Ulster Business School

Ulster University Business School (UUBS) is one of the largest business schools in the UK and Ireland and a key academic division of Ulster University. It plays a central role in business education, research, and industry engagement across Northern Ireland and internationally. UUBS operates across three main campuses, Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry~Londonderry, and delivers programmes through branch campuses in London, Birmingham, Manchester, China, and Qatar. The School offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, executive education, short courses, Higher Level Apprenticeships, PhDs, and customised programmes for organisations.

UUBS is recognised for its academic and research excellence. In the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, it was ranked first in Northern Ireland for research excellence in Business and Management, and seventh in the UK for research impact. Its research focuses on solving real-world problems and supporting both public and private sectors, with key strengths in Operations Management, International Business, Marketing, and Corporate Governance. The School hosts several research centres, including the Centre for Sustainable Family Enterprise, Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology, Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, and the Food and Drink Business Development Centre.

The School has strong links with industry through partnerships involving internships, placements, visiting professorships, and graduate employment. Its faculty comprises academic researchers and industry professionals who combine theoretical knowledge with practical insights. This industry engagement ensures its teaching remains relevant to contemporary business needs.

UUBS has a global alumni network of over 60,000 graduates in more than 120 countries. These alumni are actively involved in economic growth and leadership roles across various sectors. The School focuses on people, place, and partnership, aiming to transform careers, support organisations, and address global challenges through education, research, and collaboration.

Ulster University Business School (UUBS) is one of the largest business schools in the United Kingdom and Ireland and forms an important academic division within Ulster University. The School was established following the foundation of Ulster University in 1984, which itself was created through the merger of the New University of Ulster (established in 1968) and Ulster Polytechnic. Originally operating as the Faculty of Business and Management, the School expanded steadily, both in terms of student intake and academic offerings, eventually becoming known as Ulster University Business School. Since its foundation, UUBS has played a key role in business education and research across Northern Ireland.

UUBS operates across three main campuses in Northern Ireland—Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry~Londonderry—each contributing to the School’s regional presence and character. In addition, it delivers courses at branch campuses located in London, Birmingham, Manchester, China, and Qatar. This multi-campus approach enables UUBS to extend its educational reach and serve a diverse student population. The School provides a wide range of programmes including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, executive education for mid-career professionals, accredited short courses, customised in-company programmes, PhD opportunities (both funded and self-funded), and Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs).

UUBS is widely recognised for its research output and academic excellence. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), the School was ranked first in Northern Ireland for research excellence in Business and Management and seventh in the UK for research impact. Its research agenda supports both public and private sector needs, with particular strengths in Operations Management, International Business, Marketing, and Corporate Governance. The School also hosts several dedicated research centres, such as the Centre for Sustainable Family Enterprise, Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology, Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, and the Food and Drink Business Development Centre. These centres contribute to research-informed teaching and regional policy development.

The Business School maintains strong ties with industry through long-standing partnerships involving visiting professorships, student placements, internships, and graduate employment initiatives. These industry relationships allow UUBS to co-design educational content that aligns with contemporary business challenges and opportunities. The faculty includes experienced academics and industry professionals who combine practical expertise with academic rigour in delivering course content. The School’s commitment to applied learning ensures that students are equipped to meet the needs of dynamic work environments.

UUBS has a global alumni network of over 60,000 graduates working in more than 120 countries. Its alumni contribute to various sectors as business leaders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals. This extensive network reflects the School’s international reach and the relevance of its educational offerings in global contexts. UUBS remains committed to supporting career development, innovation, and leadership through its teaching and research.

The strategic focus of Ulster University Business School centres on people, place, and partnership. The School aims to deliver education that supports individual growth, organisational performance, and wider societal benefit. Its student-centred learning environment, research engagement, and industry partnerships collectively contribute to its role in economic, social, and cultural development in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Ulster University Business School offers a broad range of academic and professional programmes designed to meet the needs of individuals at different stages of their education and careers. The courses are available across its main campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry~Londonderry, as well as at branch campuses in London, Birmingham, Manchester, China, and Qatar.

At the undergraduate level, UUBS offers full-time and part-time degree programmes in subjects such as business studies, marketing, accounting, finance, international business, and human resource management. These programmes are structured to provide a strong foundation in business principles, while also incorporating work placements and industry-relevant modules.

The postgraduate taught programmes include Master’s degrees in areas like business administration (MBA), international business, marketing, management, accounting, finance, and human resource management. These programmes are available in both full-time and part-time modes, enabling flexibility for working professionals.

Executive education is also a key component of the School’s offering. It is aimed at mid-career professionals and senior executives who seek to update their skills or address specific business challenges. The School provides accredited short courses and tailored programmes to meet organisational needs. These are designed in consultation with industry partners to ensure practical relevance and immediate applicability.

Ulster University Business School also offers research opportunities through PhD programmes. These are available on a funded or self-funded basis and cover a range of business-related topics. PhD candidates work closely with academic supervisors and contribute to the School’s recognised research centres.

Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs) are offered in partnership with employers and allow individuals to gain a qualification while working. This model supports skills development within the workforce and provides an alternative route to traditional full-time study.

Ulster University Business School (UUBS) holds a strong position within the higher education sector in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is the sixth largest business school across both regions, based on student enrolment and the breadth of its academic offerings. In the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, UUBS was ranked first in Northern Ireland for research excellence in Business and Management, highlighting the quality of its research outputs, impact, and environment. Additionally, the School was ranked seventh in the UK for research impact in the same discipline, reflecting its contribution to economic, social, and cultural development beyond the academic sphere.

Ulster University Business School reports a 94?per?cent job integration rate, indicating the proportion of graduates who are employed or in further study within six months of completing their qualification. 

This high rate covers all levels of study, including undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time, and research programmes. It reflects the strong focus on employability within the School, facilitated by over 2,500 work placements annually, career planning support, and industry partnerships. The Graduate Outcomes Survey, conducted approximately 15 months post-graduation, further supports this figure and provides valuable insights into career trajectories.

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