AHSS Summer Schools 2026
Our 2026 Summer School offers international students a three-week introduction to the rich tapestry of historical, cultural, political, environmental, 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.
Not simply academic in scope, Queen’s 26 provides insights into the histories, locations, and future visions of Belfast by engaging with local people and visiting a range of political, historical and cultural sites. You will learn about our city and explore this country alongside peers from other international universities, drawn from across the world.
In Week 1 all students take the introductory module 'Belfast: Culture, Identity, History & Politics' which comprises core content, and includes field trips around Belfast and Derry-Londonderry.
In Weeks 2 & 3 participants can tailor their Summer School experience by choosing from a range of exciting programmes:
- Identity & Intergroup Relations in Divided Societies
- Irish Studies
- Leadership
- Story - Creative Writing
Monday 15th - Friday 19th June 2026
Week 1 will explore the entwined social, political, and historical realities of the city today, discovering multiple community perspectives on modern Ireland/Northern Ireland. By the end of this week students will understand the multiple ways we can use and interpret the past and differentiate between various discipline-centered conceptions of the past.
We will provide students with a new or enhanced understanding of Queen’s University Belfast and the history of the institution within the Belfast city region. Students will be guided through a campus orientation and meet with the key members of staff and students delivering the summer 2026 programme. Students will be oriented to the city of Belfast and visit Derry-Londonderry.
Monday 22nd June- Friday 3rd July 2026
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, and non-Governmental organisations, participants will explore multiple perspectives on conflict, peace and extremism, contemporary Irish studies, Northern Irish leadership initiatives, or take the opportunity to explore their own creative and storytelling abilities.
Includes:
- Tuition fees
- Ensuite accommodation
- Welcome and farewell meals
- Field trips
£300 deposit is required within 2 weeks of receiving an offer (does not apply to group bookings)
OFFERS
Early-bird rate: Secure your place by 30 January 2026 to receive a 10% discount (individual direct applicants only)
Group rate: Contact us at summerschools@qub.ac.uk to discuss our 10% discount for groups of 10+ participants
TIMELINE FOR APPLICATIONS & PAYMENT
Applications open: Monday 13 October 2025
Applications close: Tuesday 31 March 2026
Payment deadline: Friday 17 April 2026
To be eligible for the Summer School, students must:
- have completed a minimum of 1 year of University/College study prior to Summer School
- be at least 18 years old by the start of the programme
- have a minimum GPA of 2.7
- have a referee or referral contact from global education/study abroad office or professor
- be competent in written and spoken English
To apply, simply complete our online application form before the closing date of 31 March 2026
When completing the application form, please ensure you:
- upload a copy of your academic transcript
- upload a copy of the photo page of your passport
- provide contact details for your academic referee (N.B. full written reference is not required)
Programmes can fill up quickly and therefore we ask you to submit a first and second preference choice. Our team will do their best to allocate all students to their first choice programme.
If you are accepted onto the programme, we will send you further details on how to pay your deposit.
- Return US-UK airfare
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- All field trips
- Daily allowance for meals
Please read our Study Abroad guidance pages for visa information and requirements.
Students should begin to prepare as early as possible before they are required to begin their studies. This should allow them sufficient time to have everything in order for their arrival at Queen’s.
If you are an international student, you will receive a Visa support letter from the International Summer School on payment of fee in full.
If you have any further queries, please contact the International Summer School coordinator at summerschools@qub.ac.uk.
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.
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Queen's is committed to equality of opportunity for all students and will strive to facilitate students with disabilities as an integral part of the Queen's community.
Support is provided to students with a wide range of needs. Support available varies and will be tailored to meet your individual requirements.
More information can be found on our Accessible Learning Support page, or if you would like to talk to us regarding any additional support please email summerschools@qub.ac.uk
Please ensure you read our Terms & Conditions prior to application.
The Terms & Conditions can be found below and contain important information relating to:
- Cancellations and Refunds
- Data Protection
- Student Code of Conduct
2026 Summer School Terms & Conditions for Individual Applicants
2026 Summer School Terms & Conditions for Group Applications