Ulster University
LightNews LightNews
banner
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Ulster University
@ulsteruni.bsky.social
480 followers 270 following 200 posts
Recognised as @timeshighered.bsky.social University of the Year 2024.

Latest news, research and events from Ulster Uni. A leading University with world-class teaching.

#WeAreUU
Posts Replies Media Videos
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Ahead of Winter Graduations, we want to take a moment & reflect on the ceremonies from earlier this year.

For any recent or not so recent graduates, take a moment & share your memories.

For anyone graduating this December, book a place here:

ulster.ac.uk/graduation

#ProudOfUU
Two young graduates, one male and one female, stand side-by-side outdoors by a waterfront, holding up their dark blue diploma folders and smiling at the camera. They are wearing black gowns, green and black hoods, and mortarboards. The city skyline is visible in the background. A female graduate wearing a black mortarboard, glasses, and a green and yellow hooded gown over a red top, smiles while holding a large dark blue diploma folder that reads "CLASS OF 2025". She is standing indoors beside a marble-tiled wall and a staircase. A male graduate with curly hair and glasses, wearing a mortarboard and a green and red hood, is seen through the shoulders of two other graduates in black gowns, as he aims a silver compact camera to take a photo. A female graduate wearing a black mortarboard and a black gown with a maroon and green hood, smiles while holding a colorful bouquet of flowers wrapped in paper. She is standing outdoors near an old cannon on wheels against a stone wall background.
November 17, 2025 at 9:12 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Tonight, we officially hand over the title of Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. ​

It’s been an incredible 12 months and we wish this year’s nominees the best of luck. ​

We are taking a look back to last year’s unforgettable winning moment.

#WeAreUU
November 13, 2025 at 9:01 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
It's time to celebrate the Class of 2025!

Our Winter Graduation bookings are now open for students to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and success surrounded by friends, family, and the Ulster community.

Visit ulster.ac.uk/graduation

#ProudOfUU
A young woman with vibrant red hair, wearing a black graduation gown, a red, yellow, and green hood, and a mortarboard, stands outdoors on a university campus. She is smiling while holding a mobile phone to her ear, looking over her shoulder at the camera. A close-up of two women seated in an auditorium, both smiling broadly at the camera while wearing graduation gowns, green and white hoods, and mortarboards. They are surrounded by other graduates in the audience, with bright stage lights visible on the ceiling. A young male graduate, wearing a black gown, green and white hood, and mortarboard over a plaid suit vest and jacket, smiles directly at the camera. He is standing in a bright, modern indoor venue decorated with Christmas garlands, with people milling about in the background. A happy male graduate, wearing a black gown, red and dark blue hood, and mortarboard, stands on stage with both arms raised in celebration and a wide smile. An official in ceremonial red robes stands at a wooden podium to the left, facing down.
November 11, 2025 at 2:05 PM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Almost one year ago, we were named Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year in recognition of our commitment to research, innovation and real-world impact.​

We’re proud to continue leading the way in healthcare innovations here in Northern Ireland and beyond.​

​#WeAreUU
A smiling woman in a white lab coat is working in a laboratory, using a pipette to dispense a clear liquid into a small glass flask sitting on a hot plate. She is working beneath a white fume hood, with shelves stocked with lab supplies visible in the background. A man with gray hair holds up a white, cylinder-shaped object with a green circuit board and small metal sensors attached to the top, examining it. The object is held close to the camera, with the man's face visible but slightly out of focus in the background. He is wearing a blue shirt. woman wearing a white lab coat, glasses, and blue gloves holds up a small, rectangular clear glass or plastic piece, examining it closely under bright indoor light. In the foreground, the top of a laser etching machine, branded UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS, is visible. The background shows lab shelving and equipment. A man wearing blue scrubs and face masks, stand in front of a tall digital screen showing a full-body 3D anatomical model displaying organs and the skeletal structure. He is pointing to the upper torso on the screen. A skeletal model stands to their left, and another large screen with a skeletal image is visible in the background.
November 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Yesterday we were joined by Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald at Timber Quay, a new teaching and learning space at our Derry~Londonderry campus.

Watch what Dr Caoimhe Archibald and our Vice Chancellor, Paul Bartholomew, had to say about the opening of phase one.

#WeAreUU
November 5, 2025 at 3:03 PM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
It’s been nearly a year since we were named the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year.​

One of the reasons we won was due to our work in the local community such as the ‘Taking Boys Seriously’ initiative.

