BA Irish and Politics at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This joint honours degree combines advanced learning of modern Irish language and culture with the study of Politics, which examines conflict, co-operation, theories of society, the ethical basis of political ideas and action, and politics in different national and historical contexts. Irish language modules cover syntax, phonetics and semantics, with optional modules on translation, language and rights, modern poetry, Irish linguistics and the short story.

Department: School of Arts, English and Languages | 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, Contemporary Europe (20 credits each) and Gaeilge 1 (40 credits). Optional modules include Celtic Mythology, Comparative Politics, World Politics, Introduction to Politics, Nualitríocht na Gaeilge ó 1916 go dtí an lá inniu and a module on sustainability, climate change and just energy transitions. All students spend an extended period in the Gaeltacht each summer, and final-year students can take an internship in an Irish-language setting or a work placement.

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 proceed to the MRes, MA in Irish Studies, MA in Arts Management or MA in Translation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including A-level Irish. A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate is accepted (Distinction* equated to A, Distinction to B). Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in Irish. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree provided subject requirements are met. Access courses, BTEC Extended Diplomas, HNCs and HNDs can be considered if Irish subject requirements are met. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required. No interview normally. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other rate Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time

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