Northern Ireland

Arts and Sciences at Queens University Belfast in Northern Ireland

Overview

Come explore the UK and Ireland first-hand in Belfast 15 week semester, each fall and spring, 15-18 credits per term. Courses taught in English in many subjects. Summer programs include three tracks: CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION, IRISH STUDIES, and EDUCATION FOR TRANSFORMATION, which allow you to spend 4 weeks in an accredited program while exploring the surrounding area. Belfast has been growing in popularity as a travel destination in the last few years, developing a vibrant restaurant scene, award-winning architecture, and a new cosmopolitanism. However, most residents still prefer discussing politics over their famous fried breakfasts. The friendliness of the people is what’s most appealing in this small and very walkable city, from smiling servers to talkative bartenders to helpful strangers on the street. Your semester in Belfast will allow you to explore this hidden gem to its fullest - and perhaps run into a cast member from Game of Thrones while you’re at it!

Studying

Semester Academics

You can pursue your academic interests by selecting from different courses such as: Arts, Engineering, Health and Life Sciences, Irish Studies, Social Justice and Political Science, Music or Theater Arts, Economics, Engineering, Computer Science and Biomedical Science. You can find specific course information (courses are called "modules" at QUB) on the International Student page on the QUB website. Please note that some courses are not open to study abroad students, so be sure to go through this page rather than just searching the university site. Available departments are broken into three faculties:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences

Study Abroad students are permitted to select modules offered across different Schools or Faculties, provided they meet any pre-requisites.

Your host institution, Queen’s University, is one of the UK's leading research intensive universities as well as one of the biggest campus universities. Its heritage stretches back 160 years, blending their proud heritage with cutting edge facilities for the best experience of university life. Outside of the classroom, you can participate in more than fifty sporting clubs and over 100 non-sporting societies. The oldest society is the Literary and Scientific Society, which focuses on debating political, cultural and social issues within Northern Ireland. The university also runs the Queen's Film Theatre, which has been described as Northern Ireland's leading independent cinema.

Summer Academics

Queen's University Belfast offers three exciting interdisciplinary International Summer Schools:

• CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION - Study in a Post-Conflict Society
• IRISH STUDIES - Discover our Remarkable Island
• EDUCATION FOR TRANSFORMATION - Driving Change Through Learning

which all will take place June 23 - July 20, 2019.

These academic courses are delivered by world leading scholars across a range of disciplines. Over four weeks, you will be able to follow your interests in history, literature, law, languages, politics, anthropology, sociology, film and theater - the choice is yours!

CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION - Study in a Post-Conflict Society

QUB offers a diverse interdisciplinary Summer School set in a unique backdrop of a society emerging from conflict.

Conflict Transformation examines the theories and practices of conflict transformation from within local and global perspectives, including case studies of Northern Ireland, the Balkans, the Middle East, South Asia and South America, as well as evaluating how religion impacts upon peace-building. Students will learn how interventions and policies dedicated to conflict transformation have failed or succeeded.

The program will position the importance of security, transitional justice and the role of restorative justice in democracy building. Understanding how border conflicts and social injustice encourage conflict and violence will also be studied. Other important features of peace-building that include negotiation and dialogue, the problem of dealing with victims issues and perpetrators of injustice will also form part of the overall learning around the research methods and ethics required for the restoration of social justice.

Conflict Transformation provides the opportunity to examine the history of conflicts and processes of social justice not only on the island of Ireland but around the world. Students will be taught by expert scholars from a wide range of disciplines including Politics, Law, International Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, History, Psychology, Film and Theatre.
Areas of study include:
- Religion and Peacebuilding
- Intervention and Integration
- Transitional Justice
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- Cross-border Co-operation
- Discourses and Dialogue in Conflict Transformation
- Representing and Dealing with the Past
- Research Methods and Ethics in Conflict Transformation
- Policing and Securitization

There will be exciting opportunities to hear first-hand accounts of the practical dimensions of conducting research in conflict zones and to debate the implications for policy and practice. Students are also given the opportunity to meet with some of Northern Ireland’s decision-makers – key politicians, church and community leaders. There are excursions to archaeological, historical and cultural sites in Belfast and beyond, with Irish music and dance evenings as well.

