70 New STEM Postgraduate Places for University of Ulster

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has allocated £700,000 to the University of Ulster to facilitate 70 new postgraduate courses focusing on key areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The postgraduate Masters (MSc) courses are targeted at graduates who want to enhance their career development prospects or change to a new sector or industry.

Six separate subject areas are now open for applications: Human Nutrition; Management; Sport and Exercise Psychology; Biotechnology; Physical Activity and Public Health; and Professional Software Development.

Dr Farry said: “I am delighted to announce this important funding for the University of Ulster as it supports my Department's aim of enhancing skills across key subject areas.

“These new fee-free MSc courses offer graduates an opportunity to either up-skill within their current area of expertise or re-skill and move to a different sector or specialism.

“The software course is specifically targeted at people from a non-computing background. This is an important move towards making careers within one of our fastest growing sectors even more accessible.”

Courses commence at the end of January 2014 and the Department for Employment and Learning funding means that successful applicants will have their tuition fees fully paid. Applications must be received by 15 January 2014.

Professor Denise McAlister, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Ulster, said: “The University of Ulster recognises the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths to the future of our economy. Over recent years we have worked hard to deliver a wide range of accessible STEM courses that can help our students to fulfil their career ambitions and support economic growth.

“This additional funding from DEL is a positive boost which will support the University of Ulster's objective of delivering a strong stream of talented graduates, with skills relevant to the evolving needs of key industry sectors.”

More information can be obtained from http://study.ulster.ac.uk/STEM14.php.

Notes to editors:

1. The MSc Management is open to applicants with at least a Upper Second Class (2:1) degree in an IT-related discipline. The MSc Management programme offers an advanced qualification combined with practical managerial experience, which will be extremely useful for graduates wishing to pursue managerial and entrepreneurial careers in industry and commerce.