Delivered by sector leaders a Hackathon provides students with an opportunity to participate in a collaborative code challenge over a short period of time and learn from sector leaders and peers.

Outline of Activity

All Hackathons (face to face and virtual) are covered under this Edge activity and are normally posted on the Employability Portal under Events.   Hackathons have been supported by lots of companies including Bazaarvoice, Rapid7, Cayan, Flexera, Aepona, Slice, Allstate NI, PA Consulting, Deloitte, Google, PwC, Kainos, Civica and AVB Group . Hackathons might also be organised by the University or Student Societies.

Learning Outcomes

Hackathons last 1–3 days, or over a weekend, this will depend on each individual event.

Hackathons tend to have a specific focus, which can include the programming language used, the operating system, an application, an API, or the subject and the demographic group of the programmers. The task presented may involve the use of one or a mixture of technologies in order to create for example a prototype of a program that would help improve a service.

Professional development and growth in self-confidence are key aspects as participating company representatives provide career insights into the IT sector and information on the type of work and the skills required for future recruitment needs.

All participants will:

  • Develop models (i.e. machine learning), create chatbots
  • Hear about the latest industry developments from local leaders
  • Work in project teams developing business skills
  • Take feedback provided by facilitators and judging panel
  • Increased awareness of IT employers, roles and career paths

Assessment Details

You will be expected to show proof of attending the Hackathon

Level of Commitment

Hackathons can vary from 1-3 days are predominantly a feature within the technology sector.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding EDGE Award accreditation please contact Brian Byers (details below).

Brian Byers

Student & Graduate Opportunities Manager

Student and Graduate Opportunities Team

Belfast

BD-03-027

Upcoming events

On
07
Oct
2025

Business Careers Fair  - starting on Tuesday 7 October  at Belfast campus

Tuesday 7 October
Belfast campus
BC Ground Floor and BA Ground Floor
On
13
Oct
2025

Computing Careers Fair  - starting on Monday 13 October  at Belfast campus

Monday 13 October
Belfast campus
BC Ground Floor & Lower Ground
On
16
Oct
2025
On
20
Oct
2025
On
23
Oct
2025

Engineering Careers Fair - Belfast  - starting on Thursday 23 October  at Belfast campus

Thursday 23 October
Belfast campus
BC Ground Floor & Lower Ground
On
04
Nov
2025