Ulster University Coleraine: Campus Developments, Growth, and Challenges

Ulster University’s Coleraine Campus has long been a cornerstone of education, employment, and community engagement on the Causeway Coast.

At a recent council meeting, Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, provided an in-depth update on student numbers, future campus plans, and the broader strategic vision for the institution.

Current Student Numbers and Growth

Professor Bartholomew revealed that the current on-campus student population at Coleraine stands at 3,294, supplemented by approximately 1,000 distance learners. This represents a modest increase of 200 students compared to the previous year. Applications for 2025 have shown a promising 10% year-on-year rise, indicating steady demand for the university’s diverse offerings.

Coleraine’s academic portfolio encompasses 99 programmes across disciplines such as Arts and Humanities, Biomedical Sciences, Education, and Geography. Recent additions include Veterinary Nursing, Adventure Sport, and Sport and Exercise Nutrition, highlighting the campus's efforts to stay relevant to emerging student interests and industry needs.

However, when pressed about the potential for significant student growth, Bartholomew noted that constraints within Northern Ireland’s higher education funding model limit expansive development. Projections suggest the Coleraine campus will see incremental growth to 3,400-3,500 students within the next five years.

Strategic Campus Enhancements

Key to the university’s future is a £15 million investment in the Coleraine campus. Plans include the demolition of the outdated tower block, which Bartholomew described as “extraordinarily uneconomical” and a barrier to creating a more welcoming, sustainable environment. The removal of the tower will make way for a redesigned campus entrance with improved disabled access, landscaped gardens, and enhanced social spaces.

Internally, the campus will see significant refurbishments, including:

- A new glass atrium housing a modern reception and student services hub.
- Expanded and reconfigured social spaces designed to increase student dwell time and foster community engagement.
- Enhanced connectivity between the front and rear of the campus to create a more cohesive environment.

Bartholomew emphasised that these changes aim to revitalise the campus, making it a more vibrant and enjoyable place for students and staff alike.

Challenges and Broader Implications

Despite these positive developments, councillors raised concerns about Coleraine’s position within Ulster University’s multi-campus strategy. Historic student numbers once exceeded 5,000, leading to questions about the university’s commitment to restoring Coleraine’s former prominence.

One Councillor expressed scepticism over the university’s ability to deliver meaningful growth at Coleraine while focusing on ambitious expansion at the Derry/Londonderry campus, which aims to reach 10,000 students by 2032. Bartholomew maintained that this growth is part of a broader strategy aligned with political commitments under the New Decade, New Approach agreement and emphasised that it represents additionality, not a zero-sum game.

Future Opportunities

Looking ahead, Bartholomew highlighted potential projects, including a long-discussed veterinary school contingent on Northern Ireland government funding. Additionally, plans for a teaching hotel on campus remain under consideration, with hopes for collaborative support from local councils and private sector partners to make the project viable.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Councillors stressed the need for transparent communication with the local community to address concerns about Coleraine’s future. Bartholomew acknowledged these concerns and proposed hosting community open days to foster stronger ties and showcase the campus’s developments.

As the university navigates a complex landscape of funding challenges and competing priorities, its commitment to Coleraine remains clear. However, the path forward will require continued investment, strategic planning, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure the campus remains a vibrant and integral part of the region.