Take the first step towards an Ulster University degree by studying a foundation degree or other higher education qualification at one of Northern Ireland’s Regional Colleges.
There’s more than one route to a university degree in Northern Ireland.
It's time to start considering your options. The six colleges in Northern Ireland offer a wide range of Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) courses that are closely aligned with industry demand, including programmes that are validated by Ulster University.
There are many benefits of doing a HE course at FE such as:
After you complete a Level 3 qualification you could progress on to study a Foundation Degree or other HE qualification at one of Northern Ireland’s six Colleges (or other local institutions) then progress to complete your degree at Ulster University, or enter full time employment.
Course types include Degrees, Foundation Degrees, HNDs, HNCs and Higher Level Apprenticeships.
Areas of study include Business, Accounting, Travel and Tourism, Computing, Construction, Health and Social Care, Sport and many more.
The Department for the Economy’s 10X Skills Strategy highlights the future undersupply of skilled individuals coming through Level 5/intermediate qualifications. Many of these work-related qualifications have been co-designed with employers to address skills gaps and provide participants with clear progression routes through to employment or alternatively the opportunity to progress through to a full honours degree with a local university. Both are valued pathways by employers.
Here are examples of typical routes. You start by studying a two-year foundation degree at a regional college.
If you meet the entry criteria, you can progress to study at Ulster University and complete a full degree.
Study a two-year foundation degree in FdEng Civil Engineering at Belfast Metropolitan College.
Meet the eligibility to enter UU at Level 5 (year two) of a BEng Hons Civil Engineering at our Belfast campus or go straight into employment.
Graduate with an Honours degree after two years of study at Ulster University.
Study a two-year foundation degree in FdSc Business and Enterprise at North West College.
Meet the eligibility to enter UU, complete summer bridging successfully and enter final year of a BSc Hons Business programme at our Derry~Londonderry Campus
Graduate with an Honours degree after one further year of study at Ulster University
Study a two-year foundation degree in FdSc Tourism, Hospitality and Events (with a specialism in Tourism) at South West College
Meet the eligibility to enter UU, complete summer bridging successfully and enter final year of BSc Hons International Tourism Management at Coleraine
Graduate with an Honours degree after one further year of study at Ulster University.
Get a world class education, close to home, while enjoying a low cost of living and a vibrant social life.
Northern Ireland Colleges and Universities have extremely competitive higher education fees in comparison to the rest of the UK.
Studying close to home will help you to save on living expenses; allowing you to fully enjoy your time studying a HE course at FE.
By staying within NI you’ll remain close to your support network of family and friends.
The academic qualifications awarded by NI Colleges and Universities are recognised worldwide.
NI Colleges and Universities develop course content in partnership with local employers, providing you with the skills local employers want.
High numbers of local graduates obtain employment or go onto further study.
By staying local you will contribute to the NI economy, helping us grow and build for our future.
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