The Test of Competence Centre is located on the Magee campus of Ulster University in Derry~Londonderry.
The city is located in the north west of the island of Ireland and is the second largest city in Northern Ireland.
It can be accessed from most of England, Scotland and Wales by a short flight.
The Test of Competence Centre in Ulster University is well placed to provide regional and national coverage.
How to get here
Northern Ireland has three regional airports all served by the efficient Airporter and Translink bus services; Belfast International, George Best Belfast City, and City of Derry, offering regular, affordable flights to the mainland with key airlines including:
There are also a number of ferry options available at poferries.com
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Travelling to Northern Ireland
Getting to Northern Ireland from elsewhere in the United Kingdom is easily achieved.
The region is well serviced by three airports and an excellent road and rail network. Its compact size ensures transfers between cities are both timely and cost effective.
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By Air
The City of Derry airport
The City of Derry airport is located 15 minutes from the city centre and University campus with direct flights from London, Liverpool and Glasgow.
These flights are well priced if booked in advance.
Taxis are available from the City of Derry airport to the Ulster University campus.
Belfast Airports
Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport have direct flights from a wide range of airports across the United Kingdom making it easy and affordable to reach from all parts of the United Kingdom.
These are short flights and reasonably priced if booked in advance.
There is an excellent bus service from both airports.
The Airporter coach service
The Airporter coach service operates over 12 times daily from George Best Belfast City and Belfast International Airports to Londonderry.
Journey time from George Best Belfast City Airport is approximately two hours.
Journey time from Belfast International Airport is approximately one and half hours.
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By Ferry
Ferry services
Finally, Northern Ireland has two frequent ferry services, firstly a two hour crossing from Cairnryan in Scotland to Larne up to seven times a day (operated by P&O Ferries) and secondly a two hour and 20 minutes crossing from Cairnryan to Belfast with six sailings a day (operated by Stenaline).
Journey time to centre
The journey time from both of these ports to the Test of Competence Centre on the Magee campus is approximately two hours.
Travelling from Belfast to the test centre
Travelling between Belfast and Derry~Londonderry is well served by Translink rail service which runs ten times daily (starting at 06.05 hours) from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry with the journey lasting just over two hours.
Journey time to centre
By bus, the Translink Goldline operates a regular daily service from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry with a journey time of two hours.
Accommodation in Derry-Londonderry
There are five city centre hotels within a 15 minute walk to the Magee campus and a further six hotels within a 15 minute taxi journey.
The city is also well served with bed and breakfast / guesthouse accommodation.
Relaxing in the City
For candidates who are staying overnight prior to or following their Test of Competence, there are many places of interest to see and activities to do.
The city was winner of the inaugural City of Culture 2013 and named by highly acclaimed travel publication, ‘Lonely Planet’ as a ‘Top 10 City in the World to Visit’.
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Finest walled city in Europe
Located in the stunning North West of the island of Ireland, the charming city of Derry~Londonderry is renowned as one of the finest walled cities in Europe, full of fascinating history and culture.
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Friendliest Destination in Northern Ireland
This vibrant destination offers a unique combination of rich heritage and a buzzing social scene – the city is named as ‘Friendliest Destination in Northern Ireland’ so visitors are guaranteed the warmest of welcomes.
Candidates can uncover the many cultural delights on offer; take a trip back in time and discover over 400 years of history strolling along the historic 17th Century Walls, home to one of the largest collections of cannons in Europe.
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Historic buildings and cathedrals
They can also enjoy magnificent historic buildings and cathedrals or check out one of the many museums to uncover this unique destination’s fascinating story and journey to peace.
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Restaurants and cafes
The city has a number of restaurants and cafes catering to a wide range of culinary tastes and budgets.
Derry~Londonderry was named as runner up in the prestigious ‘Restaurant Association of Ireland’s ‘Foodie Town Awards’ so candidates can be sure to enjoy the very best of locally sourced produce including ‘from pier to plate’ seafood caught locally in neighbouring County Donegal.
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Live music venues
In the evening candidates can see home-grown artists and performers in action at one of the many cutting edge live music venues or chill out at an array of cosmopolitan cafes and bars.
Beyond the City Walls
For anyone wishing to extend their stay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world is less than an hour away.
To the South of the city lies the Sperrin Mountains, a stunning area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and to the West you can marvel at the magnificent natural beauty of County Donegal, home to fabulous attractions such Glenveagh National Park and Doagh Famine Village.