Up to 500 new student places announced for Ulster University's Magee campus

Up to 500 undergraduate places and 16 additional PhD places for Ulster University's Magee campus, it has been announced.

Economy Minister Conor Murphy today updated the Assembly on new skills interventions that will underpin his Economic Vision. 

The Minister said: “When my Department received its budget in April I created a new ring fenced Skills Fund of up to £12m. The Skills Fund will support important skills initiatives, including launching a new Skill Up programme, developing our childcare workforce, training for the new green skills and growing the apprenticeship system.

“As well as supporting my top priority of the expansion of Ulster University’s Magee Campus, the funding will help more people access apprenticeships through a new apprenticeship challenge fund, Special Educational Needs provision, All Ireland student mobility and increasing maintenance support.”

The Minister continued: “A highly qualified, skilled workforce is what attracts companies here, helps existing companies to grow, and strengthens our civic and community infrastructure. The interventions announced today help our people access the opportunities within our economy and progress our skills agenda, ensuring it will be a key driver for future growth.”

Sinn Féin general election candidate Sandra Duffy welcomed the announcement from the Economy Minister of over 500 additional places for the Magee campus.

The Derry and Strabane District councillor said: “It’s fantastic news for Derry, our economy and our university that the Economy Minister has today announced over 500 student places for Magee.

“Conor Murphy has prioritised the Magee expansion since taking office, and I am delighted at this step in the right direction which will further establish the north west as a vibrant place to live and study."