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Ulster University

Belfast, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 17,760
  • Tuition Fee From£ 14,700
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength17,416
  • Global Diversity9%
  • Gender Ratio57:43

Overview

About

Northern Ireland's Ulster University, sometimes known as the University of Ulster, is a multi-campus public university. Informally and unofficially, it is frequently referred to as Ulster or by the initials UU. It was established in 1865 and is currently the second-largest university in Ireland. The four Northern Irish campuses (The New University of Ulster) of UU which had been founded in the past were all merged together to form the University of Ulster in 1984. Due to its deeply sown roots, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities; well-known among students all over the world.

UU is divided into four faculties, each of which has a number of schools with a particular speciality. The university's four campuses are located in Coleraine, Belfast, Derry (Magee College) and Jordanstown which were formed in 1984. The institution offers a robust distance learning programme and has satellite campuses in both London and Birmingham. 

The university provides 478 undergraduate programmes and 381 postgraduate programmes to help students advance their academic knowledge and research skills. All of the postgraduate programmes are structured so that students and alumni have a sizable advantage over others in the competitive job market. There are a total of 859 academic programmes divided into the fields of arts, engineering, business, management, health and life sciences, social sciences and information technology. 

Additionally, the university offers a selection of short courses and CPD programmes. The institution also provides 78 online programmes for working professionals to enable flexible study. About 1,665 highly trained and knowledgeable academic staff members work for the university. With almost 92% of employed graduates six months after graduation, it has one of the highest rates of further education and employment in the UK. The university is a part of Universities Ireland, Universities UK, the European University Association and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

 

Learn More About: Ulster University Acceptance Rate

University Name Ulster University
Official Website https://www.ulster.ac.uk/
Year of Establishment 1968
Average Living Cost £17,410 - £17,910
Total International Students 34,550
University Type Public
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Ranking

Ulster University has consistently excelled in global university rankings, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence and diversity. In 2025, the university achieved a notable global ranking of 559th in the QS World University Rankings. The previous year, Ulster University significantly improved its position in the Guardian Ranking to 28th, demonstrating its rise in national standings. In 2023, the university was recognised in the US News & World Report Global Universities Ranking, securing a commendable 814th place. Additionally, Ulster University attained a strong UK ranking of 42nd in The Complete University Guide for 2025, underscoring its reputation for offering a wide range of courses across various disciplines to meet the needs of its diverse student body. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2023 positioned Ulster University within the 601–800 bracket, further solidifying its dedication to academic advancement and global prominence.

Ulster University, QS Ranking 2025

Ulster University demonstrated a notable presence in the QS World University Rankings, achieving a global ranking of 559th in 2025, slightly down from 498th in 2024. Previously, the university showed significant improvement, moving from the 601st range in 2023 to 498th in 2024. Additionally, it held the 225th position in Europe in 2024, highlighting its growing reputation and commitment to academic excellence both regionally and globally.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

225

-

World University

601

498

559

 

Ulster University: US News & World Report Ranking

In 2023, Ulster University was ranked 814th among Global Universities according to the US News & World Report, showing an improvement from its 2022 ranking of 866th and further progress from its 2021 ranking of 850th. These rankings illustrate Ulster University's upward trajectory in global recognition and academic standing over recent years.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

Global Universities

850

866

814

 

Ulster University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

According to THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking, Ulster University has maintained a steady position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, securing the 601st rank globally for three consecutive years: 2024, 2023, and 2023. This consistent performance underscores the university's commitment to upholding its academic standards and reputation in the international higher education landscape.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

601

601

601

 

Learn More About: Ulster University’s Admission

 

Ulster University - The Guardian Ranking

If we talk about the Guardian Ranking 2024, Ulster University has significantly improved its position to 28th, a notable rise from 38th in 2023 and 58th in 2022. This upward trajectory underscores the university's commitment to academic excellence and student satisfaction, reflecting its growing reputation within the UK higher education landscape. These rankings highlight Ulster University's consistent efforts to enhance its educational offerings and overall campus experience.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

58

38

28

 

Ulster University: The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In 2025, Ulster University achieved a ranking of 42nd among UK universities in The Complete University Guide, indicating an improvement from its 2024 position of 49th and a further advancement from its 2023 ranking of 44th. These rankings underscore Ulster University's consistent progress and strong performance within the UK's higher education sector over recent years.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

44

49

42

 

