Your University Experience Starts Here
Queen's University is the only university in Canada where students can complete their first year of study overseas. 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 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 Concurrent Education (Arts) (OUAC code: QIB)
- Internationalize your degree by spending your First Year at the Castle
- All programs include a multi-day mid-term trip in the UK (Fall semester) and Europe (Winter semester)
- 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: each term, choose four courses in your preferred disciplines from the wide range of courses available to you. You will also study the required modules of BISC 100: Thinking Locally (Fall term) and BISC 101: Acting Globally (Winter term).
- 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 | Term offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTH 117/3.0 | Art and Architecture 1700 to the Present Day | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| ASTR 101/3.0 | Astronomy I The Solar System | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| BIOL 103/3.0 | Introductory Biology of Organisms | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| BISC 101/3.0 | Acting Globally | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| ECON 112/3.0 | Introductory Macroeconomics | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| GEOL 104/3.0 | The Dynamic Earth | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| HLTH 102/3.0 | Personal Health and Wellness | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| MUTH 111/3.0 | Listening to Revolutions: History, Arts, and Performance 2 | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| MUTH 232/3.0 | Opera | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| PHIL 259/3.0 | Critical Thinking | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
| SPAN 112/3.0 | Beginning Spanish II | Winter 2019 | Winter 2020 |
NOTE
- You will study five courses per term: each term, choose four courses in your preferred disciplines from the wide range of courses available to you. You will also study the required modules of BISC 100: Thinking Locally (Fall term) and BISC 101: Acting Globally (Winter term).
- 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.
In your free time, you can explore the city at your own pace. First Year students have the opportunity to visit Liverpool and Edinburgh in the Fall Term, and Paris in the Winter Term.
Fall
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sep 6th | Students arrive |
| Sep 7th - 8th | Local Orientation |
| Sep 9th | Academic Orientation |
| Sep 10th | Classes start |
| Sep 16th | London Orientation |
| Weeks 1 – 6 | Class |
| Week 7 | Mid-term trip |
| Week 8 – 12 | Class |
| Nov 29th | Classes end |
| Dec 2nd - 12th | Revision/ Exam Period |
| Dec 13th | Students depart |
Winter
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Jan 5th | Students arrive |
| Jan 7th | Classes start |
| Weeks 1 – 6 | Class |
| Week 7 | Mid-term trip |
| Week 8 – 12 | Class |
| Mar 28th | Classes end |
| Mar 31st – Apr 9th | Study/Examination Period |
| Apr 10th | Students depart |
