St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) and Ulster University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that opens new academic, research and intercultural learning opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions, the college announced.
The agreement, signed Sept. 15 in Washington, D.C., establishes a formal partnership between SMCM and Ulster University’s International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), based in Northern Ireland. INCORE is a joint initiative of Ulster University and the United Nations University focused on the study of conflict and peacebuilding.
Under the MOU, the two institutions identified four areas of opportunity for collaboration:
- A graduate pathway allowing SMCM students to pursue Ulster University’s Master of Science in Peace and Conflict Studies.
- Undergraduate summer study in Northern Ireland through INCORE.
- Collaborative research and faculty exchanges between the two institutions.
- Postdoctoral scholar exchanges to support ongoing research partnerships.
SMCM President Rhonda Phillips said the partnership reflects the college’s commitment to giving students a global perspective grounded in real-world experience.
“This partnership allows our students to engage directly with one of the world’s leading institutes on conflict resolution and peacebuilding, gaining perspectives that will serve them in any field they pursue,” Phillips said.
Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, Ulster University’s Provost, said the agreement builds on the two institutions’ shared commitment to research and student opportunity.
“We are proud to formalize this relationship with St. Mary’s College of Maryland,” Gormley-Heenan said. “This collaboration will create meaningful opportunities for our students and faculty to learn from one another and advance research that has real impact on communities affected by conflict.”
INCORE has built an international reputation for its work on conflict transformation, drawing scholars and practitioners from around the world to Northern Ireland to study peacebuilding in a region with its own history of sectarian conflict.
The MOU does not include specific funding commitments or an enrollment timeline for the new exchange programs; SMCM said further details on how students can apply for the graduate pathway and summer study opportunities will be announced as the partnership develops.
