Opening Doors and Improving Prospects...Computing at Work

Martin McKinney BSc MSc PFHEA, Professor of Computing, presents as part of the Inaugural Professorial Lecture series 

The benefits of a university education are widely recognised and, in spite of the introduction of tuition fees in 1998, there has been a rapid growth in the number of students choosing to study at university. Nevertheless, for many, university study continues to be nothing more than an aspiration that they feel is unachievable. 

Ulster University is acknowledged as being at the forefront of widening access and widening participation activities. As a modern, forward thinking, civic University there are many reasons for Ulster's success in this arena, not least its many and varied initiatives, interventions and innovations directly aimed at breaking down access barriers. Northern Ireland has an established international reputation for having the necessary highly skilled workforce for today's knowledge economy and computing at Ulster has played, and will continue to play, a significant role in this. In particular, the subject of computing has risen to the challenge and provided opportunities for students from non-traditional backgrounds and disadvantaged communities not only to succeed at university but to develop the skills and confidence necessary for a successful career within the IT industry.

The lecture will reflect upon personal experiences of, and contributions to, a range of key innovative developments and initiatives that have supported this growth in student participation, thereby allowing non-traditional and disadvantaged students to achieve their maximum potential.

The response will be given by Professor Alastair Irons, National Teaching Fellow, University of Sunderland

The event takes place in Lecture Theatre 8 and is open to everyone.