Why Belfast?Welcome to our city


Slider of pictures of Belfast

Belfast Cranes at Shipyard Samson and Goliath Belfast Street CS Lewis Square Lagan Towpath Belfast City Hall

Belfast is a vibrant city rapidly establishing itself as a visitor destination on a world stage. Lonely Planet describe Belfast as, “A city on the rise,” and - when one visits the city - it’s easy to see why.

The city, in stark contrast to its past image, combines a rich industrial heritage with a thriving cafe culture. This energy and dynamism has seen the city play host to numerous international events.

As Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast has enjoyed over a decade of rapid economic growth. The city’s skyline has changed significantly over the last few years thanks to considerable investment, the result is a truly cosmopolitan city with a world-renowned welcoming culture.

Belfast has all the major facilities that one would expect from a city that has seen great change and investment in recent times and with its welcoming nature and vibrant creative community it continues to be a highly desirable destination for local, national and international students.

Belfast Campus

Belfast School of Art

The Belfast School of Art is a world leading art school located in the heart of Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter. The School has an internationally recognised reputation as a leader in art and design education, with graduates including: celebrated children’s book illustrator Oliver Jeffers, artist Colin Davidson and Turner Prize winner Susan Philipz.

The School is located in a new state of the art building on the Ulster University’s Belfast campus. Located in the Cathedral Quarter, the University plays a leading role in the creative and cultural life of the city. Soon to be joined across the road by Ulster Universities Greater Belfast Development coming in 2021.

The School’s teaching staff are practicing designers and researchers. All are involved in industry and use this real world knowledge to inform and shape their teaching, ensuring it is up to date and relevant.

Belfast Digital Community

Belfast is rapidly establishing itself as a key player on a world stage with many companies setting up shop right here in Belfast to avail of the steady stream of world class graduates with the skills to suceed such as Rapid7, Deloitte, White.Space, Secure Broadcast, Puppet and Fathom UX.

Belfast has many design events such as Belfast Design Week, Belfast UX and Ladies who UX.

Belfast is firmly on the map, right where it deserves to be. We think you’ll love the city, the people are warm and friendly and our digital community is tight knit and supportive. We’re looking for passionate individuals with a desire to learn. If that’s you, join us in Belfast for what we promise will be a thrilling adventure.


Apply for IxD Belfast in 2023

Want to begin your Interaction Design journey at the Belfast School of Art? We are currently seeking applicants for our 2023 intake.

Put together a portfolio of your best work, this could be design, photography or anything then apply.

Apply Now