The Hillary Rodham Clinton Award

About

The Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation

The University will provide a full tuition-fee waiver to an exceptional female student from the USA who wishes to pursue study in a field related to politics, conflict transformation or human rights. The five MA programmes covered by the award will include:

Hillary Rodham Clinton made an outstanding contribution to reconciliation throughout the Northern Ireland peace process. She was a strong advocate for the inclusion of women’s voices in the peace talks and became an inspirational role model for many in the Queen’s community.

This award, created in the former Senator’s name, honours her long-standing commitment to peace, stability and education.

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Application

Key Dates

Applications open: Applications open at the same time as the Queen's Portal which is open from Monday 15 September 2025.

Applications close: Friday 30 January 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

Decisions announced: March 2026

Please note that it is anticipated that shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview (MS Teams) - date TBC.

How to apply

To be considered for this award, please submit an application for your chosen programme through the Queen's Portal.

On the Queen's Portal, please select 'I have already secured / hope to secure other funds' and then enter HillaryClinton26 in the free text box 'Please provide details of the other funds that you have secured / hope to secure’.

You must also upload a CV of no more than 2 pages which outlines your commitment to civic leadership and peacebuilding. This should be uploaded in a PDF merged with academic transcripts.

You must have applied to the University for study in one of the outlined programmes by 23 January 2026; must be issued with an offer for your chosen programme by 16 February 2026; must hold a 3.7 CGPA or above (or equivalent); must be a US citizen and must identify as female.

Enquiries: askahss@qub.ac.uk

Hear from an award recipient

2025

Riley Novak

Check back in December for more information on Riley’s experience.

2024

Brittany McCutchen

''As an aspiring human rights lawyer, the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation has been an incredible opportunity for me to study International Human Rights Law in Belfast. It is particularly special to learn about human rights and conflict transformation in Belfast, where so many people have such a strong professional and personal connection to peacebuilding. My courses have helped to expand my understanding of post-conflict society tremendously.

I have made many incredible friends here and love exploring Belfast with them. I have had the opportunity to be a part of a local pottery studio which has been such a fun experience for me. I am so honoured to have received this scholarship which has been pivotal in allowing me to continue to work towards peace and justice. Overall, my time at Queen’s University Belfast has been unforgettable and I cannot wait to continue to learn and grow here.''

2023

Caroline Barnett

"Queen's is known world-wide to have a really good reputation [...] Queen's has been one of those universities that a lot of academics who are really good in this particular field gravitate towards so there's a really good mix of academic study and living a city that has recovered."

2022

Emily Bishko, LLM Human Rights Law

"Coming to Queen's University Belfast and studying International Human Rights Law have felt instrumental to my academic, professional, and personal development. QUB stood out to me because it would enable me to learn from top-tier academics who actively contribute to human rights practice, to get a different perspective than I would have had I remained in the U.S., and to live in a place shaped by the themes discussed in class. I have already done this and more; the experience is exceeding my expectations.

My classes in International Human Rights Law, Human Rights in Practice, and Transitional Justice have challenged me to think critically about and take a real-world perspective to human rights and peacebuilding. I am excited to continue developing my expertise through my dissertation. Outside of class, I have loved getting to bond with classmates with a variety of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives; to engage with the Northern Irish community by joining a local dance troupe; and to explore Belfast and the North Coast. I am immensely grateful and honored to have received the The Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation, which has made it all possible."

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2021

Abigail McGowan, MA Global Security and Borders

"I am incredibly honoured to receive the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation. While attending Secretary Clinton’s installation as chancellor, I was reminded of her meaningful history in Northern Ireland; and I similarly hope to contribute to the US-Northern Ireland relationship and Secretary Clinton’s legacy of peacebuilding and reconciliation around the world. As I prepare for a career in public service, the critical thinking skills and knowledge I will gain through the Global Security and Borders MA will enable me to be a stronger diplomat and global citizen.

I have already had such an enriching academic experience at Queen’s. My core module in Global Security and Borders has challenged my understanding of the migration-security nexus. My course on the Politics of the Republic of Ireland has given me a better understanding of the island and European politics more broadly. Lastly, I know my Approaches to Research Design course will equip me with the tools to conduct rigorous research in both academia and the policy world. I feel fortunate to study politics, international relations, and borders in a place where these subjects are live issues, rather than abstract concepts. Outside of QUB, I am looking forward to exploring Northern Ireland and getting involved in the Belfast community."

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2020

Katie Becker, MA Global Security and Borders

"Receiving the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation means a great deal to me. I have already learned so much. My course instructors have challenged me and questioned things I thought I knew about borders and migration. I intend to go on to pursue a law degree in the United States, and I know I will begin my career in public interest law with sharper critical-thinking skills and greater global awareness having studied at Queen's as the HRC Awardee.

Academically, I am most looking forward to receiving rigorous training in social science research methodology through the HAPP7001 course and then applying that training to my dissertation. I'm also taking two area-studies courses: the Politics of Northern Ireland and the Politics of the Republic of Ireland. I'm excited to learn more about the place where I'm lucky to be living and studying. Outside of school, I am most looking forward to exploring Northern Ireland, the UK, and the Republic of Ireland when and as it's safe to do so. I've enjoyed exploring the cycling paths in Belfast, especially the Lagan Towpath."

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Graduate Study in Conflict Resolution at Queen’s

Queen’s University is an international centre of excellence for research and teaching in politics, international studies and conflict resolution. The University has been at the forefront of building peace in Northern Ireland for over 30 years and has fostered a range of research collaborations to bring about major societal change and social harmony.

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences attracts students from across the world who are interested in understanding and seeking to influence major global challenges.

The Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation will offer one exceptional candidate the opportunity to pursue this calling in Belfast, learning from world-leading researchers in the field.

Apply to Queen’s University Belfast

The Study of Conflict at Queen's

Queen’s Peace and Conflict Podcast

If you want to hear more about the expertise in peace and conflict studies at Queen’s, listen to Professor Richard English’s podcast series: Peace and Conflict- Understanding Our World. This series of conversations looks at conflict and peace-building around the world, from Afghanistan to Ireland, Colombia and South Africa to the Middle East.

Find out more about the Peace and Conflict podcast

Senator George J. Mitchell smiling in front of the American flag

SENATOR GEORGE J MITCHELL INSTITUTE

For Global Peace, Security and Justice

The Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice is a Global Research Institute (GRI) and a flagship for interdisciplinary dialogue. Bringing together researchers from a wide range of disciplines, the Institute draws upon unparalleled expertise on the issues of global security, social justice and peace-building to enrich understanding of conflict transformation.

Find out more about the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute