SDG 17 - Teaching
Ulster University equips students with the knowledge and skills to collaborate across disciplines, sectors and borders to address complex global challenges. Through teaching on sustainable development, international cooperation, responsible business and global citizenship, our courses encourage students to understand the importance of partnerships in delivering sustainable development and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Undergraduate Courses
- Communication BSc (Hons)
- Law with Politics and International Studies LLB (Hons)
- Politics and International Studies BSc (Hons)
- Sociology with Politics and International Studies BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses
- Communication and Public Relations PgDip, MSc
- International Business MSc
- International Business with Human Resource Management MSc
- International Commercial Law and ADR LLM
- International Business with Data Analytics MSc
- Sustainable Management MSc
Educational Partnerships
Ulster University works in partnership with post-primary schools and Further Education colleges across Northern Ireland to widen access to higher education and support young people in making informed choices about their futures. Through workshops, campus visits, skills sessions and tailored outreach programmes, the University collaborates with schools and academic staff to raise aspirations, develop skills and create pathways into higher education, engaging more than 3,000 young people each year.
Find out more about our Educational Partnerships
SDG Teach-In
Ulster University participates in the SDG Teach-In, encouraging academic staff to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into teaching and learning. The initiative supports students in developing an understanding of global sustainability challenges and how their subject areas can contribute to achieving the SDGs.
SDG 17 - Research
Ulster University’s research contributes to SDG 17 by bringing together expertise across disciplines and collaborating with partners locally, nationally and internationally. Through research partnerships, knowledge exchange and collaborative projects, our researchers share knowledge and resources to address complex challenges and support sustainable development.
Research Stories
New €6.5m cross-border partnership targets clean air and public health
EPIC Futures NI awards £440,000 to drive fair and inclusive Employment across Northern Ireland
Innovation Boost for Border SMEs in New Cross-Border Project
Shared Education and Lego Celebration event - Using Lego to Build the Town of the Future
Innovation and Collaboration
Ulster University works with businesses, government and other organisations to translate research and innovation into real-world impact. Through collaborative research, knowledge transfer, innovation projects and support for emerging enterprises, the University shares expertise and resources to address shared challenges, drive innovation and contribute to economic and social development.
Find out more about Innovation and Collaboration with Ulster University
Economic Policy Centre
The Economic Policy Centre works with government departments, local authorities, businesses and other stakeholders to provide independent economic research, forecasting and policy advice. Through collaborative projects on areas including regional development, economic policy, skills and local economic impacts, the EPC supports evidence-based decision-making and sustainable economic development across Northern Ireland.
SDG 17 - Partnerships
Partnerships are central to Ulster University’s approach to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We collaborate with governments, businesses, communities, universities and international organisations to share knowledge, expertise and resources, develop solutions to shared challenges and deliver positive impact locally, nationally and internationally.
Partnership Stories
Breaking Barriers: Ulster University Supports All-Island Education and Skills Mobility
Ulster University welcomes Egyptian Health Leaders to pioneering Global Innovation Centre
Regional and Community Engagement
Ulster University works collaboratively with communities, government, industry and other stakeholders to support the social, cultural and economic development of Northern Ireland and beyond. Through its regional and community engagement, the University builds purposeful partnerships that promote collaboration, participation and mutual learning, creating positive and lasting impact for individuals and communities.
Find out more about our Regional and Community Engagement
Community Partnerships
Policy and Community Partnerships support Ulster University’s commitment to widening access and participation in higher education, working with communities and partners to reduce barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented groups. Through initiatives such as Access Ambassadors, the Science Shop, community partnerships and widening access programmes, the University builds meaningful relationships that support participation, collaboration and positive community impact.
Find out more about our Policy and Community Partnerships
SDG Flag Day
Ulster University marks SDG Flag Day by bringing the Sustainable Development Goals to life across our campuses and engaging students and staff with the University's contribution to the SDGs. The initiative helps raise awareness of the goals and encourages the university community to consider how they can contribute to sustainable development.
Collaboration for the SDGs
Collaboration for SDG Best Practice
Ulster University undertakes international and cross-border research and knowledge exchange to review approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and share learning that informs best practice. This includes research into food insecurity and its communication across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, involving interviews with news media professionals and third-sector organisations. Findings identified differences in how food poverty is understood and addressed, highlighting the need for evidence-based approaches and improved access to independent data and expertise.
International knowledge exchange supports the development and dissemination of practice. In June 2025, the University hosted a Social Supermarket Knowledge Exchange Webinar, attracting 83 registrations and speakers from government and third-sector organisations. Part of an IAM/BAM Research Collaborative Award, it generated interest from an Australian Community of Practice led by Australia’s State Government Department of Human Services and Flinders University, enabling international knowledge sharing.
The University also participates in cross-border collaboration to develop innovative SDG solutions. The €5.9 million TRACE project brings together partners across the island of Ireland to address food waste using Internet of Things technologies, developing solutions to optimise food processing and supply chains and promote sustainability.
Collaborations with NGOs for the SDGs
Ulster University collaborates with NGOs and third-sector organisations to address the SDGs through research, educational resources and sustainability skills development.
Research on food insecurity involved 14 third-sector representatives from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, alongside 16 news media professionals, examining how food poverty is understood and communicated and identifying approaches to improve evidence-based communication and policy responses.
The University also works with Business in the Community NI to support student sustainability leadership, delivering an Empowering Future Generations through Sustainable Leadership session with Business in the Community NI, as part of the Students as Leaders programme, providing students with external expertise and practical perspectives on sustainability and responsible leadership.
The Leading Sustainable Impact programme further develops sustainability leadership through a four-day programme combining university-level leadership development, live organisational projects, external speakers, academics and local exemplars. Participants build a network of approximately 20 business leaders driving sustainable change.
Further third-sector and community collaboration includes the Social Supermarket Knowledge Exchange Webinar, featuring FoodCloud, Larder>East and Your Local Pantry alongside government and academic partners. The event attracted 83 registrations and formed part of an IAM/BAM Research Collaborative Award.