Ulster University - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Biological Sciences

601

601

-

Nursing

51

51

-

Pharmacy and Pharmacology

251

251

-

 

Ulster University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

401

501

401

Clinical and Health

401

401

301

Engineering

401

501

501

Life Sciences

401

301

401

PG Business and Economics

601

601

601

PG Computer Science

601

601

601

Psychology

201

201

301

 

Ulster University - The Guardian Ranking

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Accounting and Finance

20

21

17

Architecture

23

25

5

Business and Management

66

68

45

Civil Engineering

25

20

22

Economics

32

42

23

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

13

17

20

Journalism

48

46

15

Law

46

48

48

Mechanical Engineering

24

24

36

Media and Film Studies

77

57

65

Politics

57

54

61

Sociology and Social Policy

71

64

81

 

Ulster University - The Complete University Guide Ranking

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

20

30

28

Architecture

17

13

20

Art and Design

18

28

24

Biological Sciences

47

41

36

Business and Management Studies UK

45

44

41

Chemical Engineering

20

24

26

Civil Engineering

19

29

30

Communication and Media Studies

20

40

41

Computer Science

49

45

43

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

23

40

36

Law

35

36

36

Mechanical Engineering

23

31

30

Nursing

23

10

14

Psychology

35

49

44

Sociology

27

51

52

 

Course Rankings:

B.A.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

71

64

81

The Guardian - Politics

57

54

61

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

70

27

51

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

13

18

28

 

B.Arch

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Architecture

23

25

5

The Complete University Guide - Architecture

13

17

13

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

25

20

22

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

13

17

20

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

24

24

36

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

25

23

40

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

21

23

31

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

20

24

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

18

19

29

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

48

49

45

 

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

77

57

65

The Guardian - Journalism

48

46

15

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

37

20

40

 

Learn More About: Ulster University’s Courses

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

64

47

41

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

55

35

49

 

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

66

68

45

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

20

21

17

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

30

20

30

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

43

45

44

The Guardian - Economics

32

42

23

 

BSN

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

35

23

10

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Law

46

48

48

The Complete University Guide - Law

30

35

36

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2021

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

401

501

401

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

601

601

601

 

MS

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

-

251

251

QS - Biological Sciences

-

601

601

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

401

301

401

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

401

501

501

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

601

601

601

 

MSN

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Nursing

51

51

51

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

201

201

-

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

301

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401

401

301

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

20

21

17

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

30

20

30

 

Architecture & Planning

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Architecture

23

25

5

The Complete University Guide - Architecture

13

17

13

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

401

501

401

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

13

18

28

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

66

68

45

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

43

45

44

The Guardian - Economics

32

42

23

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

601

601

601

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

401

501

501

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

601

601

601

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

25

20

22

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

13

17

20

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

24

24

36

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

25

23

40

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

21

23

31

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

-

20

24

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

18

19

29

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

55

35

49

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

301

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

71

64

81

The Guardian - Politics

57

54

61

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

70

27

51

 

Law

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

201

-

-

The Guardian - Law

-

46

48

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

30

35

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

77

57

65

The Guardian - Journalism

48

46

15

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

37

20

40

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

-

251

251

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401

401

301

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Nursing

51

51

51

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

201

201

-

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

35

23

10

 

Science

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Biological Sciences

-

601

601

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

64

47

41

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

401

301

401

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

48

49

45

 

Biology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

QS - Biological Sciences

-

601

601

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

64

47

41

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

401

301

401

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Economics

32

42

23

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

601

601

601

 

Chemical Engineering

Ranked by

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Chemical Engineering

20

24

 

Civil Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Civil Engineering

25

20

22

The Complete University Guide - Civil Engineering

18

19

29

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

48

49

45

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

601

601

601

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

25

23

40

 

Electronics Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

13

17

20

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Mechanical Engineering

24

24

36

The Complete University Guide - Mechanical Engineering

21

23

31

 

Politics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Politics

57

54

61

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Accounting and Finance

20

21

17

The Complete University Guide - Accounting and Finance

30

20

30

 

Journalism

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Journalism

48

46

15

 

Pharmacy

Ranked by

2023

2024

QS - Pharmacy and Pharmacology

251

251

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Politics

57

54

61

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

55

35

49

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

301

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

71

64

81

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

70

27

51

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#601 - 650

#814

2022

#651 - 700

#814

Facilities

Several Ulster University facilities are available to students. Students attending the university can take advantage of a wide range of programmes and groups run by students. Here are some of the facilities listed below -

 

Libraries And Information Services:

 

  • The library is open on weekdays and weekends, and throughout test season it is open for extra hours. 
  • A few resources like improved e-book and e-journal access, specialised collections of rare books and Irish materials.
  • The libraries include flexible learning areas, including the brand-new library in Belfast and the recently renovated library at Magee.
  • Along with fixed PCs, more than 100 loanable laptops are provided with flexible learning options. 

