Stranmillis is a friendly University College in a single-site campus close to the centre of Belfast and is set within a magnificent conservation area with lots of green space and plenty of parking. The university offers the opportunity to participate in International or European Exchange programmes as part of your degree: in recent years students have studied in Hong Kong, Malta, France, Denmark, Finland, Sweden.

 

Background and History

The college was established in 1922 to provide state-funded teacher training by the then newly created Government of Northern Ireland to ensure that there would be a non-denominational teacher training college within the new country after the partition of Ireland. In recent years the University College has hosted a number of curriculum development and research projects in various subject areas, for example in Early Years education, and has produced a range of publications. There is also a significant commitment by individual staff to academic research. The university college has been associated with Queen's University since 1968 when it became a college of the university and commenced offering the university's degrees. In 1999 this status was upgraded to the current university college status.

Location and Accessibility

The University campus is located in attractive South Belfast, only 15 minutes' walk away from the city centre with plenty of student facilities close by.

Road: Belfast is accessed via the M1 and M3

Rail: There are 3 stations serving Belfast: Great Victoria Street Station, Central Train Station Botanic Train Station.

Air: The airport is located 18 miles from Belfast city centre with regular flights to and from most major UK airports. The university advises booking well in advance as prices can vary drastically.

What's on Offer

Stranmillis University College offers various undergraduate and postgraduate teaching degrees, including: BA, BSc, EEd, PGCE, MEd, MA, MTEACH

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for undergraduate courses vary. For prospective Masters students, a first or upper second class BA or Masters is required. For more information on entry requirements visit the university website.

University Accommodation

Situated within the College grounds in a quiet setting among trees, are over 400 modern comfortable rooms laid out in six blocks. The accommodation is in single study standard bedrooms with their own wash basin and shared bathrooms. Common rooms on all floors offer students the flexibility to have their own privacy as well as being sociable if they choose. The accommodation blocks offer internet access and a coin operated Laundry facility is provided.

Faculties and Departments

The University College's teaching staff are members of one of three Departments: Initial Teacher Education, Early Childhood Education, Health and Physical Education. Undergraduate courses are available in Early Childhood Studies, Health and Leisure Studies and Initial Teacher Education. A range of postgraduate courses are offered including PGCE, MEd, MTeach and MA(ECS).

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

In 2001, the Education teaching provision at Stranmillis 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 5% of university schools of education nationally.

Academic Facilities

Stranmillis is renowned for its beautiful campus, which is a designated conservation area. This is complemented by a range of buildings which reflect a mixture of old and new. The University College has embarked on an ambitious building and refurbishment programme which will help to ensure that there are high quality facilities to deliver the academic excellence which has become the Stranmillis hallmark. The new Orchard Building symbolises this commitment. It houses facilities which meet industry standards to support the curriculum areas of Art Design, Technology Design, Physical Education and Health Leisure. All students will be able to benefit from the new sports hall, dance studio and fitness suite. There has also been major refurbishment of the library and the science block.

  Student Union

The Union is situated in Stranmillis House, an historic building in the centre of the campus. Not only does it house Scholars', the University College Club, it also has the Students' Common Room, a Television Lounge and the Student President's Office. There is also an Administrative Office and workshop area, which provides photocopying services, a huge selection of stationery, laminating, a sweet shop, second hand books, postage stamps and internal and external telephone services.

  Student Support Centre

The Student Support Centre is a dedicated building on the College campus which combines all aspects of student support including Careers, Counselling, Disability, Student Health and Widening Participation. They are open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm (Friday4.25pm). The Centre is closed for lunch from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

As the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast has enjoyed over a decade of rapid economic growth. The city's skyline has changed significantly in the last few years thanks to massive investment and regeneration. Political stability has allowed the economy to flourish. Investors recognise the appeal of the strategic location and excellent infrastructure, with major road, rail, sea and air links to the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe.

Belfast at a glance

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland the most successful region in the UK (on a per capita basis) at attracting direct foreign investment. The city attracts the largest number of software development projects in the UK, outside of London. The city has two airports which were used by over 8 million people in 2008. Belfast attracts a total of 7.1 million visitors each year, continuing the Lonely Planet's endorsement of it as being a city on the rise'. The city is rich in maritime history: it hosted the Tall Ships Festival in 2009. The city has one of the youngest populations in Europe almost 20% of people in Belfast are under 16 years of age.