SDG 5 - Teaching
Ulster University embeds SDG 5 across teaching and learning to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to challenge inequality and promote inclusion.
Undergraduate Courses
Postgraduate Courses
Scholarships
The Belfast Girls' Club Union Bursary supports female BSc or PGDip Community Youth Work students at Ulster University, providing financial assistance to broaden their cultural and professional experiences beyond their own backgrounds.
The Sharlene Gill Scholarship for Women in Engineering supports female engineering students with full tuition fees, helping increase women’s representation in the field.
SDG 5 - Research
Through research aligned with SDG 5, Ulster University generates evidence to inform policy, practice, and societal change in relation to gender equality.
Research Stories
- Postfeminist Career Retreatism Among Women Leaders in the Public Sector
- A scoping review of research about women in sport: a perspective from the island of Ireland
- Collecting Research Evidence to Inform Programming to Tackle Violence Against Young Women and Girls: The Importance of Diverse Data for Policy Making
- Exploring online sexism and misogyny in women's professional English football
SDG - Partnerships
Through partnerships aligned with SDG 5, Ulster University works collaboratively with local, national, and international partners to promote gender equality and address gender-based inequalities.
Partnership Stories
- Ulster University Takes Pledge to End Violence Against Women and Girls
- New Exhibition shines a Light on the Working Lives of Women in Northern Ireland
- Empowering Connections with the míde connect network
- CelebrateHER Conference 2025: International Women’s Day event in Coleraine
- Girls Allowed Event Hosted on the Belfast Campus - Empowering Young Women through Youth Work and Research
- Kainos Ulster University Awards for Women In Computing
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Framework
Ulster University contributes to Northern Ireland’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls framework through research and community initiatives, including the “Every Voice Matters!” study, which found 98% of women have experienced violence. The University supports EVAWG’s goals to promote a safer, more equitable society for women and girls.
SDG 5 - Operations
Athena Swan Charter
The Athena SWAN Charter recognises advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all. Ulster University holds an institutional Athena Swan Silver Award, recognising its ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality across teaching, research, and leadership. 18 of our schools have also achieved individual awards.
Gender Pay Gap Analysis
Ulster University publishes an annual Gender Pay Gap Analysis to monitor and address pay disparities, using the findings to benchmark performance, identify trends, and implement targeted actions that promote fairness, equality, and an inclusive workplace culture.
Read the latest Gender Pay Gap Analysis
White Ribbon Accreditation
Ulster University is the first higher education institution in Northern Ireland to achieve White Ribbon NI Accreditation, demonstrating a strong commitment to ending violence against women and girls through awareness-raising, training, and policy development.
Aurora Leadership Development Programme
Aurora, delivered by Advance HE, is a leadership development programme for women that supports gender equality. Ulster University has supported 110 participants to date, contributing to the development of future female leaders.
BRAVE Women in STEM
Ulster University’s BRAVE Women in STEM programme, funded by the Department for the Economy, supports women’s progression into STEM leadership through accredited training, mentoring, and peer networking, addressing the underrepresentation of women in senior STEM roles.
Wo/Men's Network
Ulster University’s Wo/Men’s Network is an inclusive staff forum that supports gender equality through events, mentoring, advocacy, and campaigns addressing key issues such as menopause, period poverty, and domestic abuse awareness.
Read more about the Wo/Men's Network
Free Period Products
Ulster University provides free period products, tackling period poverty and ensuring all students have equal access to essential hygiene so they can participate fully in campus life.
Read more about free period products
Supporting Staff with Caring Responsibilities
Ulster University provides family-friendly leave policies that support staff work–life balance. Eligible employees can access enhanced maternity pay, paid paternity leave, and unpaid parental leave. Shared Parental Leave and Pay allow flexible division of leave and pay in the first year after a child’s birth.
The Hybrid & Flexible Working Framework enables staff to request flexible hours and remote working to accommodate personal needs such as childcare.
The Returning Carers’ Scheme offers financial support for professional development to staff returning from extended leave due to caring responsibilities.
