UNIVERSITY A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS - Ulster University
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UNIVERSITY A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
2 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Contents
4 Is university right for them?
10 Choosing the best university
for your child
18 Fees and finance
26 Applying to university
28 How to apply What you
32 The offers process need to know
35 Results day
35 Clearing to prepare
you and
38 Is Ulster University the right
choice for your child? your child for
40 Careers university
42 Teaching and facilities
46 International opportunities
50 Student support
52 Student experience
54 Accommodation
58 Get in touch
4 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Is university
right for them?
Sitting down with your child
to discuss their post-school
plans can be challenging,
especially if they aren’t
sure what they want to do
next. You can help them by
being a positive sounding
board and asking questions
that’ll help them come to
a decision that is right for
them.
We have designed this guide so you
have the information you need to chat
through the options with your child.
6 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
sponsorship officer or treasurer for Although this is a general expectation of If the following is important
Is it the best next the charity society or a journalist for students, course programs will include to your child, then university
the student radio station. They can a mix of self-study and collaborative could be a good fit:
step for your child? also learn and explore within their working. Personal tutors and support staff
A good place to start is to degree subject by choosing specific will also be on hand to help and guide • Studying a subject that really
consider their career plans, modules or projects to discover their students. When researching universities interests them
motivation level and how they interests or develop specific skills and and courses, spend time reviewing the • Pursuing a specific career
like to learn. If they answer competencies. styles of teaching and assessments to which requires a university
yes to any of the below, then choose the structure that is best for your degree
university would be a good Do they have their heart set on child, as well as those which have a • Being able to choose the
option to research further. reputation for strong pastoral care.
a specific career? modules and projects that
It is important to keep in mind that most appeal to them
At university there are endless • The option to move away
for some careers it is essential to go
Does your child want to explore opportunities for them to broaden from home and live
to university. Your school’s careers
horizons and get work experience independently
different careers or passions? teacher will be able to advise you
and awards outside of their academic • Meeting new people, making
If they go to university, several and your child about these careers,
studies and they must be motivated to new friends and having new
career options will be open to them their degree requirements and if your
make the most of these. experiences
regardless of what subject they study. child needs to study any specific
subjects required to study the degree. • Getting involved in activities
Do they want the freedom to such as sport, theatre or
If your child is unsure of their career
direction or wants to explore many Is your child a self-motivated choose what to study? politics
At university students usually get • Having time to explore
different potential paths through learner and comfortable with
work experience, placements and the freedom to choose the course, interests, values and career
independent study? options before any big
extracurricular activities, a university modules and projects that best match
Motivation is very important in their interests and aspirations. decisions about jobs must be
degree may be a great option for achieving success, and for most
them. They can take advantage of made
university courses, being able to
clubs, societies and positions of study independently without close
responsibility to get experience that supervision is essential.
relates to the world of work e.g.
8 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Alternative training
Getting them career options to university
ready There are a range of options
A university degree improves career available for your child to further their
prospects and earning potential. training. These include employer
On average, people with higher and apprentice programs where
education qualifications earn more your child could earn money whilst
over their working lives than non- acquiring job skills. Options include:
graduates.
• degree apprenticeships
Going to university can give • Higher Level Apprenticeships
your child a head start as they (HLA)
develop transferable skills valued • school leaver programmes
by employers, such as the ability
to work with others, critical and You can find out more information
analytical thinking, research skills, about these programs including how
problem-solving and communication to apply at
skills. These skills, together with an ucas.com
academic qualification, will give them theuniguide.com
an advantage in the ever-competitive
nidirect.gov.uk
world of employment.
Your child may also be interested in
studying a foundation degree at a
regional college. You can find out
more on our website at
ulster.ac.uk/study/routes-to-university
10 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Choosing the best
university for your child
If university is likely to be Make sure these criteria reflect the
the next step for your child, specific needs of your child and
family. For example, if your child is
this is when the research a practical learner, you might want
phase begins in earnest and to consider those courses that are
can be the most daunting. highly applied and include hands-on
assessments and work experience.
