It’s an exciting time for the North West as the region experiences a remarkable period of economic and social transformation. In recent years, Derry~Londonderry and its surrounding areas have seen a surge of significant investments from large global corporations, investors, and local businesses across various sectors.
Now a recognised hub for investment and job creation, the North West is home to one of Ireland’s most vibrant digital clusters outside of Belfast and Dublin. With industry expertise spanning Life Sciences, Business Services, Technology, Tourism, and Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, the region is a magnet for global and indigenous companies. Organisations such as Seagate, EY, FinTrU, Alchemy Technology Services, Ebrington Leisure Holdings, and Vertiv have shown their commitment to the region, due to its strategic location, highly skilled workforce, and supportive business climate. According to data from NISRA and the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) the ICT, Health & Social Work and Professional & Scientific sectors will contribute to 64% of new job creation over the next decade.
The recent signing of the Derry~Londonderry and Strabane City Region City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund Financial Deal represents the largest single investment ever by the UK Government and NI Executive in the region with over £250 million allocated to fuel growth. Set to create up to 6,300 new jobs by 2033, this ambitious financial package will support a range of regionally significant strategic projects across Innovation, Digital and Health, Regeneration and Tourism. This investment is set to unlock unprecedented opportunities for business growth and development and generate opportunities that promise to develop and grow the economic landscape. The momentum and energy is undeniable, as the region grasps the opportunity to grow and create impact.
The ripple effects of such investments are positively impacting education and skills development. As new businesses establish themselves in the region, they bring fresh opportunities and a variety of roles that cater to different skill sets. In response, Ulster University is preparing the local workforce with essential skills to meet the demands of an evolving economy through a range of fully funded postgraduate and short courses. Funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE), this initiative provides 175 places on both full time and part time programmes at the Derry~Londonderry campus.
Four programmes were successfully launched in September 2024, with funded places secured on the International Business and Sustainable Management Masters programmes. Current student, Laura Henry, reflected on how the Masters in International Business aided her return to work: “I'm not ashamed to say that getting on the DfE course has really helped me get back on my feet after going through redundancy last year. I really took it as a blow that a career that I'd spent 20 years building could essentially disappear overnight. The DfE funding has allowed me to reframe and use my experience in ways that I'd never expected.”
The next wave of funded short courses will commence in January 2025 and will feature a Mini MBA designed specifically for women returning to the workforce or seeking to upskill for transformative roles. Additionally, an Advanced Certificate Social Enterprise will be offered to inspire participants to transform and grow their social economy organisations. The package also includes a suite of micro-credentials, offering bite-size learning opportunities that focus on updating skills, knowledge, and/or experience in a particular discipline or capability. Business leaders and managers are encouraged to consider these opportunities not only for their personal development, but also as a means to upskill and empower their employees. Busy professionals can study a single module (including Reflexive Leadership; and Strategy and Innovation; or Data Science in Business), or combine three modules to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice.
If you are interested in learning more about the portfolio of DfE funded courses starting in 2025 at the Derry~Londonderry campus, please get in touch at ar.reid@ulster.ac.uk