studyinNI - learning - british council

	Choose to study in Northern Ireland

The British Council in Northern Ireland is launching a new campaign entitled 'Choose Northern Ireland' which showcases the excellent education provision Northern Ireland has to offer and aims to highlight the 'full package' available to international students in terms of investment for the future, innovation and invention, pioneering research and high levels of support. The campaign wants to encourage students to 'get a firm grip on their future' and make Northern Ireland their first country choice for study.

A booklet is being launched in September which has been specially commissioned and designed for the Choose Northern Ireland campaign. Its lead image is the tyre - invented in Northern Ireland by John Boyd Dunlop, a name synonymous with tyre production around the world. It epitomises the tradition of ideas and innovation that drives both business and education in Northern Ireland.

We have two great universities, two fine university colleges, six highly regarded colleges of further education, outstanding English language centres and many excellent schools, a number of which have boarding departments for international students. We can offer a big range of world class study choices, along with great resources, high standards of staffing and student support, major investment in research, and highly developed relationships with commerce and industry - all within easy reach.

The accessibility of education in Northern Ireland is something that comes across strongly when you talk to international students who come here from around 80 different countries:

'Northern Ireland was an amazing experience for me - in so many ways - and I am unlikely to forget it in this lifetime' - Chevening Scholar, University of Ulster

'I like the whole package. The academic and social life. The freedom to try out new things. The facilities … I think that if you want to get a good education and meet different people, this is the place to be'. - Psychology undergraduate, Serbia

A formal launch of the booklet will take place in Belfast in early October with a simultaneous e-launch also being planned.

For further information please contact Wendy Waring

Queen's University Belfast

One of two universities in Northern Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast combines innovation and excellence in teaching and research with its role of serving the local community. Queen's University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, an Association of leading UK research-intensive Universities committed to maintaining the highest standards of research, education and knowledge transfer. The university also plays a strong part in the local community, with its annual Belfast Festival at Queen's, an art gallery and Northern Ireland's only arthouse cinema. Search for courses here.

University of Ulster

The University of Ulster offers a wide range of courses as well as an extensive research programme. With 28,000 students, the university is one of the most popular in the UK. It has four campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Jordanstown and Magee (Derry). A fifth, Campus One, is an online e-learning service offering mainly postgraduate and short courses. The University of Ulster takes an innovative approach to learning. Search for courses here.

Teaching Colleges

Prospective teachers should apply to either Stranmillis College or St Mary's University College, both in Belfast.
In 2001, the Education teaching provision at Stranmillis College was judged by the Quality Assurance Agency to merit a maximum score of 24 out of 24 - a result which put the College within the top five-per-cent of university schools of education nationally.
St. Mary’s University College is an academic community committed to the search for meaning and value in the intellectual life, to academic excellence and to individual attention for students. The aim is the development of the whole person in a Christian, value-sensitive environment in preparation for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service. It prides itself on being a friendly place to work or study in or just to visit.

Living in Northern Ireland

Find out what makes 2 million people visit each year, and why it's good to live here.

Useful Links

The Association of Northern Ireland Colleges provides information on what's available at Northern Ireland's 6 Further Education Colleges. Information on Further and Higher Education is also available from the Department for Employment and Learning, a NI Government Department geared towards providing the skills, knowledge and opportunity for work.
Practical information on funding, visas and other essentials ..