SDG 1: No Poverty

Our teaching equips students with the knowledge, critical thinking, and practical skills needed to challenge poverty and inequality in all their forms.

Undergraduate courses

• BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Policy
• BSc (Hons) Social Policy
• BSc (Hons) Social Work
• BSc (Hons) Community Youth Work

Postgraduate courses

• MSc Social Policy

Our research tackles the root causes of poverty both locally and globally, working in partnership with individuals, organisations, and policymakers to create meaningful and lasting change.

Research Stories

“Sport is NOT a luxury” research warns cost-of-living crisis is pricing children out of sport in Northern Ireland

Children exploited in criminality in Northern Ireland not recognised as victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, landmark research finds

Social Justice Institute

The Social Justice Institute combines traditional legal research with innovative interdisciplinary methods to address entrenched issues like poverty, access to justice, human trafficking, and immigration.

Research themes include:

• Social security law and policy
• Litigants in person
• Access to Justice
• Poverty, particularly how it impacts women
• Citizenship and human rights
• Legal design and innovation
• Law and culture

At Ulster University, we recognise that ending poverty (SDG 1) requires collaboration, through strategic partnerships with communities, organisations, and global initiatives, we work together to create sustainable solutions that make a real difference.

Partnership Stories

• Major £26m investment strengthens Ulster University’s role in policy-shaping data research to 2031
• ARK celebrates 25 years of providing accessible social policy research to improve communities

Widening Access and Participation

Ulster University is committed to widening access and participation, working alongside schools, community groups, and organisations to break down barriers to higher education and create opportunities for all learners to succeed.

• WAP Plan 2023/24

Financial Support for Students

Ulster University collaborates with partners across the public, private, and charitable sectors to provide financial support that empowers students to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.

• View available financial support

Financial Hardship Fund

Through the Financial Hardship Fund, Ulster University provides targeted support to students facing unexpected financial challenges, helping them stay on track and thrive in their studies.

• Read more about the Financial Hardship Fund

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