Thursday, 19.02.2009
UU Announces Magee Campus Development Plan

The University of Ulster has announced plans for a further expansion of its Magee campus.
 
In this next phase of the development of the Magee campus the University is planning to expand student numbers from 3,800 to 5,500 - 6,000.  In doing this the University is responding to government policies in expanding provision in areas central to the development of the economy and the health and wellbeing of the population.
 
Headline developments for the Magee campus include:

• Creation of an Institute of Sustainable Technologies
• Creation of an Institute of Health andWellbeing
• Expansion of Computing, Electronics and Software
• Expansion of Creative Technologies and Animation
• Expansion in business and professional services

To spearhead this development the University will be making a senior appointment of Dean of Academic Development for Magee, who will work directly with the Vice-Chancellor in delivering this plan.

The University has a financial strategy in support of this development. Over the next 25 years it is estimated that £250m will be invested in new buildings and new jobs.
 
The announcement of the strategic plans follows the University's strong performance in the UK 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. The University has moved up in the Times Higher Ranking from 63rd place in 2001 to equal 45th place in 2008, a jump of 18 places, positioning the University in the top third of UK universities.
 
The University’s growth strategy for all campuses concentrates on developing and sustaining high-quality, regionally relevant provision with particular emphasis on professional education for professional life.
 
Speaking at the launch event in the Foyle Arts Building on the University’s Magee campus, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, said: 'At the heart of the University’s strategy since its foundation 25 years ago has been the enhancement of the knowledge, skills and employability of the people of Northern Ireland. 
 
'When Magee joined the University of Ulster family in 1984 it had just 186 students. Today, it boasts 3,800.
 
'Soon, as a result of our plans released today, it will have 5,500 - 6,000. This is a tremendous record of achievement and growth, and reflects not only the high calibre of our staff and students, but also the commitment to excellence of this proud and historic city in whose life this University is so deeply embedded.'
 
'Given the strength of recent developments at Magee the University is asking government to allow the University to recruit an additional 1,000 students for the next stage of development on the campus.  The other additional places will be made up of postgraduate and part-time students with an expanded range of opportunities.'
 
'The planned expansion would be secured by the acquisition of the Foyle and Londonderry College site which has long been identified by Government Ministers as a site for the University’s expansion.  The University is grateful to local politicians for the support shown for these proposals.'
 
'The University of Ulster is a primary force in delivering the skills base, driving social and economic regeneration and contributing to the cultural vitality of Northern Ireland, and it is now renewing itself to serve the region's needs in the 21st century through the plans announced today.

'The University is rooted in the region and serves its community through its engagement with stakeholders across all aspects of its work, the quality of which is widely recognised internationally. 
 
'Through this development the University is making a major contribution to the economic and cultural regeneration of the North West, injecting vitality, energy and creativity into region, helping transform it into adynamic cultural, creative and educational destination.'