Universities in Northern Ireland: A Comprehensive Overview

Northern Ireland, a region with a unique place in the UK and Ireland, boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. It is home to several distinguished universities and colleges that attract students from around the globe. These institutions offer a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, fostering academic excellence and providing students with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Higher Education Institutions in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to two globally respected universities, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, as well as a network of higher education colleges offering vocational and technical training.

Queen's University Belfast

Founded in 1845, Queen's University Belfast is a member of the UK’s Russell Group of top-ranking research-intensive institutions and is recognized as one of the leading universities in the world. With a diverse student population representing over 90 countries, Queen's has a global reputation for teaching and research excellence. The university offers over 300-degree programs and is internationally recognized for excellence in peacebuilding, engineering, and health sciences.

Queen's University Belfast has a thriving Students’ Union with over 215 clubs and societies, state-of-the-art sporting facilities and library services. Queen's is dedicated to student employability and is ranked ninth in the UK for career prospects (Guardian 2024) and their strong links with industry mean that you can benefit from a global network that spans 120 countries.

Affiliated Colleges:

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Stranmillis University College: A university college of Queen's University Belfast.
St Mary’s University College Belfast: A university college of Queen's University Belfast.

Ulster University

Ulster University is a multi-campus public research university with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry (Magee College), and Jordanstown. Ulster University is ranked in the UK's top 30 universities by the 2024 Guardian University Guide and was voted number one in the UK for job prospects by Student Crowd 2023. Ulster University puts the students at the heart of everything they do and is proud to welcome students from over 70 countries. Established in 1865 as Magee College, the college took its modern form in 1984 after the merger of the New University of Ulster established in 1968, and Ulster Polytechnic, incorporating its four Northern Irish campuses under the University of Ulster banner.

Ulster University offers international students an outstanding UK study experience that prepares them to become leaders in their future careers. And, 93 per cent of graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020-21). Students also have the opportunity to study, work or volunteer abroad as part of their studies, with over 200 institutions available worldwide for student exchange.

In 2024, Ulster University was named University of the Year 2024 for the UK and Ireland, and is widely recognised for its strong emphasis on applied research and outstanding graduate outcomes, with over 90% of graduates employed or pursuing further study within six months.

Ulster University Campuses

Belfast Campus: Located in the city's Cathedral Quarter, the Belfast campus is the artistic and cultural center of the university. The campus has a range of subjects including architecture, hospitality, event management, photography and digital animation. Traditionally associated with art, it is home to the university's School of Art, originally inaugurated as the Belfast School of Art and Design in 1849.
Coleraine Campus: Situated on the banks of the River Bann, the Coleraine campus offers views of the North Coast and County Donegal hills. Coleraine is recommended for students interested in Literature (incl. Irish literature) and most Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. A major development at Coleraine was the introduction of the degree programme in biomedical sciences in 1980. In spring 2015, a new £5.1 million teaching block was completed at the Coleraine Campus, and later in 2015, a new Faculty of Arts building was opened following a £6.75 million investment.

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Jordanstown Campus: The Jordanstown campus, often informally referred to as UUJ, is the largest university campus. The buildings are mostly situated around a central mall with on-site stores and services. The campus has a strong profile in business, engineering, construction, social sciences (including law), communication and academic disciplines relating to the science and coaching of sport. Jordanstown is recommended for students interested in Business Studies and Marketing, Communications (heavily includes public relations and advertising courses), Engineering, Health Sciences, or Sports Studies. The campus is also the only university in Northern Ireland to offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various Allied Health Professions, such as Cardiac and Respiratory Clinical Physiology, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Speech and Language Therapy.
Magee College: Magee College is located in the city of Londonderry on a wooded hillside overlooking the River Foyle. Magee College is especially recommended for its excellent and well-respected programs in Peace Studies, International Politics, and History. This campus is also recommended for students in Drama, Music, Dance, Psychology, and Sociology.

Exchange Programs

Centre partners with the Irish American Scholars to offer students an exchange program. Rising Juniors and Seniors must apply in January to be considered for placement at one of four colleges located in Northern Ireland. The program offers placement at one of four institutions: Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, Stranmillis University College, or St. Mary’s University College. Students applying to ISEP must apply for an Exchange option (in any country) as a first choice but may apply to a Direct option as a back-up.

ISEP Program Information

ISEP students participate in the compulsory overseas student orientation. Students enroll in modules at the start of the academic year or semester, during orientation. Media Studies, Education, Social Work, and Community Youth Work are closed to ISEP students. Also, due to restrictions on professional training, students may not be able to study health sciences such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and social work. The Art programs require students to have extensive experience and sufficient prerequisites to take studio art classes. From the Module Database for all Topics, select a field of study you are interested in from the “topics” search engine. This will bring up a list of the “modules” (= “classes”) offered on that subject by campus. You can click on any module title to view a description, the level of the module, and the semester it is offered. You can also click on the “search” tab to search by keyword or topic.

