Queen’s University Belfast and Belfast Metropolitan College have formalised a new Memorandum of Intent, reinforcing their long-term collaboration to expand learning pathways and strengthen Northern Ireland’s regional skills ecosystem.

The renewed agreement deepens cooperation in curriculum development, staff exchanges, joint research, and student initiatives. It also enhances progression opportunities for learners transitioning from college to university, particularly through the introduction of a new Biomedical Sciences Foundation Degree pathway, which welcomed its first cohort in September 2025. Graduates from the programme are expected to continue to Queen’s University by 2027.

Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said the partnership aligns with the university’s focus on widening access to higher education and supporting both young people and adults seeking career progression. The initiative supports regional workforce mobility while fostering collaboration across Northern Ireland’s tertiary education landscape.

Damian Duffy, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said the agreement strengthens an already productive relationship between the institutions. He emphasised that a unified approach to education can improve student outcomes and help build a more resilient local economy through seamless transitions from college to university and into employment.

The partnership builds on successful foundation and access degree programmes already in place, with a shared vision of supporting inclusive education and industry-aligned training. By combining resources and expertise, both institutions aim to create more agile learning routes that meet evolving workforce needs.

Explore the full story to learn how this partnership is shaping Northern Ireland’s education-to-employment pipeline.