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Queen's University Belfast

The Summer Institute at Queen's University Belfast offers participants a three-week introduction to the rich tapestry of historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic factors that combine to make Northern Ireland a unique place. This experiential programme will situate Queen’s, Belfast, and the north of Ireland within the key conversations that shape our wider world.Ìý

Belfast is one of Europe's most hip, vibrant and affordable cities, lauded for its energy, and rich in culture and history. Queen's stunning campus is within Belfast's Queen's Quarter, with cafés, bars, restaurants, superbÌýshoppingÌýand entertainment venues. (Complete University Guide 2022).ÌýÌý

Queen’sÌýUniversity BelfastÌýwas founded by Royal Charter in 1845 and is the UK's ninth oldestÌýuniversity, andÌýranks among the top 1% of global universities. Queen’s is ranked 17th in the world for international outlook and is attracting global talent to Belfast. (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022).ÌýQueen’s is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities.Ìý

The Summer Institute will be led by academic experts from a range of disciplines and institutes such as theÌýÌýwhich brings world-class facilities, leading academics and industry experts together to deliver a high-end portfolio of executive education and leadership programmes, TheÌý, which links peace-making with social transformation, acknowledging the need for reform of state institutions alongside cultural and social healing andÌý, an initiative based on partnership between communities, policymakers and academics to find lasting solutions that tackle disadvantage and improve outcomes for children, young people and communities.Ìý

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Highlights

Not simply academic in scope, the Summer Institute at Queen's University BelfastÌýprovides insights into the histories, locations, and future visions of Belfast and this part of Ireland by engaging with local people and visiting a range of political, historical, and cultural sites. Participants will learn about the city and explore this country alongside peers from other international universities, drawn from across the world’s seven continents.Ìý

Week 1 comprises core content and is taken by all students on the summer programme; after this introduction, participants design their own summer school experience from QUB’s offering of two-week thematic strands.Ìý

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Week 1 Belfast: Culture, Identity, History, and PoliticsÌý
Academic Lead: Professor Dominic BryanÌý

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Week 1 will explore the entwined social, political, and historical realities of the city today, discovering multiple community perspectives on modern Ireland/Northern Ireland. By the end of this week students will understand the multiple ways we can use and interpret the past and differentiate between various discipline-centered conceptions of the past. Students will be providedÌý with a new or enhanced understanding of Queen’s University Belfast and the history of the institution within the Belfast city region. Students will be guided through a campus orientation and meet with the key members of staff and students delivering the summer 2024 programme. Students will be oriented to the city of Belfast and visit Derry-Londonderry.

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Week 2 & 3:ÌýÌý

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In weeks two and three, participants will have the opportunity to dig deeper into the theme of their choice, both within and beyond the classroom. Through projects, in-class sessions and engagement with local communities, political decision makers, businesses and non-Governmental organisations, participants will explore multiple perspectives on conflict, peace and extremism, contemporary Irish studies, Northern Irish leadership initiatives, or take the opportunity to explore their own creative and storytelling abilities.Ìý

Participants can choose from a range of unique 2-week programmes:

  • Irish Studies
  • Identity and Intergroup Relations in Divided Societies
  • Leadership
  • Sustainability
  • Creative Writing
  • Creative Media

Find out more about each of the programmes .

More Information

14 June – 5 July 2025

Summer School accommodation will be provided for 21 nights in , a purpose-builtÌýstudent village offering a range of modern, comfortable and secure accommodation just 15 minutes' walk from Queen’s campus.

The village includes the Treehouse, which is the main social space for all students living with us and includes the coffee bar, snooker & pool tables, table tennis, TV lounge with 2 x 85-inch TV screens with BT Sports, games & karaoke room, 2 bookable kitchen spaces, outdoor BBQ area, computers and high-speed internet.

Participants will have their own ensuite bedroom, and share a kitchen and communal living area with 9 or 10 other summer school participants. There is also a self-service laundry facility located within the accommodation (equipped with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards).

Accommodation will include:

  • 21 nights at Queen’s student accommodation (Check in: Sat 14 June; Check out: Sat 5 July)
  • Private room
  • Private ensuite bathroom
  • Utility bills
  • WiFi Internet
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Communal kitchen and common room with a TV and kitchen equipment
  • 24-hour safety staff
  • Reception (8am - 8pm, 7 days a week)

Accommodation is self-catered. ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë participants will receive a food allowance which can be spent on groceries or eating out in local cafes/restaurants. All participants will be provided with a meal at the welcome and farewell events.

This programme is not accredited. Participants will not receive any credits for this programme.

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