Mamraz Nagi Saint Fanchea's College, Enniskillen
"The Discovery Academy has had a genuinely positive and lasting impact on our young people, raising aspirations and inspiring them to reach their full potential."
Welcome to The Discovery Academy
Ready to start exploring your future?
Thinking about university but not sure what you want to study? The Discovery Academy can help you explore your options.
Ulster University has created more than 60 free online courses to give you a taste of university life and introduce you to the subjects you could study.
Discovery Academy has been created and developed by the Widening Participation team, together with Ulster University academics and subject experts. The courses can help you make more informed decisions about your future studies and career.
Discovery Academy Highlights
60+ Free Online Courses
31,000+ Enrolments
140+ Registered Schools
Learn at your pace and be rewarded
Each course follows a structured pattern and should take approximately 2–3 hours to complete. Courses include a mix of lessons and interactive learning, including:
- case studies
- interactive activities
- quizzes to test your knowledge
- guidance and insights from university staff
Successful completion of each course rewards you with a Digital Badge and an Ulster University Certificate. You are then eligible to receive a Discovery Academy Scholar Pin Badge.
- Silver Badge for completion of 1 course
- Gold Badge for completion of 2 to 4 courses
- Platinum Badge for completion of 5 or more courses
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“When I was an A-level student , I didn’t know what to study after school. I had various ideas on what I’d love to do, although I have never been able to narrow it down. The Discovery Academy helped me find different courses and gave me a feel for what it was like to study them. Having the freedom of doing a small course stress-free was amazing. I was capable of doing it in my free time without any time restraints. I am now studying Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University.”
Teacher Testimonials
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Paige Heath Holy Cross College, Strabane
"The Discovery Academy is a fantastic resource covering topics not usually taught in school. It gives pupils insight into future options and is accessible online and self-paced removing barriers to engagement.”
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Eamon Duncan Drumragh Integrated College, Omagh
“The objective of demystifying university courses could be seen in the level of pupil engagement. The content and pedagogy is perfectly pitched for pre-tertiary learners.”
Useful Resources and Services
Making the transition from School or College is a big step. To learn more about the student experience and available support services, please make use of the links below.
Student Guide
To find out more information about Ulster University, check out our Student Guide.
One University, Three Locations
We are one University with three distinct campuses across Northern Ireland - Belfast, Coleraine and Derry ~ Londonderry, as well as Jordanstown Sports Village. Courses are also delivered at our branch campuses in London and Birmingham.
Apprenticeships
At Ulster University, Degree Apprenticeships help you earn a degree while you work. They combine paid employment with university study, fully funded by the Department for the Economy.
Scholarships
At Ulster University, we believe finances should never hold you back from achieving your potential. Our scholarships are designed to increase access, reward excellence, and support students throughout their academic journey.
Study with Ulster
Whether you are choosing your course for the first time or you’re considering transferring from another university, see what Ulster University has to offer.
Student Wellbeing
Ulster University's Student Wellbeing team offers free, confidential support for mental health, money matters, disabilities, and personal or academic stress.
