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

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

At Queen's, International Relations goes beyond studying wars and uprisings. It explores global trends like economic globalization, the growing influence of emerging powers (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), European unification, humanitarian crises (poverty, development, refugee issues), and media's role in conflicts. The program analyzes the roots, patterns, and outcomes of both conflict and cooperation, while examining social theories, ethical foundations of political thought, and comparative politics across different nations and historical periods.

The Irish studies component emphasizes contemporary language and culture. Language courses focus on essential skills in written and spoken Irish, including grammar, pronunciation, and meaning. Elective modules offer a comprehensive exploration of Irish cultural identity, covering areas like cinema, translation studies, language rights, modern poetry, linguistics, and short fiction. The program also investigates Gaelic identity formation and Ireland's broader cultural legacy 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.