phd at ulster university

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Ulster University

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Scholarships/bursaries, postgraduate student body breakdown source: hesa , 2021.

• Study mode: This university 71% Part Time 29% Full Time
• Study mode: All universities (avg) 44% Part Time 56% Full Time
• Student nationality 83% UK 17% International
• Study level 20,700 Undergraduate 5,990 Postgraduate
• New students 22% School leavers 78% Mature students

Ulster University is an internationally renowned institution that offers students the opportunity to complete their postgraduate study in an environment defined by its quality of teaching and research intensity. Ulster was recently rated 44th in the UK according to the 2022 Whatuni Student Choice Awards , while it took 49th place in the Complete University Guide 2024 league table.  

The university is comprised of three separate campus sites that are spread across Northern Ireland. These are: 

• Belfast 
• Coleraine 
• Magee 

As a result, students choosing to study at Ulster will be able to experience everything this unique country has to offer. With close links to local communities, businesses and cultural institutions, Ulster postgraduates are able to conduct impactful research and contribute to lasting positive change across the country and beyond. 

Postgraduate students at Ulster will be able to live in or around Belfast, Derry or Coleraine, giving them the choice between a vibrant and energetic city lifestyle as well as relaxed living in welcoming town communities surrounded by stunning Northern Irish landscapes.  

The country is famed for its dramatic coastal landscapes, including the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway and wild west coast. Whether students are looking for local live music, arts and culture, historical sites or outdoor activities, Northern Ireland is the perfect base. 

Postgraduate students will join a global network of alumni after they finish their studies, joining the likes of Stephen Rea, Enya and William Scott as Ulster graduates. 

Course and Lecturers

Ulster University recognises the value of postgraduate courses as an opportunity for students to specialise in a subject area, become a valuable professional asset to potential employers, or undertake a career change. The university offers dozens of postgraduate programmes at multiple levels of study, across a broad range of topics. 

Postgraduate students Ulster can choose from several types of master’s qualification types, ranging from MBA to MSc, MA or LLM. Students can choose whether they want to study part-time or full-time, allowing them to get their chosen qualification without changing their lifestyle or comprising on existing obligations.  

Ulster University has a robust range of online and eLearning qualifications, with more than 4,000 students graduating from an online Ulster course already. No attendance is required at the university physically, meaning students can study from anywhere and at whatever pace they prefer. 

Postgraduate research opportunities such as PhDs are also on offer at the university. Students will be able to collaborate with world-leading experts, access specialist and cutting-edge facilities, and benefit from close links to industry or business stakeholders in their discipline. 

Entry Requirements

Students applying for a postgraduate programme at Ulster University will receive an offer of study after satisfying the entry requirements of their chosen course. 

Students applying for the MA in Journalism will need to show evidence of a 2:2 graded undergraduate degree or higher to get a place on this course. Applicants with relevant professional experience in place of formal qualifications will also be considered. 

Students applying to the MSc in International Business will need an undergraduate honours degree with a second-class grade or higher. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted. Alternative qualifications that are accepted with the required minimum grade include graduate and postgraduate diplomas or certificates. 

Applicants for the PGCE in Art and Design will need to have GCSEs with minimum grade C across English and mathematics, in addition to an undergraduate degree in areas such as English with drama, art and design, history, geography, education or music. Evidence of professional or voluntary work with children in an education setting is desirable. 

Entry requirements can change so students should check the university website for up-to-date details. 

Job Prospects

Postgraduate students at Ulster University benefit from strong graduate prospects and enhanced employability due to the university’s focus on professional skills, ongoing support and purpose-driven curricula. 

Postgraduate courses at Ulster contain a range of professional skills modules and opportunities for practical project work, as well as chances to work with industrial or business partners. Course content is current and informed by new research, much of which is occurring within the university itself. 

Students will have access to a dedicated Employability and Careers service while studying at Ulster, and as alumni. Whether it’s expert advice, links to relevant graduate opportunities or easily accessible online resources, postgraduate learners at Ulster find themselves well equipped for student success. 

