History, Affiliations and Rankings
Ulster University, which was established in 1968 as the New University of Ulster, is a highly-ranked public university in Northern Ireland. It merged with Ulster Polytechnic in 1984, incorporating its four Northern Irish campuses under the University of Ulster banner, following which, the University of Ulster obtained a charter. Later, the Belfast School of Art and Design was also merged with the University. Today, Ulster University is an institution with "global significance and local relevance." It holds a leading reputation for teaching and research. It attracts a dynamic international student population to study globally-relevant curriculums and experience education that builds skills, raises ambitions and prepares future leaders. Ulster University is an active member of the European Universities Association, Universities Ireland, Universities UK and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. The University ranks in bracket #601-800 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, between #651-700 in the QS World University Rankings and at #866 in US News and World Report Best Global Universities in 2022.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
Ulster University has 6 campus locations, namely in Jordanstown, Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry, as well as campuses in Birmingham and London and Qatar, each featuring state-of-the-art teaching, research, accommodation, and support facilities. There are over 600 distinguished courses in 15+ subject areas, ranging from educational programs in Arts, Engineering, Business, Management, Communications and Media, Health and Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and Information Technology at Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral levels. Ulster University also offers short courses, continuing education options for professional and personal development, and part-time and e-learning opportunities.. Further, certain programs at Ulster are designed in collaboration with the industry and students might earn an additional qualification of corporate accreditation, increasing their prospects of getting high-paying jobs after they graduate. International students also have the opportunity to study abroad and spend an exchange semester, or even a full academic year at Ulster University.
Accomplishments and Alumni
The University was ranked as the top university for courses in Pharmacy and Nursing. In allocated scores, Ulster University excelled for - student satisfaction with 81%; graduate prospects at 74% and research prowess – it was ranked 13th for research intensity with a huge score of 84% and 73% for research quality. This also makes the university among the top 25% of universities in the UK for Research Power. Ulster also has one of the highest further study and employment rates in the UK, with over 92% of graduates being in work or further study six months after graduation. Recently, the corporate giant PwC inaugurated a research and development space for tech innovation at the Magee campus of Ulster University. The project involves the development of a £40 million Advanced Research and Engineering Center (ARC), in collaboration with the Queen's University of Belfast for innovation in Northern Ireland. The University has an illustrious list of alumni, each highly successful in their professional spheres. Some of the notable alumni from Ulster University include Omid Djalili (Actor), Colin Davidson (Visual Artist), David Lyttle (Jazz Drummer, Songwriter, Record Label Owner) and Oliver Jeffers (Visual Artist and Author).
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
Ulster University has a student population of 27,000 students including international from over 100 countries worldwide. International students are extremely valued for the unique experiences and perspectives that they bring to enrich the student life at Ulster. There are over 90 student societies where students can get involved, volunteering opportunities and sports activities. The University offers support services on the campus for all the students, including English Language assistance to international students, Student Wellbeing Center for mental health counselling and more, and career development services. Courses are designed keeping career and employability in mind at Ulster and students get opportunities to career ambitions via studying abroad, work placements, internships, or obtaining professionally-accredited qualifications. The top companies that hire graduates from Ulster University include but are not limited to Citi, Queen's University Belfast, Microsoft and PwC.
