BDS Dentistry at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery building professional behaviours, clinical operative skills and confidence to practise as a dental professional, with broad clinical experience on real patients in the dental school and outreach placements. The degree is accredited by the UK General Dental Council as a registrable qualification. Ranked 1st in the Guardian University Guide 2026 among UK dental schools.

Department: Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences | Duration: 5 years full-time | Intake: Entry year 2027/28 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Clinical practice begins in year 1, using clinics including the Clinical Techniques Laboratory with haptic dental simulators, a refurbished prosthetics Teaching Laboratory and digital dentistry techniques, with outreach placements. Intercalated BSc or MSc study is available (for example MPH, MSc Clinical Anatomy, MSc Experimental Medicine).

Career pathways

Graduates can apply for full registration with the General Dental Council to practise as a dentist in the UK, subject to UK government residency requirements. Dentistry at Queen's is ranked 3rd in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and 3rd in the Complete University Guide 2026.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry; GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 if not offered at AS or A-level. A maximum of one Applied A-level counts and only one Mathematics subject; Critical Thinking and General Studies are not accepted. Irish Leaving Certificate: H1H1H1H1H2H2 including H1 in Biology and Chemistry, plus Ordinary Level O3 in Mathematics if not at Higher Level. IB Diploma: 36 points including 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics C/4. Graduates: 2:1 honours in a first degree plus A-level threshold BBB/ABC at first attempt (BBC for a First or PhD plus 2:1), with Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology required. All applicants need GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent. UCAT is required for NI, GB and ROI applicants; applicants are ranked on academic score (best 9 GCSEs for NI/GB) and UCAT, then interviewed (in person for UK/ROI, online for international) and offers are made solely on interview. 45 places for UK and ROI applicants and 15 for international and EU (non-ROI) applicants. Offers are conditional on health screening (HIV, Hepatitis B and C), Access NI Enhanced Disclosure (international applicants: Certificate of Good Conduct), fitness to practise regulations and a check against the Excluded Student Database. UCAS application deadline for 2027 entry: 6.00 pm on 15 October 2026. International applicants: IELTS 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in Speaking and Listening and 6.0 in other components, or an equivalent acceptable qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 41,500 a year (2026/27). International/EU Other composite fee for BDS Dentistry based on admit term; published 2026/27 rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 5 years full-time

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