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!

Our statement regarding the current situation in Belfast.
11/06/2026

Our statement regarding the current situation in Belfast.

Introducing the Council of the 178th Session:President - Beth LynamVice President - Elizabeth NobleSecretary - Elliot Di...
01/06/2026

Introducing the Council of the 178th Session:

President - Beth Lynam
Vice President - Elizabeth Noble
Secretary - Elliot Dickie
Treasurer - Rosa Ivory

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

31/05/2026

At the final Ordinary Meeting of the 177th Session, there was a special surprise in store for President Daniel Devenney courtesy of Queen's Singers. Thank you to Elise and the whole team for their flash mob performance of Viva La Vida!

On Friday 8th May, we travelled to Galway for the inaugural Tri-Provincial Cup, joining the Literary and Debating Societ...
31/05/2026

On Friday 8th May, we travelled to Galway for the inaugural Tri-Provincial Cup, joining the Literary and Debating Society of the University of Galway and the Philosophical Society of University College Cork for an excellent afternoon of debating, fellowship, and friendly competition.

The event marked the first chapter of an exciting new partnership linking Belfast, Galway, and Cork, with members debating motions including “This House Regrets The Term West Brit” and “This House Would Relocate The Capital.”

Congratulations to UCC Philosophical Society on winning the Cup, and to our President, Daniel Devenney, on being awarded best individual speaker. We thank both societies for making the day such a success and look forward to the next instalment.

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.

Address

Queen's University Belfast
Belfast
BT71NN

Opening Hours

7pm - 9pm

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