Find out more:

https://ow.ly/OsJf50XgkRc​

#WeAreUU​
A profile close-up photograph of a young boy wearing a bright yellow knit beanie and a dark winter jacket, standing next to a red brick wall. The person is looking slightly off to the right of the frame with a serious or pensive expression. The lower left corner contains a white box logo with the text "TBS" and "Taking Boys Seriously" stacked beside it.
November 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
We’ve opened the doors to Timber Quay – a brand new learning space at Ulster University Derry~Londonderry!

Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald joined us today to see the transformation first-hand & meet students and staff.

Read more: https://ow.ly/SAo850XmiiK

#WeAreUU
Two people, a woman and a man, stand in the middle of a modern computer lab. The woman on the left has red hair and is wearing glasses and a business suit. The man on the right is wearing a dark suit with a red vest and tie. Both are smiling at the camera. Behind them, rows of computers with large monitors displaying a blue screen saver are visible. A group of six people stand outdoors on a paved area next to a body of water with boats. From left to right: a young woman with long dark hair, a young man with short brown hair, a woman with red hair and a suit, another woman in a green jacket, a bald man in a suit, and a young man in a black beanie and black sweatshirt. A building with large windows is behind them to the left, and boats are docked in the water to the right. A wide shot of a modern, spacious computer lab. The room has large windows on the left and back, letting in natural light. Rows of white desks with black computer monitors and keyboards are arranged throughout the room. The ceiling has acoustic panels and linear lighting fixtures. A group of six people are arranged in a modern computer lab. In the foreground on the left, a young man with brown hair is seated on a desk, smiling. In the center, a woman with red hair and a suit is seated in a chair. Standing behind her are a woman in a green jacket, a young man in a black shirt, a man in a suit, and a young woman with long dark hair on the right. Numerous computer monitors are visible in the background.
November 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
1 week to go! Have you booked your place on our MBBS Medicine webinar?

Start your medical career at Ulster next August, open to any degree background. Tuition fee loans available.

Join us Wednesday 12 November, 6–7pm.

Book your place now: https://ow.ly/xIMr50X6UBF

#WeAreUU
Two student nurses, a woman and a man, wearing blue scrubs, practice drawing blood or inserting an IV on a medical simulation mannequin arm, supervised by another woman in blue scrubs. A smiling female nursing student, wearing blue scrubs, stands with her arms crossed in a simulation lab next to large anatomical models of the human torso. A female nursing student in blue scrubs points at an anatomical chart of the human circulatory and muscular system while a male student looks on.
November 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
This Halloween, our interdisciplinary team from The Islandmagee Witches Creative and Digital Project has brought Ulster University research to the very heart of Salem, Massachusetts, with the global launch of 1711 Ireland: A Witch’s Fate on Steam.

#WeAreUU
November 3, 2025 at 3:03 PM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Congratulations to Performance Sport Scholars Lara Reaney, Chloe Wilson and graduate Adam McKeown, who will represent Ireland at the Bowls World Cup in Hong Kong, taking place from 4–8 November.

We wish them every success.

#TeamUU
A young woman with long blonde hair stands indoors, holding a blue and white speckled lawn bowl. She is wearing a blue polo shirt with the "Aero Bowls" logo and has a necklace on. She is posing in front of a sign that is partially visible. A young woman with long blonde hair stands in the center of an indoor bowling green, smiling and holding two trophies. The trophy in her left hand is a large silver cup, and the one in her right is a crystal bowl. She is wearing a grey hoodie and black athletic shorts, with a green bowling surface extending far behind her. A young man stands on a grassy lawn bowls green, wearing a green polo shirt and dark shorts, holding a small, spherical bowl with a globe design in his hand. He is standing in the foreground, with an outdoor bowling competition taking place in the background, surrounded by buildings.
November 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
As the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year, we’ve been recognised for the impact we are making, but what do our students think truly sets Ulster apart?​

Our students share what makes studying at Ulster a one-of-a-kind experience.​

#WeAreUU
November 3, 2025 at 9:02 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Today we announce that Dr Jenny Pyper will step down as Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Ulster University Council at the end of 2025.

We thank Jenny for her outstanding contribution and warmly welcome Chris Conway as incoming Chair from January 2026.

Read more: https://ow.ly/LCKp50XkN9M
Dr Jenny Pyper sitting on a grey sofa near a large window overlooking a cityscape with buildings and rooftops. Chris Conway in a dark suit and patterned tie sitting on a grey sofa near a large window with a cityscape view.
October 31, 2025 at 9:33 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
We’re inviting students to take part in workshops designed to identify strengths & opportunities in how the university’s administrative processes support learning & engagement.

Each participant receives a £25 High Street voucher.

