Queen’s University Belfast, UK

A member of the Russell group of 24 research-intensive universities of the UK, Queen’s University Belfast, UK is five-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education The ninth oldest varsity in the UK, Queen’s University, Belfast (estb. 1845) is reputed nationally and internationally for high-quality academics and research across its 20 schools of study. Sited in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, Queen’s is ranked No. 26 in the UK by the Sunday Times University Guide 2013, and among the top 200 universities globally by the QS World University Rankings 2012. Moreover the Research and Assessment Exercise 2008 ranked the university’s 11 subject areas among the top 10 in the UK, and 24 in the top 20. A member of the Russell Group of 24 research-intensive universities of the UK, Queen’s is a recipient of four prestigious Times Higher Education Awards, and is a five-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. “Queen’s combines best traditions with a progressive outlook. It is an institution with a world-class academic reputation as reflected in the award of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2011, the fifth time the university has been honoured this way. 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 world-class teachers and researchers,” says Prof. Sir Peter Gregson, president and vice chancellor of the university. Founded in 1845 by Queen Victoria as an alternative to Trinity College Dublin and controlled by the Anglican Church, Queen’s was accorded university status in 1908. Currently it has 17,000 including 1,200 international students from over 80 countries and 3,500 staff on its muster rolls. Three faculties encompassing 20 schools offer over 300 study programmes with two associated colleges — St. Mary’s and Stranmillis — providing teacher education. Belfast. The capital of Northern Ireland and among the 15 largest cities of the UK, Belfast (pop. 641,638) has emerged as a new hub of business and industry. Once the epicentre of the conflict between the region’s catholic and protestant populations, political stability in the new millennium has allowed Belfast’s economy to flourish. The city now attracts the largest number of IT software development projects in the UK outside of London. Belfast also offers rich history, culture, and entertainment. Contiguous with the Queen’s University campus, sited in the city’s Botanic Gardens is the redesigned and award-winning Ulster Museum which houses a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences. An array of entertainment venues including the Odyssey Arena, the Waterfront Hall and the Grand Opera House host international music artists, stand-up comedy and theatrical performances. The city boasts over 2,000 acres of parkland and nature reserves which include two city, nine district, 36 local and five country parks, apart from 77 playgrounds and the Belfast Zoo. For students with more than academics on their minds, there are a…