School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University

29/10/2026

👏 Congratulations to Holly Mulhern, Parima Pourmoridi and Harshada Bhaskar Ohol on their excellent presentations at the first Centre for Inclusion, Transformation and Equality (CITE) PGR Seminar of the 2026/27 academic year.

The seminar showcased the breadth and impact of postgraduate research taking place across CITE, with presentations spanning health, education and cultural arts.

Holly Mulhern shared findings from her research exploring medication use in the home and how experiences of taking medicines are shaped by social factors, including gender and ageing.

Parima Pourmoridi presented research demonstrating the positive impact of paired reading programmes on reading comprehension among adult EFL/ESL learners.

The seminar concluded with Harshada Bhaskar Ohol's insightful presentation examining intersecting inequalities, identity, stigma and policy implications affecting women Lavani artists in India.

Thank you to all three researchers for sharing your work and contributing to such an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and wish you all the best as you complete the final stages of your PhD journeys. 🎓👏

28/10/2026

This month on the Children's Rights Blog, young people Ellie May and Isla share their stories of being deaf and why the Sign Language Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 matters.

They argue the Act "gives us hope for the future" as it "sends a powerful message that deaf people are capable and deserve equal opportunities".

Ellie May and Isla call for free sign language classes and urge schools to provide better support for deaf students, because real change starts with inclusion.

Discover their inspiring perspectives and learn why this legislation is a milestone for deaf children and young people. Read the full blog: https://blogs.qub.ac.uk/childrensrights/2026/10/28/changing-history-why-sign-language-law-matters-for-deaf-children-and-young-people/

26/10/2026

📣 Deaf BSL and ISL users wanted to help shape new research

Researchers Cate McNamee and Bronagh Byrne from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University are looking for deaf adults who use British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) to join an advisory group and help develop a new questionnaire. The survey will explore sign language access, deaf culture and quality of life, helping to assess how effectively the new Sign Language Act is working in Northern Ireland.

No previous research experience is needed. Your lived experience as a BSL or ISL user is what matters. Advisory group members will help ensure the questionnaire is relevant, accessible and meaningful for the signing community.

✅ Deaf BSL or ISL user
✅ Aged 18+
✅ Living in Northern Ireland

Interested? Contact: 📧 [email protected] 📧 [email protected]
BSL video: https://youtu.be/5i_-G8n1cA8
ISL video: https://youtu.be/UwMlhbPIJyI

23/10/2026

Paul McCafferty, Davy Hayes and Gerry Marshall were part of the editorial team.

📚✨ On Wednesday, we were delighted to attend the launch of Children's Rights in Social Work Practice: Theory, Protection, Participation and Provision and celebrate the invaluable contribution of care-experienced children and young people whose reflections helped shape this important publication.

Fittingly, the launch took place on VOYPIC's birthday, a reminder that for more than 30 years we have been championing the rights of care-experienced children and young people, ensuring their voices are heard, valued and acted upon.

💬 "It reminds us that listening isn't just kindness, it's a right."
— Thomas Magee, VOYPIC Young Person

The event highlighted the importance of meaningful participation, advocacy and influence, and the vital role that lived experience plays in shaping better services, systems and outcomes for children and young people.

💬 "Real change happens when children and young people are not only listened to, but are recognised as partners in shaping policy, practice and services. This book is a great example of what can be achieved when academia, practitioners and people with lived experience work together."
— Geraldine McGuigan, Youth Engagement and Participation Manager, VOYPIC

Congratulations to the editors, authors and everyone involved in bringing this valuable resource to life. We are proud to have partnered in this work and remain committed to championing children's rights in practice.

23/10/2026

ARK’s Dr Paula Devine and QUB’s Professor Lorna Montgomery recently presented their work on ‘Public Understanding of Adult Safeguarding in Northern Ireland’ in a KESS seminar, based on 2024 Northern Ireland Life and Times survey data.

The slides, policy brief & video are all here: https://zurl.co/MQE1u

23/10/2026

🔔 New ARK Research Update 🔔

The latest ARK Research Update by Dr Erin Early is based on data from the 2026 Kids' Life and Times survey.

Read here ➡️ https://zurl.co/LG0IF

School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University Ulster University Faculty of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences

22/10/2026

Lesley Emerson, Convenor for PGCE Social Science (Health & Social Care, Politics, Psychology, Sociology), had a busy day at yesterday's Routes into Teaching event, organised by Queen's Careers, Employability and Skills. There were lots of questions about our subjects and the application process.

Remember that the closing date for our next intake in September 2027 is 1st November! Ready to start your teaching journey? Apply now before the deadline!
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/study/postgraduate-taught/pgce/

22/10/2026

It was great to see you on campus!

19/10/2026

🌿 Learning Beyond the Classroom with BA Educational Studies 🌿

As part of the Level 2 module 'Formal and Informal Education for the 21st Century', our BA Educational Studies students recently visited Forest Schools NI at Clandeboye for an engaging field-based learning experience.

The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to observe outdoor learning in practice, seeing first-hand how teachers and Early Years children learn and engage in a natural environment. Through observation and participation, students explored the important role that nature-based and informal learning can play in children's education, wellbeing and development.

Field trips like this are a key part of the BA Educational Studies programme, giving students opportunities to connect theory with practice and experience different educational settings beyond the traditional classroom.

A big thank you to the Northern Ireland Forest School Association for facilitating this valuable learning opportunity.

Interested in studying education? Find out more about our BA Educational Studies programme and the wide range of experiences available to our students.
Education Studies (BA): https://ow.ly/v2Ja50ZYl1l
Education Studies and Social Policy: https://ow.ly/myEK50ZYl1n
Education Studies and Sociology: https://ow.ly/ucZa50ZYl1m

16/10/2026

🌍 Strengthening International Partnerships in Education 🌍

The School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University is proud to be part of the DAAD-funded international education programme, Get Ready for Global Teaching (2025-2029), which is fostering collaboration and enriching learning opportunities between partner institutions.

In June 2026, BA Educational Studies students, accompanied by lecturer Ian Collen, travelled to PH Karlsruhe University of Education in Germany to take part in the programme's Summer School. The experience provided students with valuable opportunities for international learning, intercultural exchange and collaboration with peers from across the world.

Building on this successful partnership, Ian will return to PH Karlsruhe University of Education in late November for a six-week Visiting Teaching Fellowship. During the fellowship, he will contribute to teaching and knowledge exchange activities, further strengthening the partnership and expanding opportunities for students and staff to engage in global education initiatives.
International collaborations such as these enrich teaching, research and student experiences, helping to prepare future educators for an increasingly interconnected world.