Read more: https://forms.office.com/e/V5eZUPPyyA

#WeAreUU
A young woman smiles, standing indoors in front of a tall, multi-pane window with ornate gothic-style detailing. She is wearing a light brown knit sweater and light blue jeans, with her hand casually in her pocket. Outside the window is a sunny day with green trees and a distant view of the city landscape. Two men walk side-by-side through a sunny, grassy outdoor area, possibly sand dunes, with tall yellow-green grass. The man on the left wears a dark fleece jacket and jeans and is smiling at the man on the right. The man on the right wears a dark quilted jacket with an orange zipper and jeans, and he is also smiling. A young woman with short purple hair and a black cap smiles directly at the camera. She is sitting on a blue and grey upholstered bench, wearing a black lace-up blouse and a choker necklace. The background features a wooden slat wall panel.
October 31, 2025 at 9:30 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Our drama students took centre stage in Derry~Londonderry this week, adding a creative spark to the city’s Halloween festivities.

They delivered immersive street theatre experiences that delighted audiences.

Learn more about our drama degree:

https://ow.ly/UakN50TY3LH

#WeAreUU
A person with shoulder-length hair wears a sheer white veil draped over their head and shoulders, looking through the fabric at the camera. Their expression is solemn, and their lips are painted a muted red. They are outdoors with blurred figures in the background. A person in a dark jacket with dramatic, pale face makeup and large, pointed elf or fae ears smiles widely, showing prosthetic fangs. A person with vampire makeup, white face paint, dark eye makeup, and bright red, wavy hair stands outdoors at night. They are wearing a dark, possibly red, fuzzy jacket or cloak. There's a subtle smear of red on their chin and lower lip, resembling blood. Blurred people are in the background. A person in an elaborate, period-style costume with dramatic, dark eye makeup holds a wooden staff or pole up over their head with both hands. They are wearing a maroon top and a tartan or woven fabric kilt/skirt with fringe, secured by a woven belt. The background shows blurred city lights and buildings at night.
October 31, 2025 at 9:01 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
We have officially launched TRACE, a €5.9M cross-border research project set to transform the agri-food supply chain across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Read more: https://ow.ly/pHpa50XiSLj

#WeAreUU
David Hanna, Ulster University Lecturer in Management and Principal Investigator on TRACE; Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Northern Ireland Economy Minister; Gina McIntyre, CEO SEUPB; Joan Condell, Ulster University Professor of Intelligent Technologies stand in front of two banners which say 'Northern Ireland food and drink' and 'TRACE' Five professionals stand in front of banners promoting Northern Ireland Food & Drink and the TRACE project by Ulster University. Group of professionals standing together at a Peace Plus Northern Ireland event holding a sign with project logos and sponsors. Man in suit holding a remote control presenting a slide about the TRACE Peaceplus project.
October 30, 2025 at 9:46 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Our Market Engagement team has been out on the road.

From Dublin to Down, Antrim to Armagh, they've been bringing Ulster Uni vibes straight to your school!

Spotted us? Let us know in the comments.

#WeAreUU
A woman with curly dark hair and a dark navy top stands behind an Ulster University promotional table at a careers fair. The table has a dark blue tablecloth with the university logo, and is covered with informational booklets, small promotional items, and a tablet displaying the university's website. Behind her are two vertical banners, one for Ulster University with the hashtag #WeAreUU and images of students, and another yellow banner partially visible to the right. Two women stand behind an Ulster University promotional table set up against a black curtain backdrop. The woman on the left wears a dark t-shirt with "BOSS" on it and leopard-print trousers, and the woman on the right has short curly dark hair and is wearing a dark navy top and red and black plaid trousers. The table has a blue tablecloth, promotional booklets, and small items scattered on top, with a sign-up sheet visible in the center. A vertical banner for Ulster University with the hashtag #WeAreUU is behind them. A group of seven students in dark grey school uniforms and teal ties, and one man in a dark jacket, stand in front of a brick wall in a gymnasium. The students are grouped on the left and center, with a man standing behind them, and one male student in a white shirt and teal tie on the far right. A projection screen displaying an Ulster University "Thank You" slide is partially visible to the right. A man in a dark blue polo shirt stands in the center of a group of six male students wearing dark green and black school uniforms and ties. They are standing in front of a projection screen displaying the Ulster University logo and an architectural rendering of a modern building. The floor is covered with a patterned orange and green carpet.
October 30, 2025 at 9:45 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
It’s been a year to remember as the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year.​

Listen to how our students have felt studying at the University of the Year. ​

From the welcoming community to some unforgettable experiences, here’s what they had to say.

#WeAreUU
October 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
We are proud to have officially launched Research Plus Universities in Parliament, today.