 

Faith Services - In collaboration with programmes like Habitat for Humanity, the university chaplaincy service gives a listening ear to all students, a place of worship, a place to relax and a meeting place.

 

Financial Advisors - The Student Money Guidance team provides money advice to everyone as well as financial assistance to those who are struggling. Workshops on money management and budgeting are offered to provide students with long-term methods and strategies needed to build their financial aptitude.


Sports Services - Ulster's sporting facilities include everything needed for every level of competition, including well-equipped fitness studios, indoor and outdoor multi-sport areas, knowledgeable staff and a wide variety of classes (including online). Support is provided specifically for gifted athletes.

Notable Alumni

Kate Hoey
Kate Hoey
Northern Irish politician
Gregory Campbell
Gregory Campbell
Politician
Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson
Irish Rugby Union International Player

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

Ulster University acceptance rate is 81%, indicating that 81 out of 100 applicants are selected. This suggests that the university maintains a low level of competitiveness, making it relatively easy for students to gain admission. However, it is advisable for students to submit all required documents by the specified deadlines to eliminate the risk of falling into the remaining 20%.

 

Entry Requirements

Following are the essential Ulster University entry requirements, academic standards and language competency tests required for applying to the various programmes provided by the university -.

 

Basic Requirements For Both:

  • Passport photocopy.
  • Financial backing and supporting paperwork for verification.
  • Extra service awards, workshops, internships, etc.
  • CV/Resume.
  • Auditions or portfolios (if applicable).
  • A Statement of Purpose (SOP).
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR).

 

For Undergraduate Studies:

  • Results of English proficiency like IELTS (Minimum score of 6.0 with a band score of 5.5) or TOEFL.
  • Official academic grades achieved at the previous university or high school.

 

For Postgraduate Studies:

  • Minimum UK degree with second-class honours or equivalent.
  • Results of English proficiency like IELTS (Minimum score of 6.0 with a band score of 5.5) or TOEFL

 

Fees

The plethora of courses at UU is the broadest in Northern Ireland. The majority of courses include a period of industry or professional placement, and they all include a strong vocational component. Whether a student is a domestic or international applicant, the type of course specialisation and the level of the degree affects their Ulster University fees for each programme. Here is a breakdown of the costs according to each course per year -

 

  • B.S Nursing - Adult: £ 16,320 /Yr
  • M.Sc Nursing: £17,090 /Yr
  • B.S Nursing - Mental Health: £ 16,320 /Yr
  • M.Sc International Business:£17,090 /Yr
  • M.Sc Management: £19,130 /Yr
  • M.Ed Education with Specialisms: £17,090 /Yr

Scholarship

Here are some of the scholarships available to Ulster University students:


 

Name Of The Scholarship

Eligibility

Grant

Ulster University International Foundation Scholarship

International students who have been offered a place on the International Foundation Programme or the International Foundation Year

£2,000 

Ulster University Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

UK and EU students who have achieved excellent grades in their A-Levels or equivalent qualifications

£2,000

Ulster University Postgraduate Merit Scholarship

UK and EU students who have achieved a first-class honours degree or equivalent qualification

£3,000

Ulster University Sports Scholarship

Available to students who excel in sports and are representing Ulster University at a high level.

£5,000

Ulster University Music Scholarship

Available to students who are talented musicians and are studying music at Ulster University

£3,000

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Ulster University - London & Birmingham. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Belfast near Anglia Ruskin University that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near Ulster University offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

The amount of money a student spends on various expenses and their personal decisions can significantly affect their monthly cost of living. Here is a breakdown of the numerous costs to consider while residing on campus at UU -

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 744

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 820

Transportation

£ 58

Food Cost

£ 444

Entertainment

£ 36

Groceries

£ 128

Clothes

£ 70

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,480

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,556

Annual Cost of Living

£ 17,760

FAQs