EDUCATION FOR TRANSFORMATION - Driving Change Through Learning

The International Summer School on Education for Transformation is hosted by the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW), an interdisciplinary school located in a unique society emerging from conflict with many distinct educational sectors. From faith schools to Irish language schools to religiously integrated schools to schools involved in the internationally renowned Shared Education Program, the SSESW is at the heart of rigorous research conducted throughout our schools and those further afield which has informed policy and brought about systemic change in the local system and beyond.

There will be exciting opportunities to hear first-hand accounts of researching and teaching in different educational contexts and working within other disciplines (justice, social work, social policy) and in partnership with key stakeholders to include Governments, charities and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Drawing on our experiences and research within Northern Ireland, Great Britain and from around the world, we will examine:
• Northern Ireland and the local and global platform: sessions on higher education, dealing with social and religious differences throughout our unique history
• Education through Evidence and Social Innovation: sessions on children’s services, early intervention and prevention, conducting RCTs and rigorous educational      research approaches.  
• UNESCO sessions: sessions on curriculum in divided and conflict-affected societies, engaging young people with controversial political issues, models for promoting intercultural education and intergroup contact through schools.
• Education for all: sessions on epistemic justice and special needs education, education for children with disabilities, mental health needs and the implications for schools.
• Education Studies and leadership in the 21st century: sessions on literacy, learning dispositions, theories of learning, assessment, the outdoor classroom and educational leadership.

The program includes sessions from researchers in our Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation, a flagship pioneering research program.  This Centre seeks to improve the lives of children, families and communities by working in partnership to create robust evidence to find innovative solutions to key social problems. Early intervention and prevention is at the core of the work at the Centre, reflecting a commitment to tackling social problems at their root and before they arise or have time to take hold.

The Centre for Shared Education will host sessions facilitated by our United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair in Shared Education. The UNESCO Chair works with international development organizations and Governments to facilitate, promote and develop models of shared education in societies impacted by conflict and division.

IRISH STUDIES - Discover our Remarkable Island

For the Irish Studies track, students will participate in a program in association with the successful Fulbright Commission Summer Institute. 

Participants of all ages (18+) and from a wide variety of backgrounds are welcome. Administrators, Teachers and Professors, undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as those who simply have a passion for Irish history and culture can participate. Lectures and seminars are given by internationally-acclaimed scholars on various aspects of the study of Ireland, including literature, history, politics, anthropology, geography, film and theater, language and music, and the program includes a series of field trips to sites across Northern Ireland.

The International Summer School in Irish Studies will examine the history and influence of our island on the world and uses this to gain a greater perspective on the planet we share. Lectures and seminars are given by internationally-acclaimed scholars on various aspects of the study of Ireland, including literature, history, politics, anthropology, geography, film and theater, language and music.

The program includes a series of field trips to sites across Northern Ireland, including program specific trips to the poet Seamus Heaney’s Homeplace, the birthplace of St Patrick, Downpatrick and the city of Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.

Lectures will include:
• The history of the people on our land
• Ireland's place in the world
• The extraordinary and powerful history of migration and diaspora
• The turbulent, intertwined and sometimes creative relationships between Britain and Ireland
• The part played by the north, particularly Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, in our history
• Language, literature, music, dance and art
• Conflict and peace
• Heritage, identity and varieties of Irishness

Students can choose to specialize in one of two strands:  Literature and Culture or History and Heritage
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Discover the social, political and economic landscape of the island of Ireland.
Classes specific to this strand include Medieval Ireland. Civil Rights in Northern Ireland, women's history in Ireland and the Great Famine.
LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Further explore the writers, poets and traditional Irish culture of the island.
Classes specific to this strand include the cultural history of the 'Titanic', an introduction to the Irish language and the study of the works of Irish writers and poets including Seamus Heaney, WB Yeats and James Joyce.

Find more information regarding the summer program at Queen's look here: SummerSchool_2019_FINAL brochure.pdf .  Please note that the application process and costs in the brochure do not apply to our students.

Living

Belfast is an extremely easy city to get around, so you will have access to everything while staying in university accommodation, a short walk from campus. Belfast is more affordable than every other major student city in the UK; in fact it's almost 50% cheaper than London. With less money spent on rent, amenities, and food, you'll have more left over to experience Belfast's amazing culture!

