Partnership signing event January 16th January 2025 between St Mary's University College and Queen's University

Queen's University Belfast and St Mary's University College Renew Historic Partnership
Queen’s University Belfast and St Mary’s University College have today (Thursday 16 January) officially renewed their longstanding academic partnership, marking a new era of collaboration that promises to shape the future of higher education in Northern Ireland.
The event at St Mary’s University College, a Catholic-based institution offering professional teacher education and integrated liberal arts and a college of Queen’s University, saw over 350 attendees from both institutions, students, community leaders and political leaders come together to witness and celebrate the renewed partnership.
Professor Peter Finn KSG, Principal of St Mary’s University College, said:
Today’s agreement outlines a shared strategic vision focused on academic integration, mutual trust, and a commitment to providing a holistic student experience. The partnership will see both institutions collaborate on enhancing academic programmes, investing in staff development, and providing innovative learning opportunities for students.
Speaking at the event, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s University Belfast said:
Both Queen’s and St Mary’s have expressed their commitment to community outreach and widening participation in higher education, ensuring that education remains a fundamental right for all. As part of the agreement, the institutions will continue their joint efforts in transforming lives through the power of education and inclusivity.
Recent graduate Ally Magee commented:
This renewed partnership represents a pivotal moment for both Queen’s University Belfast and St Mary’s University College as they work together to create a shared vision for the future of higher education in Northern Ireland.
Pictured at the signing of the new partnership event rom left to right top: Secretary of St Mary’s University College Board Brian McFall, St Mary’s University College Student Union President Dáire Stevenson, Vice-President of Students and Corporate Services Caroline Young, Chair of Queen’s University Belfast Senate Dr Len O’Hagan, The Rt. hon. Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Pro-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast Orla Corr-Nixon, Vice-President (Governance and External Affairs) and Registrar Dr Ryan Feeney, Queen’s University Belfast Student Union President Kieran Minto (bottom row) St Mary’s University College Principal Professor Peter Finn, Most Reverend Alan McGuckian, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education and Students Professor Judy Williams.
Community and Civic Leaders Endorsement
Leaders endorse our partnership agreement with Queen’s University Belfast highlighting the positivity and the opportunities of the relationship.

St Mary's University College and Queen's University Partnership

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