Ulster University regularly visits over 350 schools and meets with 20,000 students each year throughout Northern Ireland and bordering counties in the Republic of Ireland, including some areas of Dublin.
However, with physical visits now an impossibility due to the school closures the University has embraced, the novel online ‘webinar’ approach is allowing the University to share with prospective students the academic and social experience of student life at Ulster University.
Beginning this week and continuing over the coming months, a variety of virtual talks have been specifically designed for Year 12, 13 and 14 students, as well as parents and families, providing them with an opportunity to explore what Ulster University has to offer, as well as guidance on the next step in applications in these uncertain times.
The interactive sessions range from career advice in fields such as computing, engineering and business, insights into the campus experience at Jordanstown, Belfast, Coleraine and Magee, and valuable information for parents about admissions and accommodation.
There is also a Careers Teachers’ Summit which provides another important opportunity for the University to connect with key stakeholders and partners in schools, colleges and the careers service.
Anthony McGrath, Head of Market Engagement at Ulster University, said:
“We engage with future applicants each year by visiting schools and building relationships. Covid-19 has challenged this in the short term, so we have quickly adapted to offer a series of webinars though April and May.
“The extensive webinar programme starting this week will extend this further into May and June. These are testing times for everyone, but it certainly will not deter us from delivering a strong Ulster University message to our next intake of students.”
Each webinar is recorded and can be revisited, allowing teachers to incorporate them into their virtual classrooms.
Jason Wilson, Head of Careers at Loreto Grammar School, Omagh, said:
“This is a key time of the year, and a great opportunity, for Year 13 students to focus on their UCAS application, university choices and personal statement preparation.
“Covid-19 has meant that our normal careers programme has moved online and presentations from guest speakers and visits to universities have been postponed. Thankfully, Ulster University has responded very positively to the challenges of remote learning by offering a series of very informative webinars to help prepare students for the UCAS process and challenges associated with choosing the right third level course.
“I know my students are availing of these webinars at the moment, so well done to all the staff at Ulster for ensuring students can engage with the university experience from the comfort of their own homes."