Your University Experience Starts Here
Queen's University is the only university in Canada where students can study abroad for their entire first year. Centred on the themes 'Thinking Locally' and 'Acting Globally', the BISC First Year Program is a package specifically designed to build on the Castle’s strengths: our small class sizes, vibrant community, experiential learning opportunities and international setting.
Incoming students choose to enrol in the Arts, Science, Health Science, or Concurrent-Education (Con-Ed) streams. But whatever program you choose to study at the BISC, small classes and active learning guided by subject specialists will nurture your knowledge and offer a strong academic foundation to support your further studies.
Your first year is packed with constant opportunities in and out of classes, including regular Experiential Learning Opportunities and two multi-day mid-term trips. Back on campus you will benefit from many student resources like a library, gym, various clubs to join and acres of land to enjoy. Our English countryside environment provides the ideal space and inspiration you need to develop your academic skills, become a well-rounded student and consider your future. And with excellent transport links nearby you’ll be well-placed to discover the local area, London, the UK, and Europe too.
Available programs
- First Year Arts (OUAC code: QIA)
- First Year Science (OUAC code: QIS)
- First Year Health Sciences (OUAC code: QIH)
- First Year Concurrent Education (Arts) (OUAC code: QIB)
- First Year Concurrent Education (Science) (OUAC code: QIF)
- Internationalize your degree by spending your First Year at the Castle
- All programs include a multi-day mid-term trip in the UK
- Experiential Learning opportunities in all courses (typically 2 per course)
- Small class sizes: the average First Year class size is just 14 students
- Learn from subject specialists and industry professionals
- Financial aid up to $7500 for eligible students
Introducing The BISC Skills Award.
Academics
Self Development
Global Citizenship
Career Skills
Get the most from co-curricular activities at the BISC. Find out more
NOTE
- You will study five courses per term. Choose courses in your preferred disciplines from the wide range of courses available to you.
- Courses worth six units must be taken in both Fall and Winter Terms to count as six units towards your degree.
- Individual course selection appointments are available during the summer before you start, either at SOAR (our Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources held in Kingston), or via phone or Skype. Advisors from the Faculty of Arts and Science will provide you with guidance towards the end of your first year when you are considering which Plan to enter.
- You are encouraged to check the Queen’s Arts and Science Academic Calendar and the Arts and Science website for the most up-to-date information about selecting Plans.
- Course offerings are subject to change for reasons including, but not limited to, enrolment numbers. Students will have access to academic advising services if changes impact their course selections.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities and mid-term trip are indicative and may change subject to operational and/or academic requirements.
NOTE
- You will study five courses per term. Choose courses in your preferred disciplines from the wide range of courses available to you.
- Courses worth six units must be taken in both Fall and Winter Terms to count as six units towards your degree.
- Individual course selection appointments are available during the summer before you start, either at SOAR (our Summer Orientation to Academics and Resources held in Kingston), or via phone or Skype. Advisors from the Faculty of Arts and Science will provide you with guidance towards the end of your first year when you are considering which Plan to enter.
- You are encouraged to check the Queen’s Arts and Science Academic Calendar and the Arts and Science website for the most up-to-date information about selecting Plans.
- Course offerings are subject to change for reasons including, but not limited to, enrolment numbers. Students will have access to academic advising services if changes impact their course selections.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities and mid-term trip are indicative and may change subject to operational and/or academic requirements.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
You will participate in course-specific virtual experiential learning opportunities. The experiential and active learning activities that you will find embedded on your courses can lead you to, for example:
- Discover how to work with primary sources -medieval manuscripts-, using 21st century digitalisation and transcription software.
- Participate in exciting collaborative online international learning opportunities, in partnership with UK universities.
- Experience traditional art museums under a different light, by discussing with worldwide researchers how colonialism shaped and funded national collections.
Mid-Term Trips
Experiential learning will continue to be a key feature of the BISC academic experience. As our team begins to plan for your term, protecting the health and safety of our students, staff, and faculty is a primary concern.
During mid-term, we are currently planning extended ELOs to Oxford and London (Fall term) and Scotland (Winter term). We will of course continue to monitor the situation globally and locally and update this page accordingly. Any decision to return to in-person learning at the BISC will of course be based on advice we receive from the UK public health authorities and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
