Establishment Year
1845
National Students
19,000
International Students
5,000
Acceptance Rate
31%
Distance From City
1.1 miles (around 1.8 kilometers) from Belfast City Centre
QS World University Ranking
#199
Times Higher Education Ranking
#205-250
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is one of the leading universities in the UK and Ireland, with a distinguished heritage and history. Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, it became an independent university in 19081. Today, QUB is ranked 43rd in the world (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021) and is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities.
(1845) Origins and Establishment
Queen's University Belfast was established in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, part of the Queen's University of Ireland, to provide non-denominational higher education. It became an independent university in 1908. The iconic Lanyon Building, designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, opened in 1849, marking the beginning of its expansion and development into a leading global institution.
Modern Day Development
Queen's University Belfast has been continuously evolving to meet the needs of its students and faculty. Recent developments include the creation of the One Elmwood Student Centre, a flexible space designed for student needs, and the Graduate School, a hub encouraging creativity and intellectual exchange. The McClay Library underwent a £50m investment, blending traditional library features with the latest technology. The university also invested £1.93m in the Wireless Campus Project, ensuring state-of-the-art wireless service across the campus. Additionally, the historic Lanyon Building received conservation and restoration work, completed in 2019, preserving its architectural heritage while modernizing its facilities. These developments reflect QUB's commitment to providing a world-class educational environment.

QUB's mission is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. The university aims to develop principled and effective leaders, expand research-led dialogue with business and government, and grow its international stature.

Complete University Guide Ranking
Ranked 25th
QS World University Ranking
Ranked #206th
Times Higher Education Ranking
Ranked #205-250
Guardian University Guide
Ranked 43
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