Queen¡¯s continues 175-year-old tradition of offering learning open to all
This year marks the 175th anniversary of the provision of extramural courses run by Queen¡¯s. These were classes offered ¡®outside the walls¡¯ of the University, available to the wider community in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and beyond.
As early as 1851, members of Faculty were offering courses of lectures outside working hours so they could be attended by those who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to benefit from a university education.
The first courses were in chemistry, anatomy and botany. By 1856, the range had spread to such topics as ‘the history of French literature’, ‘great English writers’ and ‘Irish topography, history and philology’ (the study of language). Thus, the foundations were laid for what has become an enduring and noble tradition of extramural provision at Queen’s.
The spirit of Open Learning today much reflects that of 175 years ago, as can be seen in the new Spring programme which contains established favourites (e.g. in language-learning) as well as new courses which reflect highly contemporary issues and research.
New courses on offer
A workshop ‘2tonnes: Your choices, our Future’ lets participants explore practical ways of reducing emissions. The session, taught by a tutor certified by the United Nations in Sustainability, uses a digital simulation to show how personal, local, and national decisions influence long term climate outcomes.
Another new course which uses digital resources is ‘Opening up the Map: Exploring Townlands, Place-Names & Landscapes as Cultural Heritage’. This one-day workshop offers new digital tools, resources and insights emerging from recent related research projects in Queen’s. It offers a practical introduction to historic Ordnance Survey (OS) maps, OS Name Books, place-name sources, and linked collections.
Additionally, a new course in Cookstown by tutor, Roy Nelson, explores a topic that would have surely been covered in some of the very first extramural classes in botany: ‘Native Trees’.
Professor Katy Hayward and Dr Cathal McManus, Co-Directors of Open Learning at Queen’s said: “As Open Learning at Queen’s marks 175 years of offering extramural courses, we continue a proud tradition of opening up education to the wider community. The programme is designed not only for registered students and staff, but also for those who simply wish to enjoy learning alongside others, guided by experts in their fields.”
How to enrol
Visit the to browse the catalogue of courses on offer across categories from Creative Writing and Cultural Studies to Personal Development and Science. The courses are scheduled for daytime, evening and weekends, and the style is informal and accessible. Participants do not need any prior qualifications, and learners will quickly appreciate the friendly atmosphere offered by the University. There are also concession rates available for people in receipt of benefits.
Enrolment is open until the end of April 2026, and the courses run from 5 May – 8 June 2026.
For more information and the full programme, please visit or email: openlearning.education@qub.ac.uk
Media
Media enquiries to Zara McBrearty on email: z.mcbrearty@qub.ac.uk