SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 10 - Teaching

Education is a powerful tool for reducing inequality. At Ulster University, teaching equips students with the knowledge, critical thinking, and skills to promote social inclusion, equity, and access to opportunities in their communities and workplaces.

Undergraduate Courses

Postgraduate Courses

Scholarships

Ulster University is committed to building an inclusive academic community by reducing financial barriers and supporting students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.

The All Ireland Scholarships Scheme provides full tuition fee scholarships to top-performing undergraduate students from low-income households across the island of Ireland.
The Choice Scholarships support students who face significant barriers to accessing higher education by providing financial assistance during their studies.
The Inspire Scholarships aim to increase access for new undergraduate students from households with an income of £22,500 or less, or for those who are care experienced.
The Ireland Health Care Scholarship Program seeks to build a diverse 21st-century health workforce by supporting students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds.
The Liam Kelly Scholarship in Law is available to mature, part-time students from low-income backgrounds enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate Law courses.
The Medical Education Scholarships provide vital financial support to students on the Graduate Entry Medicine programme who face personal or financial challenges.

Student Success Centre

The Student Success Centre at Ulster University provides a range of academic, personal and community-based support services designed to help students succeed throughout their university journey. The Centre offers resources and workshops focused on academic writing, study skills, mathematics and statistics, and digital skills. Beyond academic support, the Student Success Centre aims to foster a positive and inclusive student experience by promoting belonging, engagement and successful transition into university life.

SDG 10 - Research

Research is key to understanding and addressing social and economic inequalities. At Ulster University, research explores areas such as social inclusion, equitable economic development, health disparities, and access to education, generating evidence that informs policy and practice for fairer societies.

A particular focus is placed on the experiences of underrepresented and marginalised groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, minority ethnic communities, and boys and young men. This research highlights the barriers these groups may face, including stigma, discrimination and exclusion, while also examining the factors that support belonging, participation, representation and wellbeing.

Through the development of evidence-based policy recommendations and community interventions, Ulster University's research contributes to creating more inclusive, equitable and cohesive societies. University has also recently developed Inclusive Research Toolkit to support researchers in embedding inclusive practices into their work.

Taking Boys Seriously

Ulster University’s Taking Boys Seriously research project supports more equitable educational outcomes for young males, particularly those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and barriers to educational attainment. Through partnerships with schools, youth centres and community organisations, the project promotes relational education, positive mental health, meaningful relationships and supportive educational environments. By amplifying young people’s voices and informing inclusive educational practices, the initiative helps address disadvantage, strengthen engagement and improve opportunities for underrepresented groups to succeed in education.

Research Stories

View more SDG 10 Research on PURE

SDG 10 - Partnerships

Reducing inequalities requires strong partnerships across sectors and communities. At Ulster University, collaborations with government, civil society, and industry support inclusive policies, equitable opportunities, and social innovation that benefits all.

Partnership Stories

SDG 10 - Operations

Operational practices play a key role in promoting equity and inclusion. At Ulster University, our operations support fair employment practices, accessible services, and inclusive policies across the University, ensuring all staff, students, and stakeholders benefit from equitable opportunities and a supportive environment.

Widening Access and Participation Plan

Ulster University’s Widening Access and Participation Plan reaffirms its commitment to advancing social mobility and fostering educational inclusion. The plan sets out clear criteria to identify and support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including:

Individuals from low-income backgrounds
Care leavers
Asylum seekers
First-generation university entrants
Mature students
Disabled students
Individuals from areas with low higher education participation

In 2023/24, 37.9% of Ulster’s undergraduate population across Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry~Londonderry met at least one of these criteria. Building on this strong foundation, the University is enhancing its efforts through targeted outreach, collaborative partnerships, and expanded support initiatives.

Read the Widening Access and Participation Plan 2024/25-2026/27

Widening Access Support

Ulster University offers a range of financial support initiatives to help reduce barriers to higher education for students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds:

Access Bursary: Students from households with an annual income below £19,203 may be eligible for a bursary equivalent to 10% of their annual tuition fee, supporting them with costs related to their studies.
Care Leavers Bursary: This bursary is part of a broader package of financial and pastoral support available to students who have spent time in care, helping to ease their transition into university life.
Accommodation Voucher Scheme: Designed to encourage students from low-income households to access safe and affordable housing, this scheme allows eligible new students in receipt of the Access Bursary to convert it into a voucher towards the cost of university-approved, purpose-built student accommodation.
Fee waivers: Students may be eligible for tuition fee waivers if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Are aged 16-24 and are not currently in education, employment, or training
- Income below £16,190
- In receipt of Universal Credit, WTC, DLA, or Carer’s Allowance
- Are care experienced

