interested in the subject. I also wanted to come back here.
I really love my department. I know who to go to if I have any problems. I had to ask a lot of questions in the early days and everyone was very helpful and supportive. And the buildings are beautiful!
Facilities like the Elmwood Learning and Teaching Centre and the Seamus Heaney Library are very good. There are so many computers! The library staff are very helpful. I also enjoy the Queen’s Film Theatre which shows a good selection of films. And I’ve also taken advantage of the Language Centre where I’ve been learning Spanish.
Once I learned my way around and talked to local people, I discovered that there are lots of places to go and things to see. There are great restaurants and some great little shops in the university area and people are very sociable.
I would recommend Queen’s to other students. I’ve been really impressed by the level of intellectual activity in my department and it’s great working with such an eclectic group of people. I feel as if I’m learning all the time.
Ami Waters from USA
Study Abroad Programme
I am a Senior Molecular and Cellular Biology Student at Vanderbilt University. As a premedical student, I was especially concerned that I might fall behind if I studied abroad and was also sad at the thought of missing a full semester with my friends, but I am so glad that I took the chance. Studying abroad in the UK truly enriched my college experience. I spent what started out as a semester and turned into a year (that tells you how much I enjoyed it!) in Northern Ireland at Queen’s University Belfast. Studying abroad was AMAZING, and 2 paragraphs is just not enough room to tell how much it changed my view on the world or how lucky I feel to have met the wonderful friends I made.
I was the lone American on my hall but was adopted quickly by the 10 other students who were all from Northern Ireland, Ireland, or Britain, and became good friends with the other Americans in the program that were there for the whole year. I spent my breaks travelling to many of my hallmates’ homes where I got a taste of true hospitality and home-cooking as well as getting to see the breathtaking sites whose notoriety has been eclipsed by the Troubles. Although certain tensions remain evident, Belfast is one of the safest cities in all of Europe and the people couldn’t be friendlier or more laid-back.
In addition, I enjoyed every one of my classes that I took at Queen’s whether they were in the Politics, Theology, or Science department. I even had the opportunity to take a Cancer Biology Course taught by two doctors which had only five students.
Belfast was the full package experience: a good school and an even better social atmosphere!
