Queen's University Belfast

The Summer Institute at Queen's University Belfast offers participants a three-week introduction to the rich tapestry of historical, cultural, political, and socio-economic factors that combine to make Northern Ireland a unique place. This experiential programme will situate Queen’s, Belfast, and the north of Ireland within the key conversations that shape our wider world.  

Belfast is one of Europe's most hip, vibrant and affordable cities, lauded for its energy, and rich in culture and history. Queen's stunning campus is within Belfast's Queen's Quarter, with cafés, bars, restaurants, superb shopping and entertainment venues.  Discover more about student life in Belfast here.   

Queen’s University Belfast was founded by Royal Charter in 1845 and is the UK's ninth oldest university. Queen’s is ranked in the top 175 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027), and was recently awarded UK University of the Year (WhatUni? Student Choice Awards 2026). As a member of the Russell Group, Queen’s is one of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities, and the only Russell Group university in Northern Ireland.  

Highlights

Not simply academic in scope, the Summer Institute at Queen's University Belfast provides insights into the histories, locations, and future visions of Belfast and this part of Ireland by engaging with local people and visiting a range of political, historical, and cultural sites. Participants will learn about the city and explore this country alongside peers from other international universities, drawn from across the world. 

In week one, students will take part in introductory activities and classes designed to familiarise them with Belfast and provide an enhanced understanding of the entwined social, political, and historical realities of the city today.  

In weeks two and three, participants will have the opportunity to dig deeper into the theme of their choice, both within and beyond the classroom. Through projects, in-class sessions and engagement with local communities, political decision makers, businesses and non-Governmental organisations, participants will explore multiple perspectives on conflict, peace and extremism, contemporary Irish studies, the tools of diplomatic tradecraft, or take the opportunity to explore their own creative and storytelling abilities.  

Participants can choose from a range of unique programmes: 

  • Irish Studies 
  • Identity and Intergroup Relations in Divided Societies 
  • Diplomacy & International Relations Story: Creative Writing 
  • Community-led Sustainability Research 
     

Find out more about each of the programmes here. 

More Information

 Saturday, 19 June – Saturday, 10 July 2027 

Summer School accommodation will be provided for 21 nights in Elms BT9, a purpose-built student village offering a range of modern, comfortable and secure accommodation just 15 minutes' walk from Queen’s campus. 

The village includes the Treehouse, which is the main social space for all students living with us and includes the coffee bar, snooker & pool tables, table tennis, TV lounge with 2 x 85-inch TV screens with BT Sports, games & karaoke room, 2 bookable kitchen spaces, outdoor BBQ area, computers and high-speed internet. 

Participants will have their own ensuite bedroom, and share a kitchen and communal living area with 9 or 10 other summer school participants. There is also a self-service laundry facility located within the accommodation (equipped with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards). 

Accommodation will include: 

  • 21 nights at Queen’s student accommodation 

  • Private room 

  • Private ensuite bathroom 

  • Utility bills 

  • WiFi Internet 

  • Bed linen and towels 

  • Communal kitchen and common room with a TV and kitchen equipment 

  • 24-hour safety staff 

  • Reception (8am - 8pm, 7 days a week) 

Accommodation is self-catered. Fulbright participants will receive a food allowance which can be spent on groceries or eating out in local cafes/restaurants. All participants will be provided with a meal at the welcome and farewell events. 

Take a virtual tour of Elms BT9 Accommodation 

This programme is worth 10 CATS in the UK credit system, equivalent to 3 US credits.  

Participants may be able to transfer the credits they earn at Queen’s to their home institution. Students who successfully complete the summer institute will receive a certificate of attendance and an official Queen’s University transcript. It is the individual’s responsibility to pass on the transcript to their home university so they can transfer credit if applicable.  

More UK Summer Institutes:

University of St Andrews

Scotland's History: Kingdom, Nation, People.

Lancaster University

International Cultural Experience

University of East Anglia

Fiction in all its Forms