Ulster University offers a wide range of non-financial support services to help student succeed and feel included, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Academic support includes Peer-Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), Studiosity peer mentoring, and study skills workshops. Social connection is fostered through student cafés, UUSU societies, and the #UBelong campaign. Wellbeing services provide confidential support, including tailored help for disabled, mature, care-experienced, and international students. Additional mentoring is available through the EDGE and research mentoring programmes. These initiatives promote academic success, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging across the student community.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Ulster University's commitment to reducing inequalities is actively championed and supported at the highest levels of leadership. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is embedded within the University's People, Place and Partnership strategy, demonstrating that inclusion is a core institutional value rather than a standalone initiative.

The EDI Steering Group provides strategic oversight of EDI activity and ensures that inclusion is embedded within the University's People, Place and Partnership Strategy. The Group oversees the development and monitoring of institutional action plans, policies and initiatives, ensuring that equality considerations are integrated into decision-making and organisational planning. Membership includes senior leaders, EDI specialists, faculty representatives, student representatives and staff network leads, ensuring a broad range of perspectives inform the University's approach. Each University Faculty has an EDI Champion, with reducing inequalities forming part of their role and remit.

Equality Monitoring

The Key Equality Data webpage provides a central source of equality monitoring information relating to both staff and students at Ulster University. It supports the University's commitment to transparency, equality of opportunity and evidence-based decision making by making a range of equality datasets publicly available.

It includes workforce equality profiles covering staff and student protected characteristics. In addition, the page publishes information on the University's gender pay gap, ethnicity pay gap and disability pay gap, helping to identify patterns of inequality and inform actions to promote fairness and inclusion across the institution. The data supports statutory equality responsibilities and provides an evidence base for monitoring progress towards the University's equality, diversity and inclusion objectives.

Equality Policies

Ulster University maintains a comprehensive suite of equality policies and guidance documents that support our commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and ensuring compliance with statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998). Equality screening ensures that equality of opportunity and good relations are central to policy decision-making and service provision (i.e. equality is ‘mainstreamed’).

Core policies include:

Equality Scheme
Equal Opportunities Policy
Equal Pay Policy
Bullying & Harassment (Dignity at Work) Policy
Transgender Staff and Student Policy (currently in review)
Physical Access and Egress for People with Disabilities Policy

Equality Guidance

Complementing this are practical guidance resources which provide practical guidance on meeting legal obligations, removing barriers to participation and embedding accessibility across teaching, learning, employment and communication practices.

The resources cover a range of areas, including the production of accessible content through captioning and digital accessibility standards, guidance on disability disclosure for academic and faculty support staff, and line managers; and processes for implementing reasonable adjustments in the workplace. They also support compliance with disability legislation, including SENDO and the Disability Discrimination Act, and provide tools to help faculties and schools review competence standards to ensure they do not create unnecessary barriers for students with disabilities.

In addition, the Inclusive Language Guide aims to promote the use of respectful and inclusive language among staff and students. The EDI in the Curriculum Toolkit, developed by the Learning Enhancement Directorate supports academic staff and further education partners in reviewing curriculum design, teaching approaches and assessment practices through an EDI lens.

Access and Support for staff and students with disabilities

The Disability Support (AccessAbility) service at Ulster University provides confidential, free support and guidance for current and prospective students with a diagnosed disability, long-term medical condition or additional study needs. The service aims to ensure that students can access appropriate support to help them participate fully in university life and achieve their academic goals. AccessAbility Advisors within Student Wellbeing provide a range of services and resources to help all Ulster University disabled students.

Ulster University also operates a Reasonable Adjustment Protocol for staff that supports its commitment to providing appropriate workplace adjustments for disabled employees. Staff and managers can access guidance and support from the EDI Disability and Age Team.

The University is committed to ensuring its facilities and services are accessible to people with disabilities. Information about physical accessibility is available online, including a virtual campus tour and Interactive Campus Maps, enabling students, staff and visitors to familiarise themselves with campus layouts, facilities and routes in advance of their visit. They also highlight accessible parking, entrances and toilets/changing places.

The University also prioritises digital accessibility, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and regulations. This reflects Ulster University’s ongoing commitment to maintaining accessible and inclusive digital experiences for all users.