The university recently unveiled its new Handshake service, which allows students to find placements, internships and graduate positions, as well as boost their professional networks. Ulster also has a Global Opportunities team to support students looking to study, work or volunteer across the world. It has links with over 200 institutions and its students have visited over 30 countries. 

Postgraduates at Ulster can also make appointments with the university’s professional employability advisors at any time, where they can chat about employability, job hunting or career choices. Students can book a face-to-face appointment or drop the service an email at any time.  

Accommodation

Postgraduate students at Ulster University not only have a wide range of locations to choose from when it comes to living arrangements, but a variety of residence and room types as well. As a result, postgraduate learners are able to find their perfect living space that supports their academic objectives while encouraging a fun and satisfying student lifestyle. 

Students choosing to live at Belfast can select from: 

• 123 York Street, offering modern rooms two minutes from the campus and close to the city centre. 
• LIV Student accommodation, found on the outskirts of the city’s buzzing Cathedral Quarter and providing great access to the cultural, entertainment and nightlife gems that Belfast offers. 
• Dalriada village, with shared apartments available in a contemporary student village environment. 

Students choosing to live at Coleraine can select from: 

• Cranagh Village, with stunning views and a relaxing pace of life. 
• Errigal or Knocklayde, a number of terraced houses located right on the campus. 

Students choosing to live at Magee can select from: 

• Coppin House, located right next to the campus. 
• Duncreggan Village, offering students a relaxed student village feel in the middle of Derry-Londonderry. 

Shared bathroom, en-suite, private apartments are available. 

Privately rented accommodation is also available for students who prefer this option, allowing them to live anywhere they please in Belfast, Coleraine or surrounding areas. 

Postgraduate students choosing to study at Ulster University will find additional support through the wide range of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available through the university or associated organisations. These awards help students cover the cost of studies, reducing the barriers to outstanding academic achievement. 

Available funding includes: 

• The Ulster University Alumni Discount, offering students a 10% discount to their tuition fees if they’ve already graduated from a degree course at the university. 
• Scholarships offered in association with external partners, such as the GREAT Scholarship 2022. This award is available through help from the British Council, providing two scholarships to postgraduate students worth £10,000. 
• Course specific scholarships, such as the Barnett Pharmaceutical Sciences Scholarship which offers an annual award to a student on the MSci in Pharmaceutical Biosciences. Students can browse the full range of postgraduate subject-specific awards on the university’s website. 

The availability of different awards and their eligibility criteria can vary, so students are encouraged to check the university website to explore the full range of current awards available. 

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Find a course at this uni, international business studies, art therapy, fashion and textiles design.

The Doctoral College was established in 2017 to support PhD researchers across the University. We are keen to reconnect with Ulster PhD graduates to update you on the exciting developments in research and doctoral education at Ulster. Together with the Development & Alumni Relations Office we will update you on University news, career opportunities and advice, events, and opportunities to support current students and PhD researchers. Please provide your preferred contact details and tick the box/es below to let us know how you would like to hear from us.

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How we use your data: Your data is held securely by the Development and Alumni Relations Office of Ulster University on its database. For details of how we gather, use and store your data, please visit: ulster.ac.uk/dataprotection

Managing the way in which we communicate with you: In order to manage the way in which we communicate with you, please contact [email protected] or call +44 (0)28 953 67486

PhD Business and Management

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days ?

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PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Ulster University

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PhD graduates are recognised by employers to hold valuable transferrable skills, as the nature of the degree trains candidates in creativity, critical inquiry, problem solving, negotiation skills, professionalism and confidence. The most recent Ulster survey of PhD graduates found that 92% had secured employment within the first year since graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2015), and while two thirds end up in the Higher Education or Research sectors, the range of skills acquired equips the remainder for employment in a wide range of contexts.

Another indicator of the satisfaction of our current PhD Researchers is reflected in the latest results from the 2018 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) where our PhD Researchers highlighted very high satisfaction levels (87% overall satisfaction). This recognition shows that our facilities, procedures and practices are up to the high standards that they expect. Within accounting and finance the group focuses on efficiency and performance measurement and the analysis of structural change in the financial sector.

