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, 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
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.
| Course code | Course name | Term offered |
|---|---|---|
| ANAT 100/3.0 | Anatomy of the Human Body | Winter 2021 |
| ARTH 117/3.0 | Art and Architecture 1700 to the Present Day | Winter 2021 |
| ASTR 101/3.0 | Astronomy I The Solar System | Winter 2021 |
| BIOL 103/3.0 | Introductory Biology of Organisms | Winter 2021 |
| BISC 101/3.0 | Acting Globally | Winter 2021 |
| BMED 173/3.0 | History and Philosophy of Health & Healthcare | Winter 2021 |
| CLST 131/3.0 | Introduction to Archaeology lI: Methods and Analysis | Winter 2021 |
| FILM 214/3.0 | Mobile Communications | Winter 2021 |
| HLTH 102/3.0 | Personal Health and Wellness | Winter 2021 |
| MUTH 111/3.0 | Listening to Revolutions: History, Arts, and Performance 2 | Winter 2021 |
| MUTH 232/3.0 | Opera | Winter 2021 |
| PHIL 151/3.0 | Great Works of Philosophy | Winter 2021 |
| SPAN 112/3.0 | Beginning Spanish II | Winter 2021 |
| STAM 200/3.0 | Introduction to Statistics | Winter 2021 |
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 ELOs, usually two each term per subject. ELOs take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the term.
Previous First Year ELOs include:
- Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
- The National Gallery
- Churchill's War Rooms
- Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Mid-Term Trips
Built into your tuition fees, the midterm trips are an outstanding, extended opportunity for you to explore global political, cultural and historical sites of interest. You will have the opportunity to visit sites relating to your courses and examine primary sources first-hand.
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. Due to current travel restrictions, the Winter Mid-Term trip will now take place in London and Oxford through a series of 2 day/1-night weekend trips. Weekly experiential learning may take place virtually, on the Castle estate, in Sussex and/or within the local area. Decisions regarding the precautionary health measures taken at the BISC and while on experiential learning opportunities will be made in collaboration by updates, we receive from the UK public health authorities and the Public Health Agency of Canada
Fall
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sep 2 | Students arrive |
| Sep 3 - 6 | Local Orientation |
| Sep 7 | Classes begin |
| Weeks 1 – 6 | Class |
| Week 7 | Mid-term trip |
| Week 8 – 12 | Class |
| Nov 27 | Classes end |
| Dec 1 – 9 | Revision/ Exam Period |
| Dec 10 | Students depart |
Winter
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Jan 3 | Students arrive |
| Jan 6 | Classes begin |
| Weeks 1 – 6 | Class |
| Week 7 | Mid-term trip |
| Week 8 – 12 | Class |
| Mar 26 | Classes end |
| Mar 27 – Apr 8 | Study/Examination Period |
| Apr 9 | Students depart |
