Applications to study at Ulster University’s Derry campus increased by more than 20% year-on-year, the university’s vice-chancellor announced on Thursday.
Professor Paul Bartholomew, during an open day ministerial visit to the Magee campus, said the university is “delighted that the popularity of this campus has risen significantly”.
The total number of students enrolled this year is believed to have topped 6,000 after rising by 510 to 5,845 in 2024/25.
It is planned to expand the campus to be able to accommodate 10,000 students, with a 2032 target date.
Applications for the coming year increased by 21%, the vice-chancellor said.
On a visit to Derry, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said her department was “proud to support Ulster University’s initiatives that promote Derry and encourage young people to see the Magee campus as a prime destination”.
“This increase in applications demonstrates Derry’s ability to attract more students and reach the 10,000 target,” the minister said.
She said “a significant programme of work is underway to build teaching blocks and ensure that Derry has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 students”.
The vice-chancellor said: “Through sustained and concentrated recruitment efforts and investment, we are delighted that the popularity of this campus has risen significantly and that prospective students are recognising that this vibrant and bustling campus of Ulster University is a great place to study.”
He said the Magee Expansion Taskforce’s final report “highlighted that marketing and recruitment activities to promote the campus is central to the success of the growth ambitions and the university has worked with the department to fund and facilitate this”.
The university acquired five riverfront sites in Derry earmarked to accommodate the significant increase in students, but the funding to redevelop them is not yet in place, Professor Bartholomew said earlier this year.
