The Literific

The Literific The Literary and Scientific Society is the debating society at Queen's University Belfast. We have public weekly debates and social events all year.

The Literific is the oldest student society at Queen's and even pre-dates the Students' Union. We're a cross-faculty society and hold debates on a range of topics; we'll have something for you whether you're a medical student, a student in the humanities, or a member of the public. Membership is open to anyone and everyone. Guests and members can speak in weekly debates or at special events; just

message, email.. there are a lot of ways to get in contact. During our debates you don't have to speak if you don't want to, there are plenty of opportunities to make speeches from the floor or to ask questions to the speakers however you can come along and just watch the debate. We are a friendly group and aim to make the society as inclusive as possible so come along and meet new friends at QUB. We have weekly debates on Thursday evenings and are usually found at the Practitioner Bar afterwards. There are also social events throughout the year. Send us a message if you have any questions and hopefully we'll see you on a Thursday night!

As it was the final Ordinary Meeting on Thursday, we had to go out with a bang!
21/04/2026

As it was the final Ordinary Meeting on Thursday, we had to go out with a bang!

Thank you to all our speakers and everyone who joined us on Thursday for the 26th and final Ordinary Meeting of the 177t...
21/04/2026

Thank you to all our speakers and everyone who joined us on Thursday for the 26th and final Ordinary Meeting of the 177th Session: This House Would Revolt.

Congratulations to the Opposition for winning the vote on speaker ability.

Join us again in September for the start of the 178th Session!

17/04/2026

Thursday Night Live! The introduction to last night's debate, the 26th and final Ordinary Meeting of the 177th Session!

⏰Wednesday 22nd April at 7pm📍McMordie Hall, QUB Music BuildingThe long-awaited Literific History Book launches next week...
15/04/2026

⏰Wednesday 22nd April at 7pm
📍McMordie Hall, QUB Music Building

The long-awaited Literific History Book launches next week!

For 175 years, the Literific has been a stage on which ideas were tested, traditions maintained and challenged, and history quietly shaped.

Founded in 1850 by six students with a belief in discourse, the Society became the voice of Queen’s students. It heard arguments on the issues of the day, witnessed societal change and welcomed figures whose words would echo far beyond the walls of the McMordie Hall.

Through war and peace, prosperity and collapse, the Literific reflected the tensions of its time. It debated fascism while Europe burned, wrestled with the morality of the atomic bomb and became a training ground for future leaders of the civil rights movement. It fell into controversy, disbanded entirely and was mourned as a long‑ailing friend - before returning, reborn, to restore its traditions, its voice and its belief in free expression.

'The Story of the Literific' traces that journey: from the first President, Edwin Lawrence Godkin, to the turmoil of the 1960s; from infamous scandals and packed debates to resurrection in the archives and revival on the chamber floor. It tells the story of a society that has always been more than a debating society - a community that shaped confidence, forged friendships and left its mark on Queen’s and beyond.

02/04/2026

What the Literific Means to Me: A ‘Lit’ and ‘Terrific’ Society
By Daniel Devenney, President of the 177th Session

On Monday we were delighted to host Sam McBride, co-author of For And Against A United Ireland, for a LitTalk in the Can...
01/04/2026

On Monday we were delighted to host Sam McBride, co-author of For And Against A United Ireland, for a LitTalk in the Canada Room.

Mr McBride discussed his career as a journalist and the arguments presented in the book. Our members and students were able to ask questions on issues ranging from security and defence to healthcare and education. Thank you to everyone who came along.

On Thursday, we held our annual Dufferin Competition for Best Speaker of the House.Congratulations to Ashyka Chan Kaur f...
31/03/2026

On Thursday, we held our annual Dufferin Competition for Best Speaker of the House.

Congratulations to Ashyka Chan Kaur for winning the Dufferin Award for Best Speaker, and to Beth Lynam and Addo-Obeng Opoku-Agyeman for winning the Shannon Award for Best Team.

Join us again on Thursday at 7pm in the Old McMordie Hall for the 24th Ordinary Meeting on the motion: This House Would Restrict The Right To A Jury Trial.

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual formal, the Conversazione, on Monday at the Ulster Reform Club.It was a fa...
26/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual formal, the Conversazione, on Monday at the Ulster Reform Club.

It was a fantastic evening featuring a delicious meal, complimentary wine, member awards, the Presidential Address and more!

The Conversazione, first held in 1886, is an annual celebration of our Society. After such an active year in the 177th Session, we had lots to celebrate.

Sláinte! The King!

On Friday, we were delighted to formally establish and take part in the Annual Cross-Border Debate in collaboration with...
25/03/2026

On Friday, we were delighted to formally establish and take part in the Annual Cross-Border Debate in collaboration with The Hist. Having held previous collaborations with the Hist, this event was the first to introduce a trophy, providing a competitive aspect to the collaboration, strengthening the bond between our two great societies and setting us up for future collaborations.

The inaugural motion of the Annual Cross-Border Debate was "This House Would Abolish All Borders." The debate was held in Regent House and guest chaired by Director of Special Olympics Ireland and Chairperson of Amnesty International Ireland, Graham Roe.

Congratulations to the Proposition (who included Literific speakers Ella and Elizabeth) for winning the vote on speaker ability and to Ash for bringing this newly created trophy back to Belfast, where we look forward to hosting the next edition of the collaboration.

Thank you to all our speakers and everyone who joined us on Thursday for the 22nd Ordinary Meeting of the 177th Session:...
21/03/2026

Thank you to all our speakers and everyone who joined us on Thursday for the 22nd Ordinary Meeting of the 177th Session: This House Would Boycott The World Cup.

Congratulations to the Proposition for winning the vote on speaker ability and to John Magill for winning the prize for the best football jersey.

Join us again on Thursday at 7pm in the Old McMordie Hall for our annual Dufferin Competition for Best Speaker.

On Monday, the Society held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect the Council of the 178th Session. We would like to...
18/03/2026

On Monday, the Society held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect the Council of the 178th Session. We would like to extend our congratulations to the wonderful successful candidates:

President - Beth Lynam
Secretary - Elliot Dickie
Treasurer - Rosa Ivory

Internal Convenor - Ella McMullin
External Convenor - Luke Coyle
Schools Convenor - Emily Carter
Social Officer - Eoin O'Neill
Technology Officer - Michael Herron

Honorary Life Memberships were bestowed upon Henry O'Riordan HLM, Jack Steele HLM and Rea Thien HLM.

Following the AGM, two Council positions remain vacant: Vice-President and Events Officer. An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will be held to elect these positions.

Address

Queen's University Belfast
Belfast
BT71NN

Opening Hours

7pm - 9pm

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