The end goal of the research phase is
to agree the five courses that students
will add to their UCAS form. Before Top Tip: Make a checklist
deciding on “The Final Five”, they will of your negotiables and non-
need to shortlist their potential places. negotiables when choosing
where to go.
This shortlisting phase may include
reviewing the prospectus together,
visiting the universities at Open Days
or attending Applicant Events.
We recommend that together with
your child you agree the criteria you
will use to shortlist the courses and
universities and identify those criteria
which will ultimately decide “The Final
Five”.
12 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Choosing their subject
Things to consider when
choosing a degree:
• Are they interested in exploring
• Do they have a current subject
a completely new subject? There
that they love and do well in?
are many degree subjects they
Will they still be interested in it in
years to come and the potential won’t have encountered before.
careers associated with it? Whilst When choosing, they should
some subjects lead to very specific relate it back to what they enjoy
career options, others can provide and how they learn best. Some
varied options or the opportunity courses have very high contact
to specialise at postgraduate level. time i.e. lots of lectures, tutorials,
workshops etc whilst others have
• Do they have specific vocational low contact time and more self-
aspirations? If so, is a particular directed study.
degree subject required or are
the options flexible? Universities • Look beyond the course title
and colleges set their own entry - remember courses with the
requirements for higher education same name can differ greatly
courses so they may vary widely. in content between universities.
You can find the entry requirements Spend time looking at the course
for Ulster undergraduate degrees content and the modules. This
on the course finder online will give you an idea about the
ulster.ac.uk/courses areas covered by the course
and what the university’s specific
area of expertise is.
14 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
What to research Not all universities and colleges use
qualifications and grades for entry
Cost: Tuition fees are not the only
requirements, some use UCAS Tariff
university cost. You should also
points instead. UCAS has an online
consider accommodation costs and
Choosing their calculator to help you work out how
cost of living (including any travel
university required), which vary across the
many points your qualifications are
What does a good university worth ucas.com/ucas/tariff-
UK. Visit numbeo.com/cost-of-
mean to you and your child? calculator
living to compare cost of living.
Here are some things to think Check with the university for precise
about when researching equivalencies as these may vary.
Course provision: Which
where to go. universities offer the subject area or
specific course they are interested in?
Other selection criteria: Is entry
Most information can be found dependent on submitting a portfolio
Do they carry accreditation needed
in university prospectuses or of work? Do they have to attend an
for jobs in industry?
online course pages but we interview? Do they require a medical
have included other sources or Access NI check?
Teaching, assessment and
below where relevant. facilities: Does the course involve
a lot of practical work? Is it 100%
Duration: How many years will it
take them to get their degree? Does
coursework? Is there a lot of group
this include a work placement?
work involved? Are there bespoke
facilities? Is there online or interactive
learning provision?
Employment/career prospects:
Are there opportunities to enhance
their CV by undertaking a paid work
Entry requirements: What grades
placement or studying abroad? Does
are needed for the course? These
the university have good connections
can vary across institutions. Specific
with industry? Do students get
subjects and at what level they
real-world experience on their
are required e.g. GCSE/A Level/
course? Are there opportunities to
BTEC will be listed in course entry
include a year out in industry as part
requirements.
of their degree?
