BA International Relations and Irish at Queen's University Belfast

This joint honours degree combines political analysis (political theory, institutions, international relations) with literary and linguistic study of Irish to illuminate political and historical developments, including in the contemporary world. International Relations examines globalisation, the rise of emerging powers, European integration, humanitarian issues and the role of the media in conflict, while Irish focuses on the modern language and culture.

Department: School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics  |  Duration: 3 years full-time  |  Intake: September 2027 (Academic Year 2027/28)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Perspectives on Politics, Comparative Politics, World Politics (20 credits each) and Gaeilge 1 (40 credits), with Celtic Mythology optional. Irish language modules cover syntax, phonetics and semantics, with optional modules on film studies, translation, language and rights, modern poetry, linguistics and the short story. All students attend a 3-week residential in the Donegal Gaeltacht at the end of Stages 1 and 2, and final-year students can take an internship in an Irish-language setting.

Career pathways

Former students hold senior positions in most Irish-language sectors, and the School maintains links with media production companies, the translation sector and language promotion agencies. Graduates may progress to MAs such as Irish Studies, Translation, Linguistics, International Relations or International Public Policy.

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