The University has established an Accessibility Committee, chaired by the EDI Section Lead for Disability and Age, to oversee and drive accessibility improvements across the institution in line with the University's Disability Action Plan.

Disabilities accomodation

Ulster University accommodates disabled students in university residences by reserving a proportion of rooms for students with additional needs. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available in shared or single-occupancy flats, with adapted bathrooms and kitchens, and accessible parking close to residences. Reasonable adjustments may include adapted rooms, additional equipment or accommodation in a specific location to meet individual needs, including mobility, sensory or long-term medical conditions.

Applications from students with disabilities or extenuating circumstances are considered sympathetically, and students are encouraged to disclose relevant conditions when applying. Residential Services liaises with the Student Wellbeing team and AccessAbility advisers to assess individual requirements and arrange appropriate accommodation and support. Students are advised to contact AccessAbility in advance to discuss their needs and ensure suitable accommodation is available. Support can also be arranged for students who develop a temporary disability or medical condition while living in university residences.

Athena Swan Charter

Ulster University's commitment to the principles of the Athena Swan Charter is recognised through the achievement of the distinguished Athena Swan Silver award. This was celebrated in May 2023.

The Charter recognises advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all and was established in 2005 to encourage women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) subjects. Since then it has expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL).

The Charter also recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

Race Equality Charter

Ulster University is a proud member of Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter, a UK-wide framework which aims to improve the representation, progression and success of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and students and to tackle systemic barriers within higher education institutions.

In 2026, Ulster University was awarded the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, recognising its commitment to tackling racial inequalities and fostering an inclusive environment for staff and students. The achievement followed a 22-month, institution-wide process involving over 1,400 staff and students, resulting in a five-year action plan focused on belonging, representation, and equity.

The award reflects the collective efforts of the University community to address barriers faced by racially minoritised groups and marks the next phase of work on inclusive teaching, learning, and amplifying minority ethnic voices across the University.

Diversity Mark

Ulster University was awarded the Diversity Mark accreditation in recognition of its commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. The accreditation reflects the University’s strategic focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), embedded across policies, practices, and initiatives to support staff and students from all backgrounds.

Age-Friendly University Global Network

Ulster University is a member of Age-Friendly University Global Network, which is a global consortium of higher education institutions committed to promoting positive ageing and creating age-inclusive environments through education, research, community engagement and lifelong learning opportunities.

Employers for Disability NI: Disability Positive AAA* Accreditation

Ulster University holds the Employers for Disability (EFDNI) Disability Positive AAA* Accreditation, which evidences 90-100% of disability good practice actions implemented in the workplace.

Autism NI: Austism Impact Award

We are also proud to have been awarded with an Autism Impact Award from Autism NI in recognition of our work supporting autistic students.

BAME+ Network

Ulster University’s Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME+) Network provides a supportive community for students and staff, promoting equity through mentoring, cultural events, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development. Collaborating with UUSU and through campaigns like the EDGE Ambassador programme, the network amplifies voices, strengthens allyship, and fosters an inclusive university experience that celebrates diversity and empowers underrepresented communities.

LGBT+ Staff Network

Ulster University supports LGBT+ staff through its LGBT+ Staff Network. Open to all LGBT+ individuals and allies, the network fosters equality and inclusion by organising social events, advising on policy development, and promoting a welcoming campus culture. Collaborating closely with student groups, it also helps coordinate Pride events and amplifies LGBT+ research initiatives through conferences and community engagement.

Staff disAbility Network

The Staff disAbility Network at Ulster University is a supportive space for staff with disabilities and allies. It offers a confidential forum to share experiences, influence policy, and promote inclusion across the University. As part of the wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion framework, the network works alongside other staff groups to ensure disability voices are heard and represented.

NeuroNetwork

Ulster University’s NeuroNetwork is a dedicated staff and research student network focused on embedding neuro‑inclusive culture across our campuses. Open to all staff and PhD researchers, the Network aims to raise awareness, champion understanding, and run impactful initiatives to promote neurodiversity awareness. Operating under Ulster’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion framework, it offers safe spaces for discussion, consultative input on policies, and peer support.

Carer’s Network

The Carers' Network supports staff and students who have caring responsibilities, whether for children, older relatives, partners, friends or dependants. The network provides opportunities for peer support and raises awareness of carers' experiences.

WoMen’s Network

The Women's Network provides a forum for staff to connect, collaborate and advocate for gender equality across Ulster University. The network promotes inclusive workplace practices, raises awareness of issues affecting women, and contributes to the University's wider equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.