Ulster University Course and Ranking Information (2024)

4.3Overall rating

4.1City rating

4.1Halls rating

4.3Course rating

• 71%

  Full-time

  29%

  Part-time

• 93%

  % in job or further studySource: DLHE, 2021

Overview

Ulster University is an exciting, modern university that offers an excellent range of study options for students from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and over 70 countries worldwide. It offers a high standard of taught qualifications and is a globally renowned research university.

The university has three primary campuses based in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry Londonderry. UU has developed an extensive sports village close to the Belfast campus, and has branch campus locations in London and Birmingham.

Students can choose from over 225 undergraduate degrees, alongside a wealth of postgraduate study options and PGCE teaching qualifications. Each course is led by passionate, enthusiastic faculty who are experts in their field, and the resources students use are of professional standard.

The university fosters strong relationships with the community and local, national and international businesses. Students at Ulster University are presented with some thrilling opportunities to enjoy placement opportunities, and to work and study abroad.

Students enjoy a vibrant student community, with a huge number of clubs and societies to join. Students can take part in social sporting activities to keep fit and make new friends, or try out for performance sports teams and represent Ulster in inter-university competition.

There are a number of student support teams on-hand to ensure students get all the help they need throughout their time at Ulster University, and high-quality facilities including contemporary accommodation options.

4.3Course rating

4.3Course content rating

4.1Lecturers and Teaching quality rating

There are over 225 full-time undergraduate degrees available to study at Ulster University, along with a selection of other qualifications. Courses are split between four main faculties:

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
• Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
• Ulster University Business School

Within these four faculties there are 22 schools, ensuring that there is a senior staff team overseeing course content at a level which guarantees quality teaching and learning materials. All faculty at the university are experts in their subject, not just able to share the academic knowledge but their own experiences of working within their field as well.

Courses have links with professional bodies and businesses in that same field, ensuring course materials are suitable for a natural progression into the working world.

While most courses begin in September, some part-time undergraduate courses are offered in January, and the Medicine programme begins in August. Students’ choice of course will impact which campus they study at.

The entry requirements for study at Ulster University vary by course, with the specific subject requirements and grades listed on the individual course pages of the university’s website. Broadly, students will be expected to have completed at least two subjects at A Level or equivalent. However mature students applying following time spent working may be able to use work experience as part of their application in lieu of A-level qualifications.

Some courses may have additional entry requirements beyond qualifications – a portfolio of previous work may be requested, and there may be an interview. Students will be informed of the requirements when they apply for their course.

While most courses require subjects or experience related to the field of study, a broad requirement is that students have completed an English qualification at GCSE or equivalent with a grade of A-C or 4-9. Any students applying from an international country will need to provide evidence of an English language qualification, as all courses are taught in English.

UCAS TARIFF CALCULATOR

4.1Halls rating

4.2Facilities rating

Accommodation

Each of the main campus locations has multiple choices for accommodation. Student residences offer a mix of apartments including many with en-suite bathrooms.

Students will benefit from easy access to the university facilities and other local essentials, living with a community of like-minded individuals. Accommodation options are all contemporary and comfy, and include all bills, including Wi-Fi.

Facilities

The university has excellent facilities to help nurture students’ development. Learning spaces are modern, comfortable and equipped with every piece of hardware and software students may need to complete their degree to the highest standards.

Each campus has its own library, stocked with thousands of physical books and offering access to e-resources as well, along with study spaces suitable for individual and group work.

The newly developed Ulster University Sports village at Jordanstown, just 15 minutes from the Belfast campus, offers world-class facilities for students. There are also further sporting facilities based at each of the main campus locations, which are open year-round.Students are able to avail of sport and library facilities at all campuses.

