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Introduction
At Ulster University, we are committed to giving all pupils a fair chance to access and succeed in higher education.
The Education Partnerships Team works with post-primary schools and Further Education Colleges to help young people make informed choices about their future. We focus on raising aspirations and widening access, prioritising schools where over 30% of pupils receive free school meals.
Each year, we engage more than 3,000 young people through workshops, skills sessions, competitions, campus visits, and guidance on transitioning to university. These activities are co-designed with academics across all Ulster University Faculties.
Events by Faculty
Ulster University’s Business School works closely with the Educational Partnerships Team to deliver a variety of campus-based events across departments such as Management, Leadership and Marketing, and Accounting, Finance and Economics.
A recent example is Project 1.5, where more than 60 pupils explored how climate policy affects modern business. Using a global climate simulator, pupils developed and pitched business ideas aimed at helping reduce global temperature rises in line with the Paris Agreement. Prize winners received Amazon vouchers for their schools.
Over 77% of participants rated the event as very or extremely effective in deepening their understanding of environmental impacts on society and business.
Ulster University partnered with Linen Mill Studios to deliver the inaugural Spotlight Sessions workshop, Story Threads – Weaving Stories Through Costume. Hosted at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, the event welcomed 60 Year 10 pupils from three partner schools.
The event offered an immersive look at Film & TV production through a studio tour, a careers Q&A, and a hands-on costume design workshop. Pupils explored creative pathways and gained practical skills.
Teachers described the experience as highly impactful and inspiring for young people considering careers in the creative industries.
Inter-Professional Education Day
Pupils from partner schools took part in an Inter-Professional Education Day, gaining insight into the importance of collaboration across health and social care professions. The event offered hands-on activities and a first look at studying Life and Health Sciences at Ulster University.
The Open – Girls in STEM Education Day
Ahead of The 153rd Open Championship returning to Royal Portrush, 40 Year 10 girls from North Coast schools took part in a Girls in STEM Education Day. The event showcased the wide range of global career opportunities in the golf industry and highlighted pathways in sport, technology, and science.
Urban Planning Outreach Event – Belfast Campus
Forty-three pupils from Years 13–14 attended an Urban Planning outreach event introducing degree pathways and careers within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment (BSABE). Pupils participated in workshops and a Q&A with Chief Planners from across the UK and Ireland as part of their annual conference.
Maths Outreach Event – Derry~Londonderry Campus
Fifty-eight pupils from Years 12–14 took part in a Maths outreach event highlighting the Computing with Applied Mathematics degree. The day included talks from leading academics, a Q&A session, and a tour of the Computing Labs, giving pupils an insight into university life and the role of mathematics in modern technology.
Options Plus
Options Plus is an outreach programme that supports young people facing social or economic disadvantage to explore higher education and build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed for future success.
Delivered over six weeks, the programme includes;
- Two campus visits
- Interactive in-school workshops,
- Tailored information and guidance,
- Opportunities to meet university staff and students.
Through their participation, pupils can explore study options at Ulster University, develop core study and employability skills, gain confidence in their abilities, learn about finance, pathways and the application process, and receive a certificate on completion.
