Ferguson hails extra £800k for Derry short-course programme as part of Magee expansion

The Sinn Féin MLA said: “These courses serve as part of the Magee Campus Expansion Programme helping both learners and employers as they are aligned to employer demand and help build a highly skilled workforce.

“The success of previous initiatives shows there is a demand for flexible learning.”

The Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald was in Derry on Wednesday for the launch of the 2026/27 short courses initiative, which will be supported by an additional £800,000.

She said more than 540 people have been supported to upskill following the introduction of the short courses programme at the UU Business School.

As part of the Magee Expansion Programme, the Department for the Economy has to-date invested more than £1.2m to support the learners and employers taking part in a wide range of courses, said the minister.

“Growing Magee to 10,000 students remains a top priority and we have already delivered significant progress. Over the past two years, student numbers have increased by 22% to a record high and my Department will provide funding this year to support a further increase in enrolments.

“These courses comprising masters, postgraduate and micro-credentials aligned to employer demand, have exceeded student recruitment targets. The success of this initiative demonstrates the strong demand for flexible, high-quality learning opportunities that are closely aligned to industry needs.

“Investing in skills, education and opportunity remains one of the most effective ways to create Good Jobs, improve productivity, promote regional balance and build a stronger economy in the North West,” said Dr. Archibald.

Professor Gillian Armstrong, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School, said: “Building on the tremendous success of the initiative to date, we welcome this vital additional funding, which ensures we can continue to remove financial barriers for learners and future-proof talent pipelines across the North West.

“Covering areas such as International Business, Sustainability, Leadership, Management, Business Improvement, and Data Analytics, these funded opportunities focus on the skills employers have identified for development. The courses have become an essential stepping stone, delivering higher-level expertise that significantly strengthens workforce capability across the region.”

Ms. Ferguson said: “This investment shows the commitment of the Economy Minister to the expansion of the Magee Campus and the North West.

“Investing in skills, education and opportunity remains one of the most effective ways to create Good Jobs, improve productivity and build a stronger economy.

"Sinn Féin are committed to expansion and growth of Ulster University's Magee campus to promote regional balance and make the North West an attractive location to live, work and study."

The Department for the Economy-funded programme has supported more than 540 learners through 29 short courses over the past two academic years. Courses have been designed in partnership with businesses to address skills needs in areas including sustainability, data literacy, project management and leadership.

More information on the Short Courses Programme is available online at https://www.ulster.ac.uk/funded-postgrad-places