Ulster University, named the UK & Ireland “University of the Year 2025” by Times Higher Education, has rapidly become one of the most talked-about study destinations on these islands, thanks to a bold multi-campus model, employer-led teaching, and a downtown Belfast campus that has injected fresh energy and jobs into the city centre.
What makes Ulster different? It doesn’t just teach, it connects you to the real world of work. With over 2,000 annual placement opportunities and a 94% graduate employment or further-study rate, an Ulster degree becomes a launchpad, not just a qualification. Scholarships starting from £2,000, transparent visa pathways, and a £4,000 deposit that secures your CAS make financial planning transparent and predictable.
Whether your ambition lies in technology, business, healthcare, art, or law, we let you start in January, May, or September, Ulster Intake, depending on your course and campus. And when you graduate, you can stay and work in the UK under the two-year Graduate Route visa (three years for PhD graduates).
1. Programmes & Intakes at Ulster University
Undergraduate Programmes
- Ulster offers a wide array of full-time undergraduate degrees across its faculties: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment; Life & Health Sciences; and the Ulster University Business School.
- Computing / Data Science / AI, Engineering, Education (combined with other subjects: E.g, English with Education, Geography with Education, Business, Law, Media & Communication, Health & Nursing, etc.
- Some courses include “sandwich/placement years”
Postgraduate / Master’s / Diploma / Certificate
- An extensive catalogue of Master’s degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Certificates, and CPD modules is available.
- Many programmes are “career-friendly,” designed to attract working professionals or international students seeking an employability focus.
- Ulster also offers “Extended MSc“ (pre-master’s plus master’s) routes, particularly via branch campuses (London, Birmingham, Manchester) to allow entry for students whose first degree classification or preparation is not sufficient for direct MSc admission.
Branch Campuses & Flexible Programs
- The Ulster branch campuses in London, Birmingham, and Manchester offer a subset of courses, both undergraduate and postgraduate, with start dates in January, May, and September.
- The Extended MSc in International Business (and variants with Data Analytics, HRM, etc.) starts in January, May, and September at branch campuses.
- Other professional programs, such as the MBA and the MBA with Advanced Practice, are offered at branch campuses with January and September start options.
2. Intakes
Traditional & Major Intake: September
- The principal intake across Ulster’s main NI campuses is in September. Many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes begin then.
- For study abroad/exchange students, Semester 1 (2026/27) begins in September 2026.
Secondary / Mid-Year Intake: January
- Some programmes permit a January start, especially postgraduate programmes. Ulster explicitly advertises its January 2026 intake for particular Master’s courses. Ulster University+1
Alternate Intake: May
- The branch campuses also allow for May start dates for specific programs, especially in the QA Ulster scheme.
- In some cases, this gives international students more flexibility and avoids waiting long months for the September intake.
3. Programmes Support Alternative Intakes
Because not all programmes can start in all intakes
| Programme Type / Campus | Likely Intakes | Notes / Conditions |
| Main Northern Ireland campus, standard undergraduate / many postgraduate | September only | Many UG courses don’t support mid-year start |
| Selected postgraduate programmes | September + January | Depends on departmental offering. You must check the program page. |
| Branch campuses (London, Birmingham, Manchester) | January, May, September | More flexible, esp in computing, business, pre-master’s, MBA, etc. |
| Extended MSc / Pre-Master’s / Graduate Certificate | January, May, September | These bridge programmes often allow multiple start points to support flexibility. |
Application Deadlines & Decision Timeline (2026 Intake)
For the September 2026 (Semester 1) intake, the key dates are expected to be as follows:
- Application deadline: 30 June 2026
- Accommodation application deadline: Mid-August 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)
- Student arrival dates: Mid-September 2026
- Orientation week: Mid-September 2026
- Teaching commencement: Late September 2026
For the January 2026 intake, Ulster University confirms that a limited number of programmes commence in January. Applicants must select these courses directly within the application system, as availability varies by programme.
Based on previous admission cycles, the application deadline for the January 2026 intake is expected to be around 30 November 2025 for selected courses. However, applicants should always confirm deadlines on the official programme page before submitting their application.
Important Note:
Application deadlines may vary by programme and can be influenced by documentation requirements, visa processing timelines, or scholarship deadlines. Applicants are strongly advised to refer to the specific course page or Ulster University’s official Apply portal for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
5. Tips & Caveats
- Not all courses are available in all intakes. Don’t assume January or May is available; always check your programme’s page.
- Branch campuses typically offer the most flexibility in intake dates (January, May, September), especially for business, computing, and extended programmes.
- Extended / pre-master’s (Graduate Certificate) pathways are beneficial for students whose first degree doesn’t meet the standard entry criteria. These often have multiple possible start times.
- Plan for visa timelines -starting in January means your visa must be processed faster.
- Scholarships/funding windows may align with the central intake– sometimes funding or discount offers are more generous or only available for September starters, so check whether a January or May intake affects scholarship eligibility.
Ulster University World Ranking
Ulster University’s reputation has grown dramatically over the past decade:
- Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024 University of the Year (UK & Ireland)
- QS World University Rankings 2025 – placed within the top 600 globally.
- THE Impact Rankings 2024 ranked 5th in the world for Outreach and Community Engagement
- Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked among the top 50 UK universities.
The strong showing across multiple ranking systems highlights Ulster’s dedication to teaching quality, research, and employability.
Ulster University Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition fees vary by course and level of study. For the 2026/27 academic year, international students can expect:
- Undergraduate degrees: from £17,010 per year
- Postgraduate taught degrees (Master’s): from £17,900–£19,800 per year
- Research degrees (PhD): from £18,500 per year
- Placement year: discounted to 20% of the full tuition fee
All applicants must pay a £4,000 deposit to confirm their place and request a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
Ulster University Scholarships & Financial Support
Ulster makes studying in the UK more accessible through a range of scholarships and fee reductions:
- International Undergraduate Scholarship – £2,000 automatic tuition fee discount for first-year students.
- Postgraduate Taught Scholarship – £2,000 reduction for eligible master’s applicants.
- GREAT Scholarships – £10,000 for students from selected countries (including Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Pakistan).
- Regional Awards for South Asia and West Africa are offered periodically through partner agencies.
In addition, early-payment discounts and merit-based scholarships are occasionally available through Ulster’s official representatives.
Ulster University English Language Requirements
To ensure academic readiness, international students must demonstrate English proficiency.
Standard requirements include:
- Undergraduate programmes: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
- Postgraduate programmes: IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, depending on course
- One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted
- Alternatives: PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or approved pre-sessional English at Ulster’s branch campuses
Students who do not meet the minimum language score can enrol in pre-sessional English courses before starting their main programme.
Cost of Living
Northern Ireland remains one of the most affordable regions in the UK for students.
Estimated monthly expenses (outside London) are:
| Expense | Average Cost (Belfast) |
| Accommodation | £450–£650 |
| Food & groceries | £150–£250 |
| Transportation | £50–£70 |
| Utilities & phone | £50–£100 |
| Personal & leisure | £100–£200 |
Total monthly estimate: £800–£1,100.
Under current UKVI guidance, Student Visa applicants must show £1,136 per month for 9 months for living costs in Northern Ireland, or £1,483 per month for London campuses.
How NWC Education Can Help You Get Into Ulster University
As an official partner of multiple UK universities, NWC Education has successfully helped hundreds of students secure admission to Ulster University across both main and branch campuses.
Our support includes:
- Free counselling and course selection guidance
- Document and application review to improve your admission chances
- Visa support and financial documentation preparation
- Scholarship application assistance
- Pre-departure sessions on accommodation, work rights, and lifestyle in the UK
