The origins of the College can be traced back to 1900 when the Dominican Sisters opened St Mary’s Training College on the present Falls Road campus with an enrolment of 100 women students. For nearly 50 years after that, the college was concerned with the education of women students and their preparation for teaching in primary schools.

In 1948, four-year courses for post-primary teachers were introduced and, by arrangement with Queen’s University, selected students could follow a combined course of university study and professional training.

In 1949 a men’s department was established at Trench House. In 1961 it ceased to be the men’s department of St Mary’s Training College and was constituted St Joseph’s Training College.

In 1968 the Senate of Queen’s University granted St Mary’s and St Joseph’s recognition for the instruction of matriculated students of the university in courses leading to the degree of Bachelor of Education.

The new college, called St Mary’s University College, came formally into existence in September 1985.

Principal: Professor Peter B Finn

Fees Structure: On Request

Programmes for Students:
BEd (Primary & Post-Primary) – This is a four-year honours degree programme leading to full recognition to teach by the Department of Education and registration with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.

PGCE (Irish-medium Education) – The Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a one-year award bearing course for graduates wishing to enter teaching. The PGCE in St Mary’s is specifically focused on teaching in an Irish Medium setting.

MEd Programme – St Mary’s MEd programme offers you an excellent opportunity to develop your professional practice as part of a vibrant community of teacher professional learning.

Sports Facilities: Sports facilities for students provided by the College include a Sports Hall with gymnasium and fitness centre, a high performance facility and access to the adjacent floodlit 3G multi-sports pitch at St Dominic’s.

St Mary’s students may also take out membership of the Physical Education Centre at Queen’s University.

St Mary’s University College, Belfast
191 Falls Road, Belfast BT12 6FE, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 28 9032 7678
Fax: +44 28 9033 3719
Email: research_admin@smucb.ac.uk
Website: www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk