With its regal gothic-revival campus right in the heart of the city, Queen’s University Belfast is truly a gem in Northern Ireland's crown. It is a member of the prestigious Russel Group of 24 leading UK universities. For research Queen’s has won numerous accolades, such as prizes in cancer research, environmental research and cyber security.
Over £50m has been invested in the McClay Library, combining the features of a traditional academic library with the latest research technologies. The Belfast Metropolitan College has also invested upwards of £60m in improving their Belfast campus, to increase their ability to offer a wide range of Further and Higher education courses.
Belfast offers a variety of cultural attractions, from strolling around the opulent interiors of City Hall to catching the latest touring contemporary art show at the Golden Thread Gallery or Gormleys Fine Art. You might immerse yourself in the shipbuilding history of this great city in the Titanic Quarter, taking time to relive the scenes from history (and the movie) in the Titanic Belfast visitors centre.
If you’re after a quiet afternoon you can wander through the exotic flora of the Botanic Gardens, and visit the spacious four level museum of natural science nestled within it.
As well as all the high street shopping that you might expect from a large city, Belfast also boasts many varied markets and unique shopping quarters. Discover vintage treasures whilst roaming around St George’s Market or along the cobbled streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter. In January the Out To Lunch Festival brings this area alive, with a month long programme of art and live performances. There are also trendy new venues appearing, such as T13, which is an urban sports park in converted shipbuilding warehouse.
Belfast is Northern Irelands educational and commercial hub, and since 2007 has been in the top five fastest growing economies in the UK. There is a thriving renewable energy industry, producing wind turbines, as well as world-class capabilities in IT and the life and health sciences. A recent period of economic growth and substantial redevelopment of the city centre has meant that Belfast is truly a great city for graduates to begin their careers.
Those looking for an escape from the thriving centre can enjoy a cycle along the romantic banks of the River Lagan, or explore the surrounding mountains and coastlands. Atop Cavehill the magnificent expanse of the city can be viewed, and on a clear day even the Isle of Man and Scotland can be spotted.
As well as its rich cultural heritage and modern cosmopolitan feel, Belfast is also one of the most affordable cities to live in the UK, and with over with over 23,000 students at Queen’s University Belfast alone, Belfast truly is a major hub for education in the UK.
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