16 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Research: Does the university have a specialist support? What support
good research focus? Are they linking is available? Do they have any
How to research
with industry to solve problems, or disabilities or long-term medical
leading innovation in certain areas? conditions or specific learning Get online
This often positively impacts on the difficulties they need support with? • ucas.com
teaching and what they deliver. If so, what support is available from • University websites
the university? Will they get guidance • Online prospectuses
Location: Where do they want and advice on academic matters, ulster.ac.uk/prospectus
to study and where will they best wellbeing issues, money matters? • discoveruni.gov.uk
thrive? Home or away? Urban or
rural? A small or large institution? Clubs & societies: Opportunities Get out there
What lifestyle do they want? Campus to socialise play a huge factor • UCAS fairs
based or town/city based? One in student satisfaction. Clubs and ucas.com/ucas/events-
campus or multiple? Are there good societies are great ways to meet exhibitions
transport links? All these things will new people, stay connected and • University open days - Universities
affect their experience and are have fun. Outside of university what organise their own open days
important to think about. social facilities are there, such as for prospective students to
live music venues, cinemas or sports experience university life, speak
Accommodation: Is living in halls of facilities? with staff and students, hear
residence or shared accommodation course talks and tour facilities
important to them? Is it available ulster.ac.uk/open-days
on campus? What are the
accommodation costs? What are Get informed
the private accommodation costs for • Entry requirements (available
future years? Are there self-catered from university prospectuses
and catered options available? online)
• UCAS deadlines (see page 28)
Support: Does your child need
18 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Fees and
finance
It’s difficult to put an exact • where and what they study
figure on the price of going • whether they live at home,
halls of residence or private
to university, as everyone’s accommodation
expenditure will be different • their travel arrangements
depending on: • their lifestyle20 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
SHORTLISTED
UNIVERSITY
OF THE YEAR
TIMES
GOOD UNIVERSITY
GUIDE
(2022)
ULSTER
UNIVERSITY
Things to consider * Fees correct at time of print.
Ulster English Scottish [1] Full-time undergraduate tuition fee
Location University University Univerity per year.
[2] Based on a single ensuite room at
Where you study in the UK will have Belfast campus.
an impact on how much you pay in Tuition Fee [1] £4,530 £9,250 £9,250 [3] Based on single ensuite
accommodation at University of
tuition fees, accommodation and cost
Liverpool.
of living per year. The table provides
[4] Based on single ensuite
a snapshot of what students can Monthly rent £511[2] £775[3] £692[4] accommodation at University of
expect to pay at different universities Dundee.
across the UK*. [5] Based on 3 return flights per year to
Belfast (at Sept. 2021 value).
Travel cost/ N/A £528 £444 [6] Based on university accommodation,
As a guide we estimate you should Flights[5] tuition fees (39 weeks) and flights if
allow for a sum in the region of applicable.
£7,000-£9,000 to cover your
expenses at Ulster University for one TOTAL[6] £9,132 £16,753 £15,924 ulster.ac.uk/ug-fees
academic year.22 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Loans, Grants and Scholarships Maintenance Loans & Grants must meet the criteria and the money • Bursaries – usually awarded to
Northern Ireland students can apply does not need to be paid back. students based on their personal
Students shouldn’t rule out university
for help with day-to-day costs whilst circumstances or if they come
study based on finance. There are
studying. • Scholarships – usually reward from a low-income family.
loans available to cover tuition fees
students who are outstanding in Bursaries can help students
and help towards the cost of living.
• Maintenance loan – Varying their subject, sport or music. They who may face more barriers to
maintenance loan amounts generally need to be applied for attending full-time education,
Tuition Fee Loans
are available dependent on and are often competitive. enabling them to access
Fees do not have to be paid up-front.
study destination and living university.
Students can avail of a tuition fee loan
from Student Finance NI which will arrangements. You can apply for
a maintenance loan on its own Information is normally available via
cover the cost of fees until graduation.
or alongside any other available individual university websites. Find out
Students don’t have to start paying
finance, including a tuition fee more about what is available
these back until they have graduated
loan. The maintenance loan must at Ulster University:
and are earning more than the
salary threshold for repayment (this is be paid back.
• Maintenance grant – Available Bursaries:
dependent on which type of tuition fee
loan they apply for). for those in households earning ulster.ac.uk/study/bursaries
below a certain income and
Scholarships:
NI/ROI/EU: does not need to be paid back if
terms and conditions are met. ulster.ac.uk/study/scholarships
studentfinanceni.co.uk
studentfinance.ie
England:
direct.gov.uk Scholarships & Bursaries
Scotland: University scholarships and bursaries
saas.gov.uk are available for both undergraduate
and postgraduate students as extra
Wales: financial help. Each university has their
studentfinancewales.co.uk own criteria and awards. Students24 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Support Funds undertake additional assessment such
as interviews. More information on
All higher education providers
this can be found at ulster.ac.uk/
offer a hardship fund for students
funded-courses
experiencing significant financial
problems and to support those
coming to university in challenging NI University Fees
circumstances. Conditions apply so Students from NI and the
you should contact your university Republic of Ireland
directly for advice. Ulster University has
Full-time undergraduate fees for
a discretionary fund to support both
Home (NI) and the Republic of
UK/Home and International students.