Current areas of research include: public sector /charity accounting and gender / board diversity issues; understanding financial decision making and generational renewal in Irish agriculture; banks and credit unions as well as other Corporate Social Responsibility and Organisational Governance issues. First, given the prevalence of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the NI region, the marketing/entrepreneurship nexus is a dominant lever. Members research issues linked to knowledge management and decision-making in entrepreneurial firms, and internationalisation and SME performance. Also, in this area researchers engage in research designed to understand innovation and economic development in food production and small rural agri-food firms has also been a key focus. Secondly, by tracking the changing economic landscape and the influence of technological advances in organisations, several researchers in this group are interested in the role of the internet and social media in firms’ marketing whilst other expertise lies in more traditional marketing issues in the context of branding innovations, services and retailing marketing as well as consumer behaviour.

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Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

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£4,712 per year

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The mentioned fee is 2023/24 entry, there may be slight increase in 2024/25 entry.

£17,770 per year

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The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

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Cromore Road Coleraine Northern Ireland BT52 1SA

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Ulster University Funded PhD Scholarship: UK

Ulster University Funded PhD Scholarship: Ulster University invites applications for a fully funded PhD opportunity in Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment. The groundbreaking project addresses the growing threat of emerging pathogens to human health and the environment, following the ‘One Health’ approach. The initiative aims to create a sustainable paradigm for future health needs, aligning with global sustainability goals and strategic initiatives like the UKRI Strategy 2022–2027 and the Medical Technology Strategy. The project involves converting sensors and materials into a digital twin format, integrating artificial intelligence for early detection and monitoring of emerging bacterial pathogens.

Ulster University Funded PhD Scholarship: Digitally Twinned AI-Assisted Biosensing of Emerging Pathogens for ‘One-Health’ Sustainability

Study Area: Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment, with a focus on biosensing technologies, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary research.

Location: Ulster University, Belfast region, United Kingdom.

Eligibility/Qualification:

• Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject (Physics, Biophysics, Electronics, Nanotechnology, or Biomedical Engineering).
• Equivalent qualifications, including a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction, may be considered.
• Strong understanding of the subject area as demonstrated by a comprehensive research proposal.

Description: The research project involves the development of advanced biosensing technologies using techniques like localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The integration of artificial intelligence into a digital twin format will enable the proactive response to potential threats. The project covers a range of disciplines, offering experience in Artificial Intelligence, nanofabrication, material characterization, bacteria handling, and the design of electrochemical/optical sensing platforms. The aim is to contribute to a sustainable and resilient global health ecosystem.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their applications, including a CV, academic transcripts, a comprehensive research proposal demonstrating a sound understanding of the subject area, and contact information for references. Applicants will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award unless stated otherwise.

Last Date: Application Deadline: Rolling admissions – Apply as soon as possible.

Funding and Eligibility: The University offers the following levels of support:

• Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS): Full Award (tuition fees + £19,000), Part Award (tuition fees + £9,500), Fees Only Award (tuition fees).
• Department for the Economy (DFE): Tuition fees at the Home rate, maintenance allowance of £19,000 per annum, and a research training support grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum.
• Eligibility criteria apply; please refer to the provided details for specific conditions and exceptions.

Ulster University encourages applications from qualified candidates committed to contributing to cutting-edge research in biosensing and artificial intelligence for ‘One-Health’ sustainability.

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Babson Provides Ulster 25@25 Leaders New Entrepreneurial Perspective

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Until recently, Laura O’Hare didn’t think of herself as an entrepreneur. The mere thought made her laugh. As a youth engagement manager at the Cancer Fund for Children in Belfast, she sees herself as a leader for young patients and their families, as well as in her community. But, as she studied community youth work at university and grew professionally in that field, entrepreneurship never crossed her mind.  

Regardless, she found herself at Babson College. 

O’Hare is part of Northern Ireland’s Ulster University 25@25 Leadership Programme for Young Leaders , a group of professionals and Ulster alumni who came together in 2023 to commemorate the 25 th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement . The program is meant to look toward the future of Northern Ireland and support community leaders in various leadership projects and social initiatives.  

The cohort has met during the last week of every month since September 2023, and last month, they came to Babson. The group participated in a weeklong entrepreneurial program with Babson Executive Education that culminated in a rocket pitch event that, serendipitously, happened on Good Friday 2024. 