ResearchPlus is a new collaboration between ten long established & highly regarded research-focused universities, of which Ulster University is one.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/NILa50XjbrU

#WeAreUU
October 28, 2025 at 5:52 PM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Whether you’ve got a business idea or not, The Ideas Lab is the starting point for students to explore innovation, solve real-world challenges, and unlock their creative potential.

Apply now and start building something that matters.

www.ulster.ac.uk/student/entrepreneurs

#WeAreUU
A woman with her arms crossed, wearing a light purple corduroy shirt and large-rimmed glasses, smiles directly at the camera while holding a pair of blue scissors. In the soft-focus background is a large embroidery machine. A smiling young woman wearing a gray beanie and black jacket stands outdoors in a field at dusk, holding up a small, neon green, biodegradable dog waste bag in a dispenser attached to a keyring. A woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a cream and striped green/brown turtleneck sweater, stands in front of a wall with the word "Creativity" written on it. She is holding up a small, colorful booklet with text in Irish.
October 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
From spooky film camps and pumpkin painting, to music bingo, Halloween Happenings in Coleraine and the haunting tale of The Witches of Islandmagee, there’s something for everyone across our campuses.

Read more: ulster.ac.uk/halloween

#WeAreUU
Two people in elaborate, spooky Halloween costumes pose in a wooded outdoor setting. The person on the left wears a black top hat, dark clothing draped in cobwebs, and white skeletal face paint, holding a sign that reads "Halloween Happenings in the Causeway Coast & Glens." The person on the right is dressed as a ghostly figure in pale, shredded robes and a veil, holding a black, skull-adorned lantern.
October 27, 2025 at 8:56 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
As we head into our final month as the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year, we are taking a moment to reflect on what an incredible year it’s been and what this title has meant to our students and staff.​
​
#WeAreUU
October 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
The Northern Ireland launch of Generation New Era, a landmark UK-wide study set to follow 30,000 babies from birth, was hosted by Ulster University this week at Titanic Hotel, Belfast.

Read more: https://ow.ly/PRJt50XgenK

#WeAreUU | Department of Health | UCL | UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies
Three people are standing in front of a large, black historic ship anchor on a patch of grass. The building behind them features a modern, geometrically-patterned facade. The group consists of a woman with red hair and glasses in a black coat, a man in a plaid blue suit jacket, and a person in dark grey overalls and bright blue shoes. A group of six people is posing for a photo outdoors on a patch of grass in front of a large, black historic ship anchor. The modern, geometric building facade of the Titanic Belfast attraction is visible behind them. The group includes two women and four men, all smiling for the camera. A group of people is gathered indoors in a room with deep red, patterned wallpaper and dark wooden flooring. In the foreground, a man in a plaid suit jacket stands facing left, hands clasped. Behind a white-clothed table with coffee service, a woman in a black coat and a woman in dark overalls are standing. Several other people are visible in the background near a window. A woman with red hair and glasses, wearing a black coat, stands to the left, gesturing with her hands while speaking. To the right, a woman in dark grey overalls and bright blue shoes is standing with their hands clasped. They are in a room with deep red, patterned wallpaper. A white-clothed table with coffee service and two framed black-and-white photos hang on the wall behind them.
October 23, 2025 at 8:03 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Yesterday our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, joined 350 business leaders and investors at the UK Government's Regional Investment Summit. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Budget would focus on growth while addressing the challenges in ensuring economic stability.

#WeAreUU
October 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
Did you read the Kevin and Sadie books at school?

One of our own English lecturers, Dr Kevin De Ornellas, is featured in a landmark BBC Radio 4 documentary which explores the legacy of Joan Lingard’s iconic novels.

Listen here from 4pm: https://ow.ly/C3Jh50XfwmH

#WeAreUU
A close-up outdoor selfie of three people. On the left is a man with a beard in a dark suit. In the center is a woman wearing headphones, glasses, a floral dress, and a blue jacket. On the right is a man in a blue plaid jacket and sunglasses tucked into his shirt, holding a microphone with a fuzzy windscreen. All three are smiling and are surrounded by greenery under bright daylight.
October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
ulsteruni.bsky.social
The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) has launched Northern Ireland’s first Responsible AI Hub – an online resource designed to help apply AI responsibly.

Read more: https://ow.ly/7Lre50Xfoin

#WeAreUU | Queen's University Belfast | Invest NI | Department for the Economy NI
Three people, a woman and two men, stand on a balcony overlooking a city skyline and a body of water. The woman in the center is holding a laptop open, displaying a website. All three are dressed in dark business suits and ties. The background features modern buildings
October 21, 2025 at 9:30 AM