Queen’s University Belfast is celebrating 175 years of its Open Learning Programme as enrolment opens for the 2026/27 academic year, featuring a special anniversary course and a bursary to widen access.

The milestone highlights Queen's long-standing commitment to extramural education—classes offered "outside the walls" of the University—welcoming learners from Belfast and beyond.

The tradition began in 1851 when members of the University's Faculty delivered after-hours lectures to people who otherwise could not access higher education, opening up Queen's expertise to the broader community.

Early offerings included chemistry, anatomy and botany. By 1856, the programme had broadened to topics such as the history of French literature, great English writers, and Irish topography, history and philology.

The 2026/27 schedule continues this inclusive approach with informal, accessible courses across disciplines, from language learning and creative writing to cultural studies, personal development and science.

To mark the anniversary, a new course, "What Queen's has given the World", will run as a 20-week series of one-hour lunchtime sessions led by lecturers and professors from fields including anthropology, chemical engineering, Spanish and sports medicine. All fees from the course will support a bursary fund to help more people across the community take part in Open Learning. 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."

Addie Curley from Belfast, who has completed several history courses through Open Learning, shared her experience: "I first heard about Open Learning when I was looking for something to do in the evenings outside of work and wanted to find an activity that engaged my mind and allowed me to meet new people and learn something new. There is a real sense of camaraderie in the classes that everyone is there as they have a similar interest and so you learn things not just from the lecturers but also from the other people in the class."

Retired Belfast teacher David Kerr, who has taken numerous Open Learning courses, commented: "I found courses like the ones provided by Open Learning provide human contact and you have an expert in the field standing at the front of the classroom. The Open Learning Programme is a bit of an acorn that can grow into other things throughout the city."

Courses are scheduled during the day, in the evenings and at weekends, with no prior qualifications required. Learners can expect a welcoming, informal atmosphere, and concession rates are available on most courses. Browse the full catalogue at www.qub.ac.uk/ol across areas such as Creative Writing, Languages, Personal Development and Visual Arts.

Enrolment for Autumn/New Year courses is now open, with Autumn classes beginning from 28 September 2026.

For more information and the full programme, visit www.qub.ac.uk/ol or email openlearning.education@qub.ac.uk.