Stranmillis University College

The greatest legacy of Stranmillis is its graduates. Over the past 90 years Stranmillis University College has secured a well-earned reputation as a major provider of the education and training of teachers, as new entrants to the teaching profession or for the continuing professional development of teachers who wish to deepen their competence and skills.

The University College also provides a well recognised learning experience contributing to academic awards in Early Childhood and Health & Physical Education. Indeed Stranmillis University College has a unique lead in the area of Early Childhood and Early Years Education, with teams of scholarly/research active tutors whose expertise not only informs their teaching, but influences policy and practice.

Continued investment in the University College campus and facilities demonstrates our commitment to providing a first class learning experience for our local students and those international students who come to study at Stranmillis.

Stranmillis University College offers a great value catered package for students who prefer a more structured style of living.  Situated within the College grounds in an attractive, quiet setting among trees and shrubs 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 flexibility to have their own privacy and for being sociable if they choose.  The accommodation blocks offer internet access and a coin operated Laundry facility is provided.

Lying in approximately 18 hectares and just 3 kilometres from the centre of Belfast, the College grounds provide a beautiful and peaceful rural haven in the growing urban sprawl.  As the growth of Belfast continues, the importance of green places in our city should not be under- estimated.  We need locations like the University College grounds as places to unwind and relax. We need them also as wildlife reserves, and although the grounds contain many examples of the more common animals and plants, they also contain some examples of more unusual wildlife. The University College grounds hold an interest for naturalists, geologists, archaeologists and historians, and provide pleasure for those who simply enjoy walking in pleasant surroundings.

On the northern side of the campus lies the Badger Wood and its name is no accident; badgers are frequently seen there, as are foxes and many different kinds of birds.  In a hollow between the Badger Wood and the Central Building is a marsh fed by the natural waters of a spring which in the early years of the 19th century formed part of the Belfast water supply. Today the marsh is rich in wildlife, as a visit in summer will show. Creeping buttercup and orchids provide a blanket of colour, superimposed by the sounds of a myriad of insects and of bird song. On the southern side of the campus there are further small woodlands where the sights  and sounds of jays and sparrowhawks are not unusual. Here too is to be found the pond, lying in a depression in the ground considered to be a kettle hole - formed by melting ice at the end of the last glacial period.  Ducks occasionally nest here and herons and kingfishers have also been seen. The water holds frogs, newts and a great variety of other aquatic life.

The campus is close to the centre of Belfast. It is well-served by excellent public transport network. Belfast City Airport is only 6 miles away.