Queen's University Belfast

Bachelor in Sociology Ba L300

Belfast, United Kingdom 4 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • No application fee

Introduction

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.

About the Program

Sociology at Queen's University Belfast invites students to decode the mechanisms of human social life, from the global complexities of climate change, migration, and power structures to the intimate dynamics of family life, emotions, and mental health. Ranked in the top 200 globally, the programme is rooted in a research-intensive environment where students learn from internationally recognized scholars who have contributed to expertise at institutions like Harvard and the LSE.

A Research-Led Education

The curriculum emphasizes active inquiry over passive learning. Students engage with cutting-edge topics such as the sociology of conflict and peace-building, the digital world, and racial inequality. A distinctive feature of the programme is its focus on real-world application; students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard research software like SPSS and NVivo. By the final year, students design and conduct their own independent research project, often in partnership with community organizations, ensuring their academic work has a tangible impact.

Beyond the classroom, the programme is designed to foster employability. With a dedicated Careers Consultant, access to the Future Ready Skills Certificate, and a wide array of international exchange opportunities across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific, students are well-prepared for life as critical, engaged citizens in a global society.

English Test Requirement

IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0).

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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