In this section
Students Notice
Welcome to the Ulster Graduate Award
The skills you need and the recognition you deserve
This prestigious new award is for Year 1 undergraduate students and is an opportunity to gain official recognition for the experiences and skills you develop outside your academic studies. Whether you're volunteering, leading, working, or learning — it all counts.
What is it and what do you need to do?
The Ulster Graduate Award will help you improve your confidence, develop your skills and expand your networks through the completion and recognition of developmental extra-curricular activities.
To achieve it you need to complete:
- A minimum of 2 approved developmental extra curricular activities
- Complete the required final application towards the end of your penultimate year
To get started Register for the Ulster Graduate Award
What kind of activities can you use?
The activities you use as evidence for your Ulster Graduate Award must be developmental and extra curricular (outside of your degree). They can be activities you are already engaging with or new experiences within or outside the university. As long as they are not counting towards your degree assessment and are helping you develop the Ulster Graduate Attributes they can count.
Volunteering
Explore volunteering opportunities and secure Ulster Graduate Award recognition for any current volunteering experiences
Employability & Enterprise
Employability & Graduate Futures run a range of programmes you can use to achieve your Ulster Graduate Award.
Work Experience and Internships
Internships, placements and other forms of work experience can count towards your Ulster Graduate Award journey
Other Achievements and Qualifications
Secure recognition for other achievements or additional training and qualifications
Sustainability Related Activities
From accredited Carbon Literacy Training through Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful to self directed learning activities such as Nature Connectedness...
UUSU and Student Voice Roles
From Course Rep to Student Councillor, there are a range of UUSU roles that can help you achieve the Ulster...
Global Experiences
This section explains how you secure Ulster Graduate Award recognition for international study, work or volunteering experiences....
Subject Specific Activities
In many cases, your course team has created subject specific activities that perfectly compliment your main programme of study and...
Register now
By registering for the Ulster Graduate Award you will provide us with information that we will use to guide and support you through your learning journey. After you fill out the short registration form, our team will reach out to offer suggestions and the opportunity for a 1-1 consultation that will help you map out your Ulster Graduate Award journey.
Develop the Ulster Graduate Attributes
By completing the Ulster Graduate Award you will develop the Ulster Graduate Attributes, ensuring that you are ready for the future of work
Thriving Individual
Someone who has the ability to be resilient, accept and embrace change, seeking to mentally grow themselves and those around...
Engaged Learner
Someone who is knowledgeable and able to deepen their understanding about their subject and the world.
Collaborative Professional
Someone who is able to contribute to society widely and especially in their field of knowledge.
Active Citizen
Someone who is engaging, ethical, sustainable, making a positive impact.
What students say
"Extra curricular activities are more important than you think.
They have helped me grow my confidence to a new level and that impacts a lot of other areas including my communication, presentation skills and just how I interact.
The Ulster Graduate Award offers flexibility so everyone can create their own unique development journey."
Accessing support
Need help?
Our Graduate Development Coaches are here to support you every step of the way.
- Book a 1-1 session
- Drop into a campus support hub
- Email us with your questions
Supporting your Ulster Graduate Award Journey
Email graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk or feel free to reach out to a member of the team directly
Brian Byers
Student & Graduate Opportunities Manager
Rebecca Ellison
Graduate Development Coach
Angie Johnston
Graduate Development Coach
Katrina Marron
Graduate Development Coach
Katherine Crosbie
Graduate Development Coach
Dr Rachel Shannon
Strategic Project Officer