Important Considerations for ISEP Students

Campus: ISEP students must choose all modules within the same campus. Students may sometimes mix modules from different departments as long as they are all offered at the same campus. Keep in mind that some fields of study are offered at multiple campuses (for example history), but one campus may offer a larger variety of module options in that subject than the other campuses.
Module Levels: The first 3 letters are the academic department. The next 3 numbers are the course number.
Special conditions for art students: The Art and Design programs require students to have extensive experience and sufficient prerequisites to take studio art classes. Students should be at least Juniors or Seniors and demonstrate their experience in a portfolio (should show a range of art and design projects, including drawing, painting, photography, and/or other creative work).
The UK education system generally emphasizes independent, self-directed study over class time, attendance, and participation. Coursework may be less structured than you are used to in your country and students may be assigned significant outside reading that they will not be tested on until their final exam. Required readings and definite assignments are given throughout the semester are less common. Students can expect an extensive reading list covering all topics to be discussed to be distributed at the start of the course. This will be used for independent research. British students typically consult a large number of sources from the library rather than intensively studying a few books purchased by everyone taking a course. In addition, students are required to write more essays and take fewer objective tests. Because there are usually fewer assignments counting towards the final grade, a final exam or paper carries much more weight. Modules (remember that in Britain “course” refers to a degree program) often take the following forms: lectures, which are sometimes completely optional; tutorials, in which a small number of students meet with the lecturer; and seminars, larger discussion classes often based upon seminar essays. Students should be aware that there is often less face time with professors, and that tutors are often your most hands-on academic contact. The idea of an undergraduate being “undeclared” in their major is not common in the UK. British students tend to specialize in their field of study earlier; sometimes they may even start specializing in their majors during the final year of high school. General education or basic courses are not as commonplace at UK universities because they have already been covered at the GCSE level. Many faculties assume that a university student has a basic understanding of the concepts that will be addressed in the course. For this reason, it is common for third-year International students to take first-year and second-year courses at a UK university. It may be more difficult to enroll in multiple modules across differing academic departments in the UK. Instead, students may need to focus on choosing classes within one or two departments.
Assessment methods vary by the institution in the UK and tend to reflect the UK teaching method and style. Written examinations (at the end of a year or, in some cases, in the final undergraduate year only) are the most common form of study assessment.

Campus-Specific Information for Exchange Students

Belfast Campus: In cosmopolitan Belfast, students have access to many cultural activities and entertainment options; however, there may be more sports and clubs available at the nearby Jordanstown campus, which has a larger enrollment of students and offers excellent recreation facilities.
Coleraine Campus: The University’s Students” Union offers a wide range of clubs to get involved with, including sports, religious, and international societies. Students at the Coleraine College often take buses a few miles away to the coastal towns of Portstewart and Portrush which offer a range of nightclubs, restaurants, shopping, and beach activities (surfing conditions are considered particularly good here, so that sport is especially popular).
Jordanstown Campus: The University’s Students” Union offers a wide range of clubs to get involved with, including sports, religious, and international societies. The Jordanstown campus offers superb indoor sports and fitness facilities for anyone interested.
Magee College: Students at the Magee College have the best of both worlds: Living in Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s “second city,” they have a wealth of social and cultural opportunities at their fingertips. Meanwhile, close proximity to the River Foyle and mountainous County Donegal make this campus the place to be for those who love outdoor activities like sailing, canoeing, rock-climbing, hiking, and even surfing! The University”s Students’ Union offers a wide range of clubs to get involved with, including sports, religious, and international societies.

Accommodation and Stipends for Exchange Students

Belfast Campus: Students at the Belfast campus are either housed at the Jordanstown campus (about 7 miles away) or are assisted in finding suitable off-campus accommodation near the university in Belfast.
Coleraine Campus: Students at Coleraine College are normally housed on campus in single-occupancy bedroom-studies in residence halls or student houses.
Jordanstown Campus: Students at the Jordanstown College are normally housed on campus in residence halls or student houses that are about a five-minute walk from the main academic buildings. Students have single, wifi-equipped bedrooms, their own bathrooms, and share a kitchen with the floor.
Magee College: Students at Magee College are normally housed on campus in single-occupancy bedroom-studies in residence halls or student houses.

Cooking facilities are available in each apartment or residence hall. ISEP Exchange students will receive a stipend to cover expenses for groceries and/or meals at cafeterias and restaurants. Please note: due to administrative procedures at Ulster, the stipend check will not be available until one or two weeks after the student’s arrival on campus and students will need to open a bank account to deposit it . The stipend does not apply to ISEP Direct students; they should budget appropriately to pay directly for their groceries and/or meals. For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Lake Forest College tuition plus a program fee. The program fee for a semester with the ISEP Exchange to the University of Ulster includes orientation, on-site director, university.

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Life in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers a unique cultural experience, blending its Irish heritage with its position within the United Kingdom. The region boasts spectacular scenery, from rugged coastlines to unspoiled green countryside.

Things to See and Do

Giant’s Causeway: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site in County Antrim.
Fermanagh Lakelands: Explore the idyllic lakelands in Enniskillen.
Mourne Mountains: Discover the bewitching mountains that inspired the 'Narnia' stories.
Game of Thrones Locations: Visit real-world locations used in the series.
Belfast Titanic Quarter: Explore where the Titanic was launched in 1911.

Culture and Entertainment

Northern Ireland is known for its friendly and fun-loving people, who enjoy "having the craic" (local slang for having a good time). The capital city of Belfast is bursting with creativity and is only the third UK city to have been awarded the title of UNESCO City of Music.

Food and Drink

Northern Ireland has an award-winning food and drink scene. You can dine at Michelin Star restaurants in Belfast, sample delicious seafood in Holywood, or try some old favourites such as Ulster Fry, Tobacco Onions or Grandad Joe’s famous Cream Horn (fans of the Northern Ireland-based comedy television series, Derry Girls, will be familiar with this retro cake).

Cost of Living and Travel

Northern Ireland has the lowest student cost of living in the UK, with an average monthly living cost (without rent) in Belfast of £682 per person. Accommodation costs around £400 per month for a room in a shared house (excluding bills), and even less should you live outside the city centre. Travel is easy and affordable. You can easily visit Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Regular flights, trains, and sea ferry crossings are available, making it easy to explore exciting destinations such as London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, and beyond.

Funding Opportunities

A range of scholarships are offered at Northern Irish universities, including Study UK’s GREAT Scholarships, which are delivered in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.

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