Please note, there are a limited number of ensuite rooms available, so they will accommodate where possible. Non-ensuite rooms can also be booked if preferred.

Elms Village is located approximately 1.5 miles from Belfast City Centre in a leafy residential area within walking distance of local shops and restaurants making it an ideal location for the summer months. It is approximately a 15 minute walk to campus. The Queen's dorms were ranked in the UK's Top Ten Student Accommodation by The Telegraph.

Dedicated support is provided by Student Accommodation staff. Rates include utility bills, 24-hour security, 24-hour reception, regular cleaning of communal areas and internet service. Access to the internet in your bedroom can be limited.

Accommodation is in single ensuite or non-ensuite rooms. Rates include linen and towels, and a cleaning service every 3rd day. Rooms are typically in blocks of a maximum of 33 rooms with 11 rooms on each floor. Each floor has a kitchen and common room with TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Kitchen equipment, such as plates, cups, cutlery, small pot set and ovenware, etc. will be available for use. There is 24 hour reception and security on site.

At the center of Elms Village is the Treehouse where breakfast is served from 07.30-10.00 daily. The MACE shop on site is open from Monday-Friday.

In the summer, the Elms Village accommodation is booked from Sunday June 23 until Saturday July 20, 2019 inclusive (27 nights). If you would like to stay additional nights at Queen's Elms Halls of Residence, you can book and pay for these separately.

Exploring

With so much culture at your fingertips, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do. The Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, 28 acres of green lawns and trees, is right off campus, or you can explore Belfast’s trendiest neighborhood, the Cathedral Quarter. Its cobbled streets are now home to bustling restaurants, pubs, and arts venues. Being by the ocean and lush countryside will fill up your weekends as you take in everything this part of the island nation has to offer.

Included in the Summer School are a range of visits to:

• Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast and the Antrim Glens - An area of unsurpassed beauty, a unique fusion of tangible heritage and magnificent scenery
• Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, where the Titanic was designed and built
• Belfast’s murals and interface, guided tour
• The Centre for Migration Studies at the Ulster American Folk Park
• Derry-Londonderry (UK City of Culture 2013) - Tour of this splendid city, crammed full of history, heritage, interest and a vibrant cultural scene.

Local attractions close to campus include:

• Belfast Welcome Centre
• Botanic Gardens
• Friar's Bush Graveyard
• River Lagan Towpath
• Queen's Film Theatre
• Ulster Museum
• Queen's University Welcome Centre

Eligibility

Second semester college freshman & up may apply.  3.0 GPA or better required.

Dates & Costs

Below you will find the current dates and costs for all terms available. Please note all dates and costs are subject to change.

NOTE:  Non-CUNY and CUNY Non-New York State Resident students should contact program to confirm Program Costs above.  These program costs may not apply.  (Students who do not attend CUNY or a College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) school pay an additional $400 fee.)

* Semester Program Cost includes a 16 week contract for a standard room in Elms Village. If you select a different housing option, your cost may change. See changes in price by referring to the various residential fees available through QUB.

Semester Costs Include: Tuition and administrative fees, Housing (see note above), Field trips/excursions, Queens University student ID card, Pre-departure and onsite orientations, Sickness and accident insurance

Semester Costs Not Included: International airfare $600-1,100 approx., Meals $1000 approx., Personal Expenses $800 approx., Books $200 approx., Visa Fees (if needed) $125 (U.S. citizens) 

Summer Costs Include: Tuition and administrative fees, housing in a single ensuite room (own shower and toilet) on campus with a cooked breakfast, Field trips and cultural visits, Meals while on the field trips, Pre-departure and onsite orientations, Sickness and accident insurance

Summer Costs Not Included: International airfare $600-1,100 approx., Meals $150 approx., Personal Expenses $100-$500 approx., Books $50 approx., Visa Fees (if needed, no visa required for U.S. Citizens)

Application deadlines are:
Summer: March 15  Extended to April 1
Fall: March 15
Spring: October 15
 
Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable deadline extensions.

Queens University offers program scholarships! Apply by the internal deadlines listed on their scholarship page.