Ireland students are determined by the
This discretionary fund can provide
Department of the Economy and are
financial assistance for priority groups.
normally increased annually.
Visit ulster.ac.uk/financial-
support for more details.
Universities can charge you up to
£4,530 a year for tuition (based on
Department of Health funded 2021/22 entry fees). Students don’t
courses have to pay this up front. They can
Some courses (including Nursing and apply online to Student Finance NI for
other Allied Health Profession courses) a loan of up to £4,530 to help cover
are funded by the Department of this fee.
Health for those who have been
resident in Northern Ireland for three Students from England, Scotland
years prior to the start of the course, and Wales
and students from the Republic of
Tuition fees for students from England,
Ireland. These are very popular
Scotland and Wales are £9,250
courses and students need to
(based on 2021/22 entry fees).26 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Applying to
university
UCAS is the admissions
body that processes
all applications to
full-time courses at UK
universities.28 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
EARLY SEPT
UCAS opens MID/END JAN
Applications can UCAS official
be submitted to deadline for ‘on time’
universities and applications
How to apply colleges
Applying to university can be END SEPT END FEB
UCAS cycle ends UCAS Extra opens
completed in five easy steps:
1. Create an account at
UCAS.com/apply EARLY MAY
DBD
UCAS
Deadline for ‘on time’
2. Choose up to 5 courses from END AUG
applications to reply to
across over 120 UK universities Deadline for remaining
conditions to be met universities if all offers
were received by
3. Write and submit a Personal 31 March
CYCLE
Statement
4. Nominate a referee to write a
character reference.
EARLY JUNE
5. Pay the application fee (£20 for MID AUG ‘On time’ applications - All applications Deadline for ‘on time’
one course or £26 for multiple) A-level results day made by UCAS official deadline applicants to reply to
universities if all offers
DBD
DBD (Decline by Default) - UCAS will decline were received by
all offers universities have made applicants on 2 May
NB: Normally your child’s school/ their behalf
college will oversee the submission of
the application and advise how the
application fee is to be paid. MID JULY MID/END JUNE
Deadline to reply to Deadline to reply to
universities if offers universities if all offers
UCAS will check the application were received by were received by
11 July 6 June
and send it to all the universities the
EARLY JULY
D
END JUNE
BD
student has applied to. None of the Key dates Last chance to apply Last day to make
universities will know where else through UCAS Extra an application
For exact dates before Clearing
they have applied, so they will be for each year visit Clearing begins
UCAS will decline your
considering the application totally offers on your behalf if you
independently. ucas.com miss these deadlines30 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
TOP TIP: Make sure to use a
personal, rather than school email
address. A school email address
may no longer be accessible come
results day.
The Personal Statement Tracking the application students, your child may need to decisions. Some may wait until
interview. all applications have been
The personal statement gives
• Once the application is submitted, • If their course does have an made and not begin decision
students the opportunity to promote
your child will receive an extra selection step, they will be communications until mid-January
themselves by covering their academic
acknowledgement from UCAS contacted by the university about at the earliest.
interests, work experience, relevant
achievements, hobbies and interests and often from the university you what extra steps they will have to • The status of an application can
which make them suitable for their applied to. take and how it impacts on the be checked via the UCAS track
course choices. • Each course will have its own timing of offer making. system.
entry requirements, and some • Upon receipt of the application, • Universities are unable to give
Tips on getting started and how to write may have additional selection there may be a delay in an offer applicants updates on their
a personal statement can be found at requirements like a portfolio being made. This may be due to application directly over the
ucas.com/personalstatement review or interview. This will be specific selection steps required phone, in person or via email. Any
outlined in the course prospectus for the course. Don’t be alarmed. change in the status of a UCAS
or can be found online on the application will only be made
university course pages. • Universities will have their own
approach to the timing of available via UCAS Track.
