Start where you are. Lead where you're going.
Build practical skills to inspire change and lead with impact.
Students as Leaders is a leadership development programme for current Ulster University students from every course and stage of study. You don’t need previous leadership experience, just an interest in developing your potential.
Through five interactive online and in person sessions, you’ll build confidence, develop practical leadership and employability skills, connect with students and industry leaders, and gain experience that will strengthen your CV.
This prestigious programme equips you with practical leadership skills to make a real impact.
All You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about Students as Leaders 2026/27
Students as Leaders is open to all current Ulster University students, regardless of course, year of study or previous leadership experience. The programme is designed for students who want to build confidence, develop leadership skills and prepare for future opportunities.
Join all in person and online sessions to get maximum benefit and earn your certificate!
Students as Leaders is a supportive introduction to leadership, you don’t need to have everything figured out. Through interactive sessions, you will:
Challenge assumptions about who can lead and recognise the positive impact you already make.
Build self-awareness by exploring your strengths, values and authentic leadership style.
Connect with experienced leaders and students from across Ulster University.
The programme combines practical, interactive learning with opportunities to reflect and apply your new skills. You’ll take part in:
Interactive, bite-sized sessions
Peer coaching and group learning
Real-world simulations and challenges
Guided reflection and leadership journaling
You won’t just learn about leadership, you’ll experience it, reflect on it and put it into practice.
By the end of the programme, you will:
Lead with confidence: Strengthen your teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while developing greater self-awareness.
Earn recognised credentials: Receive an official Ulster University certificate and make progress towards the EDGE or Ulster Graduate Award.
Build valuable connections: Meet students and leaders from across the Ulster University community and explore how your leadership can make a positive difference.
Hear from past participants
"One of the highlights of the Students as Leaders programme was learning from successful industry leaders. Their experiences inspired me to pursue my own career and made me more excited about the opportunities ahead."
Programme Schedule
Attendance requirement
To complete the programme and receive your Ulster University certificate, you should attend all five sessions. If mitigating circumstances affect your attendance, please contact the programme team.
Lead from within - Programme launch
In person - Choose one:
Monday 2 November — Derry~Londonderry campus
Thursday 5 November 2026 — Belfast campus
Start: 5:30pm End: 7:30pm
Discover what motivates you and begin developing your personal approach to leadership.
What’s your problem?
Online - Wednesday 18 November 2026, 1:15pm - 2:15pm (Online)
Learn how to define real-world challenges clearly before developing solutions.
Communicating for impact
Online - Wednesday 2 December 2026, 1:15pm - 2:15pm (Online)
Develop communication skills that help you influence others, inspire action and lead positive change.
The Power of Us
Online - Wednesday 10 February 2027, 1:15pm - 2:15pm (Online)
Explore what makes a high-performing team and how you can contribute effectively.
Time to lead - Programme finale
In person - Wednesday 24 February 2027 - Belfast campus
Start: 5:30pm
Celebrate your progress and hear from an inspiring keynote speaker on resilience, optimistic leadership and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Colum Mackey is Head of Policy, Representation and Evaluation at Students’ Union UCL, the UK’s largest students’ union. He supports student leaders in influencing change locally and nationally, with a focus on evidence-based policy driven by original research. Outside work, Colum chairs the trustees of an Irish community charity in London.
He studied Law at Ulster University and served as President of Ulster University Students’ Union. In 2017, he completed the Washington Ireland Programme before moving to London.
Rhonda is a leadership development specialist with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals and teams thrive across the public and private sectors. Drawing on her background in senior strategic management with a multinational retailer, she brings practical insight into the realities of leadership, organisational change and team performance. At AAB, Rhonda designs and delivers impactful leadership and management development programmes and provides professional coaching to leaders at all levels. Known for her warm, inclusive and engaging style, she helps participants build confidence, strengthen collaboration and translate leadership concepts into meaningful action.
Agnes is the founder and Chief Executive of the Positive Futures group operating across the island of Ireland and which comprises 3 charities, one of which is a housing association. The organisation supports children and adults with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury or autism, a number of whom also have sight/ hearing loss. In 1999 Agnes facilitated the establishment of ARC in Northern Ireland, an umbrella organisation for providers of services for people with a learning disability, which she chaired for 22 years. She is also a lay member of the social care tribunal which hears appeals against decisions relating to the regulation of care services and the social care workforce.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to current Ulster University students from any course or year of study. To take part, you should:
- Be interested in leadership
Want to develop your leadership knowledge, confidence and practical skills. Previous leadership experience is not required. - Commit to the programme
Be available to attend the five in-person and online sessions. If mitigating circumstances affect your attendance, contact the programme team as soon as possible.
Ready to lead?
Apply for Students as Leaders
Don’t miss your chance to develop essential leadership skills, earn a certification, and connect with inspiring professionals!
With only 150 places available, this is your opportunity to stand out.
Build your confidence, strengthen your CV and connect with inspiring students and professionals through the 2026/27 Students as Leaders programme.
Applications close on 28 October 2026
Hear from past participants
"I gained new skills in effective leadership, forged meaningful new connections and discovered the inspiration that has fuelled my personal growth.
It has boosted my confidence and I feel empowered to move beyond the comfort zone.
As a result, I have made some impactful decisions that will shape my life and future for the better, and I am better equipped to be of service to my community."
