https://vimeo.com/1123609992?share=copy
Queen’s University Belfast Law student Rachel Monaghan shares her transformative experience studying Law and Business at Edgewood University, Wisconsin, through the Study USA programme. From small, interactive classes and personalised mentorship to cultural immersion and leadership roles, Rachel’s year abroad offered academic growth, personal development, and unforgettable memories. Her achievements—including being named Student of the Year by the British Council—highlight the incredible opportunities this programme provides. Find out more about Rachel’s experience here: https://law.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofLaw/study/student-experience/study-usa/
Thinking of broadening your horizons? The Study USA programme might be your next big adventure! Applications are currently open. see below:
The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) has launched its 2026/27 Civil Service Student Placement Scheme, offering approximately 125 paid placements across Government departments. The scheme, now recruiting for its sixth year, offers an excellent opportunity for legal students to put into practice their classroom learning, develop personally and professionally and undertake meaningful work in the public sector which directly impacts the lives of citizens.
Last year, there were 9 law-related placements available; this year, departments within which law students may be placed include the Public Prosecution Service, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Department of Finance, and the Department for Infrastructure.
The salary for each placement is £25,796 per annum, in addition to an attractive benefits package and peer support available through the Civil Service Student Network.
This is a great scheme which has benefitted many of our law students over the years, and the NICS is keen for QUB students to apply. Rachel, a QUB Law with Politics student noted:
Applicants must, at the November 2025 point, be expecting to have successfully completed their second-year degree exams by the end of the 2025/2026 academic year. Successful candidates should then be prepared to take up post during the period July - September 2026.
Full details of the scheme can be accessed within the Candidate Booklet at:
NICSHR - CIB - Student Placements 2025
The closing date for applications to the NICS scheme is Friday 24th October 2025 at 12 noon.
NB: if you apply for this placement, it will alter your study pathway as you will be required to take a Temporary Withdrawal from our School to undertake this 51-week placement. You must firstly have a conversation with your Adviser of Studies about your desire to undertake this placement scheme, and they will then ask you to complete the formal ‘Temporary Withdrawal Form’. Following this process, and if you successfully attain a placement, you will then be temporarily withdrawn from QUB for the 2026-27 year meaning you will not have rights and privileges associated with student status. See [QUB Regulations for Students](https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/GeneralRegulations/General/RegulationsforStudents/#:~:text=1.20 Withdrawal (Temporary)%3A&text=A period of temporary withdrawal,must apply for re-admission.), 1.20. If you need any advice on what this means, please speak with your Adviser of Studies and/or QUB Advice SU.
Feeling swamped with information at the start of term? You’re not alone. That’s why our Employability & Placement Officer, Deirdre Timoney, has put together a short video packed with the essentials to help you navigate the year ahead.