• For some Department of Health making their offer or application
funded courses for NI domiciled32 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
The offers process
• Conditional offer: Students
are offered a place subject
Receiving offers to certain conditions, normally
based on exam results.
As universities may send their offers at
different times, students will not be • Unconditional offer: Students
able to make their final decision in have already met the entrance
UCAS until they have received all requirements and the university Top Tip: Choosing a firm
decisions from the universities they would like to accept their choice can be difficult. Talk
applied to. application. to your child about what
• Decline: There are several they want to get out of a
Students may receive communication reasons why universities may course and their university
or invitations to visit from universities decline an applicant, for experience. If they’ve
that have extended offers. This is example if the course is full. already decided on firm
another great research opportunity. and insurance choices, ask
• Withdrawn: Both your family
member and the university can them why. Go back to your
Upon receipt of the student’s final shortlisting criteria, check if
outstanding decision, UCAS will withdraw the application either
because they didn’t respond to your child seems unclear on
inform them of their decision deadline. anything and has considered
The response your child will receive any correspondence from the
university or they didn’t attend an all key factors.
could be one of the following:
interview etc.34 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Responding to offers some students are applying Direct Results Day
Once students receive their offers, to Clearing. You can find out more What if they get higher grades
they need to respond in the following information about this at ucas.com than expected?
If your family member has met the
ways: university’s conditions of their firm If students exceed the conditions for
choice, they will receive confirmation their firm choice and want to explore
• Firm acceptance: They can have that they have been accepted to that alternative options, they can use
only one firm acceptance, and UCAS Extra Clearing Plus to research and apply for
course. They will be asked to confirm
this is their first preference out of Competition can be very that they will proceed with their firm other options. Visit ucas.com
all the offers they have received. high for some courses which choice and they can now begin their to learn more about Clearing Plus.
• Insurance acceptance: As well can mean that even the best final university preparations.
as their first choice, they can also performing students don’t What if they get lower grades
have a backup, which is called always get an offer. If all If they haven’t met conditions of the than expected?
their insurance. five applications have been firm choice but meet those of their
rejected or all of the offers If students receive lower grades than
• Decline: Once they have insurance choice, then they will convert
have been declined, an expected and they are not accepted to
selected their firm and insurance to their insurance offer.
application to another course either their firm or insurance choice, they
choices, they then need to
or university can be made may find an alternative course through
decline all other offers. The university may, at their discretion,
through UCAS Extra. Clearing.
accept students that fall slightly short of
If they change their mind about what the entry conditions. They will contact If the decision status in Track appears as
or where they want to study or if they UCAS Extra is available from those students who are eligible. “pending” on results day this means the
do better than expected, Clearing mid-February until the end of university is yet to make a final decision
may provide them an opportunity to June. Further information is There is plenty of support available on the application.
explore alternative courses. available at ucas.com if students need to make a different
decision, or if their circumstances have They may want to research other
Alternatively, they may decide that changed between the making of their options on Clearing Plus whilst they wait
they want to know their results before firm and insurance choices and results for the decision from their offer-holding
applying to university. Increasingly day. university.36 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
What if they change their mind discuss their alternatives with admissions
about where or what they want to and academic staff.
study?
Applicants can receive verbal offers
If students have a change of heart,
from universities at these events or call
they can release themselves from
centres and will be asked to apply to
their firm or conditional choice via
the university via UCAS track. Subject
Clearing Plus. Clearing Plus will show
to conditions being met, an offer will
them what courses or universities are
be extended to the applicant which is
available to them.
then accepted and processed by the
university once all checks are complete.
What is Clearing/Clearing Plus?
Clearing /Clearing Plus is a process
which allows students to search What is Direct to Clearing?
and apply for courses that still have Your child may decide that
vacancies. they want to know their results
before applying to university.
