These prestigious awards, often referred to as the Oscars of the UK university sector, celebrate excellence in higher education. The 2024 University of the Year award recognizes outstanding performance during the 2022-23 academic year.

Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew described the nomination as a testament to the dedication of staff and the support from the student community.

“I believe Ulster University is truly exceptional, and in recent years, we have begun to realize our full potential. We are a global institution, attracting the attention of presidents, politicians, and changemakers,” he said.

“Ulster University is a research-led, people-centric, community-focused, and values-driven institution. We stand for equality, celebrate diversity, and foster inclusion.

“In Northern Ireland, we are uniquely positioned to drive economic growth as a multi-campus university, creating opportunities and improving lives across the region,” he added.

“Our People, Place, and Partnership strategy emphasizes both research and teaching, while promoting social mobility. We believe that although we inherit our past, we choose our future, and our mission is to equip all our students with the skills they need to make a difference in the world.”

One of the university’s notable achievements during the academic year includes the significant Shared Island investment in a new teaching and student services building in Derry~Londonderry. This facility will enhance the university’s health sciences programs in the North West.

Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus is also home to Northern Ireland’s first Paramedic Science course and will soon graduate its first class of doctors from the Graduate Entry School of Medicine. The campus now offers the most comprehensive healthcare education in the UK and Ireland.

The university also completed its cutting-edge Belfast city centre campus, which was recently named Building of the Year by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects. This campus has transformed learning and teaching experiences and is driving economic growth in the surrounding area.

Ulster’s Coleraine campus continues to innovate with plans for a drug discovery centre, complementing its existing Biomedical Science and Pharmacology programs. Situated on the north coast, this semi-rural campus offers new courses such as Adventure Sports and Golf Management alongside Arts, Humanities, and Education.

In 2023, marking the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University launched a unique leadership program, 25@25, which helped 25 graduates develop their leadership potential. The university’s crucial role in Northern Ireland’s peace process was recognized by the President of the United States, who visited the university in April 2023 to commemorate the agreement’s milestone.

In addition to these achievements, Ulster University recorded its highest ranking in UK domestic tables, with a continued focus on student experience.

Commenting on the Times Higher Education University of the Year shortlist, Editor John Gill noted: “This year’s awards celebrate the 20th anniversary of the event, highlighting the transformative achievements of a sector that has faced many challenges. Despite this, the dedication of university staff remains steadfast, improving lives through education. With more entries this year than ever before, we look forward to celebrating with you all at our 20th anniversary in Birmingham on November 28.”