St Mary's University College - Belfast

14/10/2026

One World | Many Voices
Together with Ulster University, the Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies, All Nations Ministries and Welcome Churches, St Mary's helped organise the first Belfast One World | Many Voices celebration of diversity, inclusion, and equality. The festival brought together dozens of diaspora groups and ethnic minority organisations to profile their cultures and identities. Students and staff volunteered for the two-day event held in the new Ulster campus in Belfast.

14/10/2026

Getting workforce ready!

Dr David McAree, CCEA-level Business Studies Chief Examiner and Jill Armer, CCEA Education Manager facilitated an A-Level Business Studies Mock Assessment Trial at St Mary’s University College. The Assessment Trial, which was attended by Year 3 B.Ed Business Studies students, covered the marking process and examiner responsibilities before providing the opportunity for students to grade previous candidates' answers.

The opportunity is an important part of university teaching. It allow students to meet staff from the awarding bodies, and to hear insights and teaching tips from the Chief Examiner whilst practicing marking actual pupil scripts.

Many thanks to David and Jill for giving their time and engaging so positively with our students.

Pictured with our Year 3 Business Studies are Jill Armer and Dr David McAree.

14/10/2026

St Mary's is a proud champion of international student mobility and is delighted to be part of the Erasmus+ programme.

12/10/2026

Applications Now Open: Washington Ireland ‘Emerging Leaders’ Programme 2027
St Mary’s students — this is your opportunity to discover your potential in Washington DC in Summer 2027 as part of a Class of 30 changemakers.
The Washington Ireland Programme offers:
Leadership development
A summer semester experience
Insight into community service
Peer learning
A welcoming host family community
Find out more and sign up for an information session via the Washington Ireland Programme website.
A special thank you to Brenna Byrne from WIP, and to St Mary’s ex-student and former WIP participant Shane Donnelly, for sharing their positive experiences with our students.

12/10/2026

Strengthening Connections between Research and Practice: Teacher Occupational Wellbeing
Friday, 23rd October (9:30am – 2:30pm)
St. Mary’s University College, Belfast
Join us in St. Mary’s University College, Belfast for a dedicated day of professional development focused on evidence-based research on teacher occupational wellbeing and strengthening connections between Research and Practice.
COST - £35 per Ticket
Register via the link in comments.
Event Highlights
- Practical workshops will underpin expert insights from Professor Noel Purdy MBE, Stranmillis University College and Professor Catherine Furlong, University College Dublin.
- Individual and organisational factors affecting teacher wellbeing in school settings.
- Workshops include:
- Putting People First: Leadership Approaches to Teacher Wellbeing
- From Pressure to Possibility: Strengthening What Protects Teacher Wellbeing
- Self-Care through Positive Psychology and Lifestyle
- Resilient Rhythms: Supporting Teacher Occupational Wellbeing
- Networking opportunities across the day and an expert Q&A will enable educators to connect, collaborate and clarify their individual and school wellbeing vision and next actions.
Thank you to Irish News for publishing the opinion piece on the question - Are we asking to much of teachers?

With a large majority of staff reporting burnout and many considering leaving the classroom, how can teaching be made a sustainable profession?

06/10/2026

Oideachas Trí Mheán na Gaeilge i gColáiste Ollscoile Naomh Muire: Lá Oscailte - An bhfuil tú ag smaoineamh ar chúrsa TICO san Oideachas Trí Mheán na Gaeilge a dhéanamh i 2027/28 anseo i gColáiste Mhuire? Fearadh na fáilte romhat chuig an Lá Oscailte sa choláiste ar an 18 Samhain, 4-5pm.

Cláraigh: SMUCB website

06/10/2026

Study USA – Applications Now Open!
Huge thanks to our St Mary’s student Cara, UU student Caoimhe, QUB student Tara, and Mary Carson from British Council NI for energetically promoting Study USA to our students.
Hearing first-hand about Cara’s experience at Manhattan University (NYC), Caoimhe’s at King's College, Pennsylvania, and Tara’s at NC Wesleyan University (North Carolina) really showcased the amazing Study USA opportunity and the adventure that awaits every student. Our Associate Lecturer Emma Donnelly also shared her own Study USA story from South Carolina.
⏳ Only 5 weeks left to apply for Study USA 2027–2028
🗓️ HE closing date: Sunday 08 November 2026
🔗 For full details and to apply, visit the British Council Northern Ireland website: https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa

03/10/2026

QUB OPEN DAY
Make sure to call into our St Mary’s stand at the Peter Froggatt centre if you’re attending the QUB Open Day.

02/10/2026

‼️20% discount on our new St Mary's jersey‼️
For a limited time O’Neills are offering -20% discount on our new College jersey.
The discount will show at the checkout.
Shop online O'Neills Sportswear
https://www.oneills.com/uk_en/shop-by-team/education/universities/st-marys-university-college-belfast.html

01/10/2026

Belfast Immersion Experience
international students are enjoying an immersive experience of Belfast, with visits to Belfast City Hall and Parliament Buildings at Stormont.
A special thank you to Belfast Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly for hosting a warm welcome and afternoon tea in the Mayor’s Parlour. ☕️