It is important not to panic but to Increasingly students are
carefully research options before applying Direct to Clearing.
selecting a course through Clearing. Through this process they
will only be able to apply to
Traditionally universities will advertise those courses with Clearing
their Clearing options on their own Vacancies. You can find out
websites from July and additional more information about this at
courses may be added up to and post
ucas.com
results day.
Following the publication of results,
Ulster University holds an advice day
and contact centre for applicants toCAREER FOCUSED
38 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Is Ulster University 2,000
STUDENT WORK
the right choice for
PLACEMENTS
EVERY YEAR
your child? 92%
OF ALL LEAVERS
IN WORK OR
FURTHER STUDY
We place ambition at the CONNECTED AND
GRADUATE OUTCOMES (2018/19)
heart of everything we do to CONNECTING YOU STUDENT FOCUSED
ensure our students excel and
unleash their full potential. #1
We do this by providing
NORTHERN
frst-class resources and OVER IRELAND
UNIVERSITY FOR
facilities within a supportive 215,000 STUDENT SATISFACTION
NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY (2021)
ALUMNI WORLDWIDE
learning environment. We are
career-focused, connected to
industry and transformational
in our research ensuring your NORTHERN
IRELAND
child is set up for success. WELCOMING LOWEST STUDENT
COST OF LIVING IN UK
STUDENTS FROM
100+ COUNTRIES WHICH? UNIVERSITY (2018)
TRANSFORMATIONAL
SHORTLISTED
UNIVERSITY
OF THE YEAR OVER
TIMES
GOOD UNIVERSITY
GUIDE
£45M
(2022) INVESTED IN RESEARCH
EVERY YEAR40 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Careers - Setting Industry placements
Many of our courses offer local,
them up for the national and international placement
future opportunities, getting students ready Career Planning
for industry.
Our Employability
Choosing Ulster means choosing a • Most students can undertake and Careers team will:
student experience focused on career industry placements between “The first-hand
success. Our graduates leave Ulster • Offer face-to-face and online
their second and third year of experience
University with the skills, confidence help and advice.
study.
and knowledge to be successful in a • Introduce students to top gained working
• They will work with one of our within an
competitive job market. employers via recruitment fairs
industry connections, either
locally or abroad, for between
on campus. engineering
We work with government agencies, environment
six and twelve months. • Help them create a winning CV
public bodies and the private sector
to design career-focused courses • Upon completion, they receive
and excel in interviews. alongside
with many providing: a separate qualification to • Provide a range of work professional
• Work-based learning from
their degree; a Diploma in experience opportunities. engineers
Professional Practice (DPP). • Help students achieve The EDGE encouraged and
placements to real-life case
studies. • Placements are a great way for Award - formal recognition motivated me to
them to meet and impress future for extra-curricular activities strive in my final
• Professional qualifications or
potential employers, as well as recognised by employers.
accreditation from industry
gain real-life experience.
year of study.”
leading bodies.
• There are also opportunities
• Employability skills development ulster.ac.uk/careers Lauren Doherty
for shorter internships or work
embedded in the course. CareersAtUlster Technology with
experiences and some courses
@CareersAtUlster Design
include rotating placements as
part of the course e.g. clinical
placements.42 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
“Ulster University
has a real sense
of community
and an inclusive
atmosphere
on site. All the
Studying at Ulster staff are really
enthusiastic and
Academic year Engaging and forward-thinking informed about
teaching each of their
The academic year is normally divided
into two semesters. Some courses e.g. We are renowned for our supportive subjects and this
Nursing, have a longer academic year. learning environment. Our
teaching staff are passionate and
is reflected in
approachable, ensuring students get to their lectures and
grips with the latest developments and seminars. I’ve
Semester One:
September - mid January
are taught in ways that are relevant to certainly felt a
the working world. warm welcome
Semester Two:
End January - May since I arrived.”
Teaching is delivered through:
• Lectures - formal teaching Anna Stewart
Each semester has 12 weeks of sessions, often with a larger group Consumer
teaching followed by an exam period of students Management and
(January and May).
