International Relations and Irish BA

Queen's University BelfastBelfast, United Kingdom

Course overview

International Relations and Irish allows students to appreciate how the insights of political analysis (e.g. political theory, political institutions, international relations) and the tools of literary and linguistic inquiry combine to illuminate political and historical developments, including those in the contemporary world. International Relations at Queen’s is about more than just armed conflict and insurgency. It also examines such trends as globalisation and considers the challenge from the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the process of European integration, humanitarian issues (such as poverty, development and refugees), and the role of the media in conflict.

We look at conflict, co-operation and its origins, dynamics and trajectories, at theories of society, at the value and ethical basis of political ideas and action, and at politics in different national and historical contexts. In Irish, the focus is on the modern language and culture. Language modules examine core aspects of written and spoken Irish, covering subjects such as syntax, phonetics and semantics.

A range of optional modules provide you with a broad understanding of diverse aspects of Irish culture, society and identity. These include film studies, studies in Irish translation, language and rights, modern poetry, Irish linguistics, and the short story. The growth of Gaelic identity is also explored and insight into the country’s wider heritage is developed through the study of mythology, folklore and Scottish Gaelic.

All our students spend an extended period in the Gaeltacht each summer as part of our residential course. Final-year students can also avail of work internships in an Irish-language setting.

Key highlights

Examines globalisation, European integration, humanitarian issues and media in conflict
Explores the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
Irish language modules cover syntax, phonetics and semantics
Options include film studies, Irish translation, modern poetry and the short story
Extended residential stay in the Gaeltacht every summer
Final-year work internships available in an Irish-language setting

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB — ABB

Scholarships

County Antrim Grand Jury Bursary
Approximately £1500 depending on funding available.
Early Confirmation Award
Funding Amount - £1500
Up to £1,500
International Undergraduate Scholarships
This award is £3500 (fee rate 1) for first year of study; £4000 (fee rate 2) for first year of study.
INTO Progressors Scholarship
£1500 reduction in tuition fees for first year of study.
Up to £1,500
LLB Senior Status International Scholarship
Scholarships Value - £4000
Up to £4,000
Queen's Loyalty Scholarship
20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.
Up to 20% of fees
Queen’s Family Scholarship
20% reduction on first year gross tuition fees.
Up to 20% of fees
Royal Academy of Engineering: Engineering Leaders Scholarship Programme
Funding Amount: £5000 - £10,000
Up to £5,000
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship - Undergraduate
50% reduction on full tuition fees paid for all years of a programme, up to a maximum of four years (including advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3).
Up to 50% of fees

Careers this course leads to

Policy analyst
Diplomatic service officer
Irish-language translator
Irish-language broadcaster or journalist
Civil service officer
NGO programme officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £4,985 (NI/ROI), £9,790 (GB) | International: £24,600

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Queen's University Belfast, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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