Students Notice

All Students

For 2026/27 The Ulster Graduate Award is for Year 1 and 2 undergraduate students and new Postgraduate students commencing September 2026.

If you are in Year 3 or 4 (undergraduate) please visit the Ulster EDGE Award website where you can access relevant extra-curricular activities and secure the recognition you deserve

Welcome to the Ulster Graduate Award

The skills you need and the recognition you deserve

This prestigious award is an opportunity to gain official recognition for the experiences and skills you develop outside your academic studies. Whether you're volunteering, leading, working, or learning — it all counts.

ELIGIBILITY 2026/27: Year 1 and 2 undergraduate students and new Postgraduate students (from Sept 2026) are eligible for the Ulster Graduate Award. Year 3 and 4 undergraduate students will continue with their Ulster EDGE Award.

Ulster University image

What is it and what do you need to do?

The Ulster Graduate Award will help you improve your confidence, develop your skills and expand your networks through the completion and recognition of developmental extra-curricular activities.

To achieve it you need to complete:

  • A minimum of 2 approved developmental extra curricular activities
  • Complete the required final application

To get started Register for the Ulster Graduate Award

Ulster University image

Why you should do it

Deserved Recognition Validation for your achievements

Learn more about Deserved Recognition

The Ulster Graduate Award gives you the recognition you deserve for the activities and experiences you are engaging with outside of your degree. You are maybe going to be engaging in these experiences anyway, or maybe the Ulster Graduate Award will give you that extra motivation. Regardless, when you graduate and you are also holding the Ulster Graduate Award certificate, it will make your day even more special.

Competitive advantage Take the opportunity to differentiate yourself

Learn more about Competitive advantage

As well as your main degree, employers want to see evidence of motivation and a commitment to ongoing self development. What better way of is there of telling employers that you are a motivated, committed and engaged learner than the Ulster Graduate Award. You can use your experiences as evidence in your job applications, interviews and networkin conversations.

Skills for your future Get ready for your university to workplace transition

Learn more about Skills for your future

In a recent employer survey, employers rated teamwork and collaboration as the most important skill students and graduates can bring. If you complete the Ulster Graduate Award, you will the development of your ability to collaborate, as well as a wide range of other attributes, is inevitable. From problem solving to digital skills and project management and even subject specific skills, the Ulster Graduate Award will help you prepare for your future.

Expand your connections Your network is more important than you think

Learn more about Expand your connections

In life and in your career the more authentic connections you have the better because opportunities are attached to people. New connections can act as role models, they can open new opportunities or they might become colleagues and friends. Through the experiences you complete as part of the Ulster Graduate Award, you are guaranteed to create new connections that will impact on your future in the short, medium and long term.

What kind of activities can you use?

The activities you use as evidence for your Ulster Graduate Award must be developmental and extra curricular (outside of your degree). They can be activities you are already engaging with or new experiences within or outside the university. As long as they are not counting towards your degree assessment and are helping you develop the Ulster Graduate Attributes they can count.

Volunteering image

Volunteering

Explore volunteering opportunities and secure Ulster Graduate Award recognition for any current volunteering experiences

Employability & Enterprise image

Employability & Enterprise

Employability & Graduate Futures run a range of programmes you can use to achieve your Ulster Graduate Award.

Student Success Centre image

Student Success Centre

Get Ulster Graduate Award recognition through the completion of a study skills module covering academic integrity, ethical use of AI,...

Work Experience and Internships image

Work Experience and Internships

Internships, placements and other forms of work experience can count towards your Ulster Graduate Award journey

Other Achievements, Training or Qualifications image

Other Achievements and Qualifications

Secure recognition for other achievements or additional training and qualifications

Sustainability Related Activities image

Sustainability Related Activities

From accredited Carbon Literacy Training through Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful to self directed learning activities such as Nature Connectedness...

UUSU and Student Voice Roles image

UUSU and Student Voice Roles

From Course Rep to Student Councillor, there are a range of UUSU roles that can help you achieve the Ulster...

Global Experiences image

Global Experiences

This section explains how you secure Ulster Graduate Award recognition for international study, work or volunteering experiences....

Subject Specific Activities image

Subject Specific Activities

In many cases, your course team has created subject specific activities that perfectly compliment your main programme of study and...

Register now

By registering for the Ulster Graduate Award you will provide us with information that we will use to guide and support you through your learning journey. After you fill out the short registration form, our team will reach out to offer suggestions and the opportunity for a 1-1 consultation that will help you map out your Ulster Graduate Award journey.

Register for the Ulster Graduate Award (Opens in a new window)
Ulster University image

Develop the Ulster Graduate Attributes

By completing the Ulster Graduate Award you will develop the Ulster Graduate Attributes, ensuring that you are ready for the future of work

Thriving Individual image

Thriving Individual

Someone who has the ability to be resilient, accept and embrace change, seeking to mentally grow themselves and those around...

Engaged Learner image

Engaged Learner

Someone who is knowledgeable and able to deepen their understanding about their subject and the world.

Collaborative Professional image

Collaborative Professional

Someone who is able to contribute to society widely and especially in their field of knowledge.

Active Citizen image

Active Citizen

Someone who is engaging, ethical, sustainable, making a positive impact.

Ulster University image

What students say

"Extra curricular activities are more important than you think.

They have helped me grow my confidence to a new level and that impacts a lot of other areas including my communication, presentation skills and just how I interact.

The Ulster Graduate Award offers flexibility so everyone can create their own unique development journey."

Jack

Engineering

Accessing support

Need help?

Our Graduate Development Coaches are here to support you every step of the way.

  • Book a 1-1 session
  • Drop into a campus support hub
  • Email us with your questions
Ulster University image

Supporting your Ulster Graduate Award Journey

Email graduatefutures@ulster.ac.uk or feel free to reach out to a member of the team directly

Brian Byers

Student and Graduate Opportunities Team
Belfast
Room: BD-03-027
+44 28 9536 5066
b.byers@ulster.ac.uk
View Profile

Rebecca Ellison

Graduate Futures Team
Belfast
Room: BD-03-027
+44 28 9536 5084
r.ellison@ulster.ac.uk
View Profile

Angie Johnston

Graduate Futures Team
Belfast
Room: BD-03-027
+44 28 9536 7126
a.johnston3@ulster.ac.uk
View Profile

Katrina Marron

Graduate Futures Team
Coleraine
Room: H214
+44 28 7012 3267
k.marron@ulster.ac.uk
View Profile

Katherine Crosbie

Graduate Futures Team
Coleraine
Room: H214
+44 28 7012 3356
k.crosbie@ulster.ac.uk
View Profile

Dr Rachel Shannon

Student and Graduate Opportunities Team
Belfast
Room: BD-03-027
+44 28 9536 5922
r.shannon@ulster.ac.uk
View Profile