• Seminars - smaller groups used to Food Innovation
promote group discussion about a
Full-time students will typically study
specific topic
three modules in each semester (18
modules of study make up a standard • Tutorials - small group
three-year degree). opportunities to meet with a tutor
to discuss work and to raise points
of particular interest or difficulty
• Practicals and fieldwork -
where applicable to courses
• Live industry projects44 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
• Performance spaces, artist
studios, fashion, textile and print
State-of-the-art workshops.
facilities • Exciting new art and design shop
showcasing talent within Belfast
School of Art
We are constantly updating our
campuses with the latest facilities and • Onsite engineering labs with the
technologies to aid the student learning latest technology and software.
experience and provide a platform • Pioneering cognitive robotics lab.
for success. In addition to our many
• NIBEC one of Europe’s leading
purpose-built spaces to encourage
research centres for medical
collaboration, we have interacitve
engineering.
lecture theatres and modern, newly
refurbished libraries. Just some of our • Centre for Sustainable
facilities across our campuses include: Technologies - an industry leader
in sustainable energy research.
• Onsite clinics to create real-world
environments. • Modern, well-equipped
architecture design studios.
• Sports Institute Northern Ireland,
delivering expert advice to NI’s • Financial Innovation Laboratory
top athletes. to experience a real-life trading
environment.
• Research equipment to investigate
diverse environments. • Academy restaurant - an
award-winning licensed training
• Industry standard television, music
restaurant.
and radio studios, digital editing
suites and Apple computer labs. • Food and Consumer Testing
Suite with product development
• Mock courtroom to simulate real
kitchens and consumer research
life scenarios, award-winning
facilities.
Law Clinic and Transitional Justice
Institute.46 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
International Study Abroad Over 300
opportunities • Students can spend either a
semester or a full academic year institutions
Go Global
studying abroad at a partner available
university.
Whilst Ulster University is based in • They can choose to study in worldwide
Northern Ireland, students will have
the opportunity to get a global
Europe, or further afield in North for student
America, Latin America, Asia or
experience by taking a semester
or year to work, study or volunteer
Australia. exchange
abroad from year one. • Those who study abroad for a
year will receive a Diploma in
International Academic Studies
International placement and (DIAS).
internship programmes
• A wide variety of academic
• Students can choose between summer schools at international
short term opportunities to year universities are also available
long placements. including the USA, China and
• We can connect them with our India.
international partners offering
opportunities to work in Asia,
America, Europe, New Zealand,
Australia and UAE.
• Those who complete a
placement year abroad will
gain a Diploma in Professional
Practice - International.48 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Volunteering “I can’t believe how
With lots of volunteering lucky I was to have had
opportunities in between the chance to experience
semesters, students could find a different culture, to live
themselves running activities with
children and young people,
in another country at
helping with social work such a young age and to
projects, developing business make so many lifelong
and enterprise initiatives, running friends. Since I have
climate change campaigns, come back to University,
supporting health promotion
and more, anywhere in the I have noticed a massive
world. improvement in my
academic work and
have become a lot more
outgoing. From studying
abroad, I also secured a
job with a media institute
who saw my videos I
took when I was away.”
Catherine McConkey
Media Studies and Production.
International Student
Exchange Programme (ISEP)
to Connecticut, USA50 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
“As an autistic
person I thought
I’d never be able
to make it in
university
and while it
Student support is certainly
challenging,
Life as a student is exciting, but it can everybody is so
also be demanding. Our Student
supportive that
Wellbeing team offer professional
services that are free, confidential I am able to rise
and inclusive for all Ulster students to to the challenge
ensure your family member feels safe “There’s always and not only
and supported at Ulster University. somebody cope but thrive.”
to confide in
They will help with:
which is very Ronnie Gomersall
• free and confidential advice
• academic concerns
reassuring. Accounting with
Everyone in Specialisms
• stress and personal challenges
• budgeting and money student services
management is very helpful
• financial support including and welcoming
bursaries and fees
and all the
Our AccessAbility team can advise tutors have been
students on support available if they great and very
have a disability or long-term medical approachable.”
condition.