“I was a wee bit intimidated (before coming to Babson), thinking, ‘I am going to get this? Is this going to be relatable?’” O’Hare says. “By Day Two, I realized how these practices could work in my context and provide real, practical solutions.” 

Through courses about discovering your entrepreneurial identity, design thinking, finance modeling, prototyping, and leadership, O’Hare began to see that entrepreneurship goes beyond starting a business. For all participants in the 25@25, the week at Babson brought emotional and professional breakthroughs, presenting a new way of learning and thinking about what the future can hold. 

Bringing an Entrepreneurial Mindset to the Workplace  

A touchstone of the Ulster program is about bringing innovation and forward-thought to Northern Ireland. For Babson, it’s about finding ways the Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® (ET&A™) mindset can be applied across industries . Nigel Brannigan, a director within Factor Law , has been looking to bring AI and language modeling into law, but he finds the risk-averse industry is apprehensive about the new technology. 

“The model Professor Andrew Corbett took us through around a managerial mindset and comparing a precision mindset versus the entrepreneurial creative mindset, I was making so many notes,” Brannigan says. “I’m not a business owner, but I am a leader in my organization. If we can shift their mindsets to be more entrepreneurial mindsets, we will unlock that bit in an industry that is totally opposed to change.” 

Brannigan, who used to practice law and now works on the client-relations side, came into the 25@25 liking his job but wasn’t passionate about the vocation. Going through the coursework helped him figure out why he enjoys his job and how he can build on that.  

“I discovered my ‘why’ is my role in influencing and helping others build good careers, and bringing high-quality employment opportunities and winning investment to Northern Ireland,” he says. “I love that I’m able to help other people.” 

“None of the sessions ever had a tumbleweed running through. You knew the minute that session started you were in it. That was a unique characteristic that we got here in Babson that we probably wouldn’t have had at home.” Michael Lynch, Ulster 25@25

Embracing a New Way of Learning  

Part of why emotions and breakthroughs were so prevalent is the interactive, kinetic style of teaching in the Babson classroom . There was not a single lecture on the schedule. 

Because of that, students can bypass the fundamentals to get to that “why,” and think creatively about how an entrepreneurial mindset applies to their lives and careers. For Michael Lynch, who works in sales at the indigenous Belfast company Datactics and wants to expand access to integrated schooling in Northern Ireland, it meant everyone had to be on. 

“None of the sessions ever had a tumbleweed running through,” Lynch says. “You knew the minute that session started you were in it. That was a unique characteristic that we got here in Babson that we probably wouldn’t have had at home.” 

Finding the Entrepreneur Within  

Lynch also found that his value base was challenged in the Babson classroom, which he called a “good thing.” Having strategies to deal with conflict will help him navigate the political landscape of the integrated education movement . 

“People can challenge what you’re trying to do, and I never had a tool kit to deal with that,” he says. “Integrated education is a very divisive issue politically, and we have been engaging with political parties that would traditionally be opposed to those policy areas … the sessions on value-led partnership and social entrepreneurship, and Professor Wendy Murphy’s session on conflict, helped me solidify how one could deal with those in a constructive way.” 

For O’Hare, one of the biggest breakthroughs was her shift in entrepreneurial mindset and her role in it. “Before my perception of it would have just been an entrepreneur is somebody who started their own business, and we certainly have those in our group,” she says.  

In the session about finding the entrepreneur within, participants used imagery to depict what they considered entrepreneurship. Now, after that session and others, being an entrepreneur doesn’t feel like a joke to her.  

“Whenever I look at what came out of it for me, there’s bravery, there’s the need to ask for help and not being an island, and there’s being part of an ecosystem,” she says. “Seeing an opportunity and taking it was a theme. Act and then learn. I can totally see how those elements of entrepreneurial thinking and action can translate anywhere.” 

As she looks around at all the visualizations of entrepreneurship hanging on the classroom walls, she sees it’s an actual reality. 

(Photos: Nic Czarnecki)

Posted in Community , Entrepreneurial Leadership

Tagged Entrepreneurial Leadership , Entrepreneurship Education , Executive Education , Global , Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

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