Search for reviews that mention

4.2Student support rating

The university offers an extensive range of student wellbeing services to help ensure students stay happy and healthy during their studies, and can focus on their work without negative distractions. These teams include:

• Wellbeing – covering all aspects of physical and mental health
• Counselling – for any students who need to talk to someone about academic or personal issues
• Disability – helping to provide for students with various physical and neurological disabilities, and giving every student an equal footing
• Sexual health – providing guidance and resources at clinics on each campus
• Mind Your Mood – a student-led mental health campaign
• Chaplaincy – to provide facilities and resources for students of any faith

Students are encouraged to make use of these services for any problem, big or small. Appointments can be made in person, or support is available over the phone and by email if preferred. Out of hours support contact details are provided to all students.

Ulster University offers a broad range of courses across multiple disciplines. It ensures that every study option is the best that it could be, led by expert faculty and utilising the very best resources possible. All students at UU, regardless of their chosen subject, will enjoy an outstanding education.

The university does have a particular focus on placements. Around 2,500 students are placed in a working role every year as part of their studies, enjoying the benefits of immersing themselves in their field and getting a hands-on educational experience. Courses are designed with employers and industry partners, ensuring graduates have the specialist skills required for careers success.

The university is also well regarded for its research. It has a worldwide reputation for helping shape the future of society through its research projects, many of which either shape the courses that students are studying, or offer students the chance to get involved and add their own unique contributions to this impactful work.

4.1Student life rating

4.4Location rating

3.7Student union rating

Students' Union

The Ulster University Students’ Union (UUSU) represents students across the university. Led by seven elected student officers (including a VP for each of the main campuses), UUSU will support students with any problems or conflicts they might have, as well as running social events and raising awareness of key issues affecting all students.

Clubs and Societies

Students are actively encouraged to get involved in the wide range of clubs and societies run by the students’ union. They help students to enjoy a healthy study-life balance, and build friendships that last a lifetime. There are over 70 sports clubs, along with over 130 societies ranging from skateboarding to small business.

City life

Three unique campus experiences

The Belfast campus offers everything students could need, including fantastic restaurants, excellent shopping, all kinds of nightlife and plenty of fun ways to spend the day in one of the most affordable areas of the UK.

The Coleraine campus has a more relaxed atmosphere, being situated on the scenic north coast of the country. All essentials are on hand, alongside surfing, hiking, boating and golfing opportunities, making the Coleraine campus an outdoor lover’s dream

The Derry-Londonderry campus is the best of both worlds – a city location, but smaller and more intimate than that of Belfast and well-placed for both enjoying the vibrant city of Derry and exploring the rest of the country.

4.3Career prospects rating

All of the courses at Ulster University are designed in a forward-thinking way. Instead of simply focusing on achievement of a qualification, they are tailored towards the future careers of students. Each programme is designed to teach the knowledge and the skills graduates need to step into their next role, ready to succeed.

Students will work with the software and tools that are used in a professional setting too, thanks to the university’s investment in tech and facilities. Employability opportunities are embedded in each programme, making the transition from degree to career as seamless as possible.

Further careers support is available at the university, including an employability and careers team who are available to offer guidance on potential options post-study, help with building a CV, and mentoring on interview techniques. There are exciting opportunities for students at Ulster too, including placement years and the chance to work abroad. Campus jobs are also available for students who want to build up their experience with work that fits around their studies.

Scholarships/ Bursaries

There are a number of scholarships, prizes and bursaries that students may be eligible for to help support their learning at Ulster University. Scholarships and prizes are aimed at students who excel with their academic achievement, or who are struggling with financial difficulties.

Bursaries do not need to be applied for, as students are automatically considered, and include the widening access bursary for students from a low-income Irish household, and the care leaver bursary for students who have spent time in care.

Fees

Tuition fees to study at Ulster University depend on where the student applies from. Students applying from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland will typically pay £4,710 per year for most undergraduate and PGCE courses, while students from Great Britain pay the standard £9,250 per year.

Students from Great Britain, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland will typically be eligible for a loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, repayable in future only when students start to earn a salary that meets the minimum repayment threshold.

View More