BA (Hons) International Relations and Conflict Studies in Belfast United Kingdom | Queen's University Belfast

The International Relations and Irish program enables students to understand how political analysis (including political theory, institutions, and international relations) intersects with literary and linguistic studies to explore political and historical events, including modern global developments.

At Queen's, International Relations goes beyond studying wars and uprisings. It also analyzes global trends like economic globalization, the growing influence of nations like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, European unification, humanitarian concerns (such as poverty, development, and refugee crises), and media's role in conflicts. The program investigates the roots, patterns, and outcomes of both conflict and cooperation, societal theories, the ethics behind political ideologies, and governance across different cultures and historical periods.

The Irish component emphasizes contemporary language and culture. Language courses focus on key elements of written and spoken Irish, including grammar, pronunciation, and meaning. Elective modules offer a comprehensive view of Irish identity, society, and traditions through topics like film studies, translation, language rights, modern poetry, linguistics, and short fiction. The program also examines Gaelic identity expansion and Ireland's broader heritage through mythology, folklore, and connections to Scottish Gaelic. Students participate in an annual Gaeltacht immersion program, and final-year students have opportunities for Irish-language workplace internships.