All Ulster students have access to: Lucia Worth
• face-to-face counselling support Nursing (Adult)
• 24/7 confidential counselling
helpline ulster.ac.uk/wellbeing52 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Student experience “Going to Ulster Sport for all Students’ Union
University was Whether they want to play social Looking after their interests and
With four distinct campuses across absolutely life or competitive sport, they can make organising social events, trips
Northern Ireland, it is the student changing for me. memories, break records and be part and activities for an unforgettable
experience we offer which sets of something special during their time experience, all students automatically
us apart. Life at Ulster is exciting,
Before university at Ulster. become members of the Ulster
entertaining and eye-opening, with I was a very University Students’ Union (UUSU).
• Excellent sport facilities across all
countless opportunities to jump in shy individual campuses • A great way for them to have fun
and get involved. but over the and meet new people through
• Clubs and classes for all abilities
past year I have our 90+ clubs and societies
come out of my • 70+ sports clubs to choose from
• Ensuring their voice is heard on
shell, resulting in • Memberships at affordable matters such as teaching and
student rates facilities
myself running
One university, four for course rep, • Entry Scheme opportunities for • Helping them to influence change
supporting talented athletes by becoming an Academic Rep
unique experiences: being a mind
your mood ulster.ac.uk/sport • Giving confidential and impartial
Jordanstown, ambassador advice via our UUSU Advice
Bureau
Magee, Belfast, and being on the
committee for • Providing support with their
Coleraine the Photography business ideas via UUSU
Enterpriseuusu.org
Society.”
uusu.org
Caoimhe Clements
Photography with
video54 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Accommodation
Our accommodation is based on or
near all our campuses, is well-priced,
comfortable, modern and a great way
to help your child settle in and make
the most of university life.
All Ulster University accommodation
has:
• Self-catering facilities “At first, I was
quite nervous...
• High speed wi-fi
but after moving
• Laundry facilities
into the halls
• Access to gym facilities on campus and
• Student hub for socialising Accommodation meeting new
• 24/7 resident support guarantee people I have
• ‘ResLife’ calendar of social events We guarantee all first settled in
year students who have really well!”
• Housekeeping service and utilities made Ulster their first
included choice a place in one of
our halls.* Jack Earl
• Block insurance for contents and
International
belongs *Accommodation must be booked by 7 July.
Travel and Tourism
• 24/7 security and CCTV Management
ulster.ac.uk/accommodation56 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Accommodation
application timeline
Accommodation applications
May open and go live online
Cost and when to apply
We offer several accommodation Accommodation open days
options across our campuses across all campuses June
to cater for every budget and
taste. These range from ensuite to
standard rooms, with costs varying New students must have
applied for accommodation by
depending on location and size of July this date to be eligible for our
accommodation guarantee
the accommodation.
After A-level results day, allocation
Browse the range of of rooms to all students who have
Mid-August
applied starts.*For those students
accommodation available, take a entering Clearing, you can still apply
virtual tour and review price lists at for accommodation
ulster.ac.uk/accommodation
Allocation of all rooms
September completed. We look forward
to welcoming you on campus!
*Those offered an unconditional offer may receive their room
allocation earlier in the summer. See for yourself:
Accommodation open days: June 2022
Explore our halls from home: Virtual 360 tours online
FIND OUT MORE: ulster.ac.uk/accommodation
Campus accommodation starts from:
Belfast Coleraine Jordanstown Magee
£120 £115
per week* per week*
£118
per week*
£96per week*
*Correct at time of print58 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Get in touch
Families play an invaluable
role in the life of any new
university student as a source
of guidance, support and
encouragement. We hope
this guide has given you
the information you need to
help and advise your family
member during this transition
period, but if you have any
further queries or concerns,
please get in touch with us.
E: study@ulster.ac.uk
ulster.ac.uk
‘Study at Ulster’Disclaimer Correct at time of print (November 2021). The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities. Visit ulster.ac.uk for further details.
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