Why was Northern Ireland such a sticking point during Brexit? Explore the evolving political, economic, and constitutional ties between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU in the post‑Brexit era.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course explores the complex and shifting relationship between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the European Union—from the UK and Ireland’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 to the recent 'reset' in UK-EU relations.
Through the various agreements and turning points, it looks at how sovereignty, identity, and trade continue to be contested.
Has the UK secured its sovereignty?
What does the current relationship mean for Northern Ireland’s future constitutional position?
This course unravels the current complex relationship between the UK, the EU, and Republic of Ireland.
What will we cover?
The EEC and the Irish border during the Troubles.
Anglo-Irish Agreement (1985) and EU frameworks for cross-border coöperation.
The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and EU structural support.
Brexit: campaign issues, referendum outcomes, and implications in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Protocol: trade, customs, and political controversy.
The Windsor Framework and the UK’s recent ‘reset’ with the EU.
Ongoing debates around sovereignty, identity, and the future of the Union.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Describe how EEC/EU membership shaped British and Irish policy on Northern Ireland.
Understand the significance of key legal and political agreements over five decades.
Analyse the constitutional and economic challenges posed by Brexit in Northern Ireland.
Critically engage with current debates on post-Brexit UK-EU relations.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course.
As with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through a blend of tutor-led talks and discussions. You will be encouraged to actively participate, share your perspectives, and engage critically with the material. Contributions to group dialogue are welcomed as a key part of the learning experience, and for a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored and debated constructively.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper a digital equivalent for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HPC305 Britain’s traffic transition towards sustainability: can we learn (parts of) the EU?
Your tutor will share additional courses with you.
Dr Stephen Goss is a former lecturer in history at Queen’s University Belfast. A published academic, his area of focus is 19th and 20th Century British, Irish and European history, specialising in the Cold War. Previously a Life-long Learning Lecturer at Stranmillis University College, he is now an Expert Tour Guide at the Imperial War Museum and Churchill War Rooms, and has been a popular speaker in museums, historical societies, u3a, Probus, and the Women's Institute for over fifteen years. Stephen has also conducted policy and research for Campaign for Better Transport and writes regularly for a leading independent news and analysis site on Northern Irish current affairs.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/britain-northern-ireland-and-the-eu2640186Britain, Northern Ireland and the EUhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/https://www.citylit.ac.uk/static/version1768481914/frontend/WilliamsCommerce/citylit/en_GB/Magento_Catalog/images/product/placeholder/image.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics228511771677135421228511771677<p>Why was Northern Ireland such a sticking point during Brexit? Explore the evolving political, economic, and constitutional ties between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU in the post‑Brexit era.</p>002640132Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/no_selectionInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-02-03T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC303179179Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU143116179Stephen Gossbritain-northern-ireland-and-the-eu/hpc303-2526<p>Why was Northern Ireland such a sticking point during Brexit? Explore the evolving political, economic, and constitutional ties between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU in the post‑Brexit era.</p>0000-Available|2026-02-03 00:00:00<p text-align:justify="">This course explores the complex and shifting relationship between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the European Union—from the UK and Ireland’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 to the recent 'reset' in UK-EU relations. </p><p text-align:justify="">Through the various agreements and turning points, it looks at how sovereignty, identity, and trade continue to be contested. </p><p text-align:justify="">Has the UK secured its sovereignty? </p><p text-align:justify="">What does the current relationship mean for Northern Ireland’s future constitutional position? </p><p text-align:justify="">This course unravels the current complex relationship between the UK, the EU, and Republic of Ireland.</p><p>Why was Northern Ireland such a sticking point during Brexit? Explore the evolving political, economic, and constitutional ties between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU in the post‑Brexit era.</p><ul><li>The EEC and the Irish border during the Troubles.</li><li>Anglo-Irish Agreement (1985) and EU frameworks for cross-border coöperation.</li><li>The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and EU structural support.</li><li>Brexit: campaign issues, referendum outcomes, and implications in Northern Ireland.</li><li>The Northern Ireland Protocol: trade, customs, and political controversy.</li><li>The Windsor Framework and the UK’s recent ‘reset’ with the EU.</li><li>Ongoing debates around sovereignty, identity, and the future of the Union.</li></ul><ul><li>Describe how EEC/EU membership shaped British and Irish policy on Northern Ireland.</li><li>Understand the significance of key legal and political agreements over five decades.</li><li>Analyse the constitutional and economic challenges posed by Brexit in Northern Ireland.</li><li>Critically engage with current debates on post-Brexit UK-EU relations.</li></ul><p text-align:justify="">This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. </p><p text-align:justify="">As with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p text-align:justify="">Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p text-align:justify="">The course will be delivered through a blend of tutor-led talks and discussions. You will be encouraged to actively participate, share your perspectives, and engage critically with the material. Contributions to group dialogue are welcomed as a key part of the learning experience, and for a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored and debated constructively. </p><p>No other costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper a digital equivalent for notetaking. </p><p>HPC305 Britain’s traffic transition towards sustainability: can we learn (parts of) the EU?</p><p>Your tutor will share additional courses with you.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual143179116HPC303NONETue03/02/26 - 10/03/2615:00 - 17:0015:0017:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetStephen GossBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-02-03T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeFeb 2026Culture, history & humanities179179Britain, Northern Ireland and the EUbritain-northern-ireland-and-the-eu/hpc303-2526<p>Why was Northern Ireland such a sticking point during Brexit? Explore the evolving political, economic, and constitutional ties between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU in the post‑Brexit era.</p>0000-Available|2026-02-03 00:00:00<p text-align:justify="">This course explores the complex and shifting relationship between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the European Union—from the UK and Ireland’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 to the recent 'reset' in UK-EU relations. </p><p text-align:justify="">Through the various agreements and turning points, it looks at how sovereignty, identity, and trade continue to be contested. </p><p text-align:justify="">Has the UK secured its sovereignty? </p><p text-align:justify="">What does the current relationship mean for Northern Ireland’s future constitutional position? </p><p text-align:justify="">This course unravels the current complex relationship between the UK, the EU, and Republic of Ireland.</p><p>Why was Northern Ireland such a sticking point during Brexit? Explore the evolving political, economic, and constitutional ties between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU in the post‑Brexit era.</p><ul><li>The EEC and the Irish border during the Troubles.</li><li>Anglo-Irish Agreement (1985) and EU frameworks for cross-border coöperation.</li><li>The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and EU structural support.</li><li>Brexit: campaign issues, referendum outcomes, and implications in Northern Ireland.</li><li>The Northern Ireland Protocol: trade, customs, and political controversy.</li><li>The Windsor Framework and the UK’s recent ‘reset’ with the EU.</li><li>Ongoing debates around sovereignty, identity, and the future of the Union.</li></ul><ul><li>Describe how EEC/EU membership shaped British and Irish policy on Northern Ireland.</li><li>Understand the significance of key legal and political agreements over five decades.</li><li>Analyse the constitutional and economic challenges posed by Brexit in Northern Ireland.</li><li>Critically engage with current debates on post-Brexit UK-EU relations.</li></ul><p text-align:justify="">This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. </p><p text-align:justify="">As with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p text-align:justify="">Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p text-align:justify="">The course will be delivered through a blend of tutor-led talks and discussions. You will be encouraged to actively participate, share your perspectives, and engage critically with the material. Contributions to group dialogue are welcomed as a key part of the learning experience, and for a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints can be explored and debated constructively. </p><p>No other costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper a digital equivalent for notetaking. </p><p>HPC305 Britain’s traffic transition towards sustainability: can we learn (parts of) the EU?</p><p>Your tutor will share additional courses with you.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
