International Relations and Irish BA

This degree isn’t just about lectures and essays — it’s designed to get you out into the world, using your Irish and applying your knowledge of international politics in real settings. From immersive language experiences in Donegal to internships with Irish-language organisations, you’ll be building practical skills employers value, all while living the culture you’re studying. You’ll also have access to specialist online learning tools, student societies, and one of the best university libraries in the UK to support your journey.

Here’s how you’ll gain that real-world experience:

• Gaeltacht residentials – After your first and second years, you’ll spend three weeks in the Donegal Gaeltacht, completely immersed in the Irish language and culture, surrounded by native speakers.

• ‘Gairmeacha le Gaeilge’ internship – In your final year, you can complete a 50-hour placement in an Irish-language organisation, working directly through Irish in areas like media, education, or cultural services.

• Political and public sector placements – As an IR student, you’ll also have opportunities to gain experience in government departments, local councils, or media organisations, connecting theory with practice.

• Learning Branch software – A dedicated online platform designed for Irish learners, where you can complete interactive tasks to strengthen your language skills outside class.

• Irish-language student life – Join An Cumann Gaelach (the Irish society) for events, music, and cultural activities, or apply to live in the Irish Language Residential Scheme, where you’ll share accommodation with other Irish speakers.

• World-class library access – Queen’s McClay Library gives you everything from rare Irish texts to political archives and digital databases, supporting both your essays and your research projects.

With this degree, you’ll graduate with a rare mix of skills: the ability to think critically about global politics and to communicate fluently in Irish. That opens doors to exciting career paths in government, policy, media, education, culture, and international organisations. Typical roles our graduates move into include policy advisor, journalist, translator, and community or cultural development officer.

And here’s what Queen’s offers to help you get there:

• Dedicated careers support – Queen’s Careers, Employability & Skills team gives you one-to-one coaching, CV workshops, employer networking events, and access to MyFuture, the university’s jobs and placements portal.

• Strong graduate outcomes – Around 88% of Irish graduates are in work or further study within six months, with average starting salaries of about £21,800.

• Real industry links – Students often gain experience with the Northern Ireland Executive, local councils, the BBC, Irish-language media organisations, and cultural bodies through placements and internships.

• Long-term value – A Queen’s degree carries the reputation of the Russell Group, plus Irish at Queen’s is ranked 1st in the UK for research quality, while Politics and IR are ranked in the top 200 globally (QS).

• Graduate destinations – Alumni have gone on to careers in government departments, broadcasting, translation services, NGOs, education, and international policy work.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students choose to continue with postgraduate study—whether that’s a Master’s in International Relations, Irish & Celtic Studies, Translation, Public Policy, or even Law. Postgraduate qualifications can open up specialist careers in academia, research, high-level policy, and cultural leadership.