Join us at Ulster
Join us at Ulster for your research degree at any of our campuses – Belfast, Coleraine or Derry/Londonderry. Take advantage of more affordable fees and accommodation, excellent studentship opportunities and outstanding results for researcher satisfaction in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES).
1. High Value Studentships
Ulster offers attractive studentships. Apply to our Annual PhD Studentships Competition for studentships that cover all fees, an annual non-taxable maintenance grant of approx. £19,500 each year, a Research and Training Support Grant of £900 each year and access to paid teaching opportunities.
Sponsored PhDs and self-funded PhDs are also welcome in full-time and part-time modes.
2. Destination Ulster
Enjoy all that Northern Ireland has to offer – Belfast and the Causeway Coast were ranked #1 Best in Travel 2018 by Lonely Planet. From bustling city life at our Belfast and Magee campuses to dramatic coastlines at our Coleraine campus on the famous North Coast, we have it all!
Ulster’s campuses are also a perfect base for exploring the rest of Ireland and only a short ferry trip or an hour’s flight to other parts of the UK.
3. Lower Cost of Living
Did you know that Northern Ireland is the most affordable place to live, work and study in the UK and Ireland?* Belfast consumer prices (including rent) are 72.4% cheaper than London.**
2,200 Ulster accommodation places are available on or near our campuses, all supported by Ulster’s ResLife team, who won the Best Moving In Experience Award 2020 in the National Student Housing Awards.
*Which?, 2018
4. Outstanding Researcher Satisfaction
Our PhD researchers say we’re top notch. In the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES 2023) Ulster ranked 4th in the UK for overall PhD researcher satisfaction with an overall satisfaction rate of 86%, and above average scores in every indicator in the survey.
5. Vibrant Research Possibilities
A dynamic research environment with access to world-class experts and facilities, links to business and industry, and the chance to push the boundaries of your research knowledge are waiting for you here. Take a look at our current opportunities.
6. Researcher Development Programme
Postgraduate researchers receive high quality doctoral training at Ulster. Our Researcher Development Programme provides face-to-face and online workshops, training, specialist skills sessions and personal development planning activities.
Opportunities for demonstrating and teaching work are also available during postgraduate studies, and we encourage our researchers to participate in Ulster’s annual Festival of PhD Research and in the Vitae Three Minute Thesis® Competition.
7. Research with Impact
Our research is recognised internationally. We’re in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Ulster’s research community is solving some of the biggest challenges our world is facing today.
8. Dedicated Support
Support for our postgraduate researchers comes from many sources: from supervisors, Postgraduate Tutors and other Faculty staff, and Ulster’s Student Wellbeing team, plus the Doctoral College is on hand to help too.
Inductions at the beginning of your research studies also help you get the very best start.
9. Our Global Community
We are global! Ulster’s Global Mobility and Experience team welcomes students from over 100 countries across the globe, offering advice and support services to our international researchers throughout their studies.
Plus, during their studies, all postgraduate researchers can travel abroad for a more international perspective e.g. for data gathering, placements or conferences.
10. Enhanced Employability For PhD Graduates
PhD graduates are 7% more likely than Masters graduates to be in full-time employment according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)*. They also have higher earning potential with 87% of PhD graduates earning over £30,000 compared to 43% of Masters graduates.
*Source: Graduate Outcomes survey by HESA.