19/12/2025
Magee Campus Student Numbers Exceed Growth Targets
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that student numbers at Ulster University's L'Derry campus have surpassed ambitious targets set by the Magee Taskforce.
Current enrolments for 2025/2026 stand at 6,505, exceeding the projected figure of 6,286.
The new data represents a 60% increase from the 4,060 students enrolled in 2021, marking a major milestone in the Executive's commitment to expanding the campus as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement and the Programme for Government.
Minister Archibald said: "This figure is ahead of the projected and ambitious figure of 6,286 students which the Magee Taskforce set a year ago. This marks a significant milestone for Ulster University's Magee Campus, for the Magee Taskforce, and indeed for the City of Derry and the wider North-West.
"I am delighted with the progress being made to deliver on the commitment to Magee, and to Derry. There is a tangible momentum building here and I am pleased that my Department is playing such a key role. However, there remains much more to do, and continued growth will require significant investment in teaching and student accommodation."
The expansion is viewed as a critical component of the Minister's regional balance agenda, aimed at stimulating economic and social growth outside of Belfast.
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, attributed the growth to sustained investment despite a challenging financial landscape.
He said: "We are pleased to be growing the Derry~Londonderry campus ahead of projected timelines. Ulster University Derry~Londonderry is a thriving and bustling campus, it is home to students and staff across all four faculties who enjoy living, studying and working in and contributing to, this vibrant city.
"We remain committed to working together to enact expansion and stimulate further economic, social, cultural and civic growth in the North West, in line with our strategic commitment for better regional balance."
Current enrolments for 2025/2026 stand at 6,505, exceeding the projected figure of 6,286.
The new data represents a 60% increase from the 4,060 students enrolled in 2021, marking a major milestone in the Executive's commitment to expanding the campus as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement and the Programme for Government.
Minister Archibald said: "This figure is ahead of the projected and ambitious figure of 6,286 students which the Magee Taskforce set a year ago. This marks a significant milestone for Ulster University's Magee Campus, for the Magee Taskforce, and indeed for the City of Derry and the wider North-West.
The expansion is viewed as a critical component of the Minister's regional balance agenda, aimed at stimulating economic and social growth outside of Belfast.
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, attributed the growth to sustained investment despite a challenging financial landscape.
He said: "We are pleased to be growing the Derry~Londonderry campus ahead of projected timelines. Ulster University Derry~Londonderry is a thriving and bustling campus, it is home to students and staff across all four faculties who enjoy living, studying and working in and contributing to, this vibrant city.
"We remain committed to working together to enact expansion and stimulate further economic, social, cultural and civic growth in the North West, in line with our strategic commitment for better regional balance."
Latest Northern Ireland News
19 December 2025
Accessing Health And Care Services This Christmas And New Year
The Department of Health (DoH) is calling on all members of the public to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing over the Christmas and New Year period and to ensure they use the most appropriate service should they become unwell.
Accessing Health And Care Services This Christmas And New Year
The Department of Health (DoH) is calling on all members of the public to prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing over the Christmas and New Year period and to ensure they use the most appropriate service should they become unwell.
19 December 2025
Design Team Appointed for 'Iconic' New Sailortown Bridge
Belfast City Council has moved a step closer to delivering a new landmark for the city's skyline after appointing an expert design team to develop a high-quality, moveable active travel bridge across the River Lagan. The Sailortown Bridge is intended to create a vibrant link between the historic Sailortown district and the Titanic Quarter.
Design Team Appointed for 'Iconic' New Sailortown Bridge
Belfast City Council has moved a step closer to delivering a new landmark for the city's skyline after appointing an expert design team to develop a high-quality, moveable active travel bridge across the River Lagan. The Sailortown Bridge is intended to create a vibrant link between the historic Sailortown district and the Titanic Quarter.
19 December 2025
129 Arrests In First 15 Days Of PSNI Winter Campaign
Preliminary figures show 129 arrests on suspicion of drink or drug driving were made across Northern Ireland during the first 15 days of the Police Service's winter campaign. The statistics, covering 1st to 15th December, are provisional and may be subject to change.
129 Arrests In First 15 Days Of PSNI Winter Campaign
Preliminary figures show 129 arrests on suspicion of drink or drug driving were made across Northern Ireland during the first 15 days of the Police Service's winter campaign. The statistics, covering 1st to 15th December, are provisional and may be subject to change.
19 December 2025
New £750k Moylinn East Bridge Opens To Reconnect Craigavon
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has officially opened the new Moylinn East pedestrian and cycle bridge in Craigavon, marking the completion of a £750,000 investment in the area's active travel network.
New £750k Moylinn East Bridge Opens To Reconnect Craigavon
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has officially opened the new Moylinn East pedestrian and cycle bridge in Craigavon, marking the completion of a £750,000 investment in the area's active travel network.
19 December 2025
Magee Campus Student Numbers Exceed Growth Targets
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that student numbers at Ulster University's L'Derry campus have surpassed ambitious targets set by the Magee Taskforce. Current enrolments for 2025/2026 stand at 6,505, exceeding the projected figure of 6,286.
Magee Campus Student Numbers Exceed Growth Targets
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has confirmed that student numbers at Ulster University's L'Derry campus have surpassed ambitious targets set by the Magee Taskforce. Current enrolments for 2025/2026 stand at 6,505, exceeding the projected figure of 6,286.
19 December 2025
High Court Backs Police Ombudsman In Appeal Over Officer's Arrest
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has succeeded in a High Court appeal, reversing a County Court decision and upholding the lawfulness of a police officer's arrest during a watchdog investigation. In a judgment delivered this week, The Honourable Mr Justice Colton held that the arrest was lawful and allowed the Ombudsman's appeal in full.
High Court Backs Police Ombudsman In Appeal Over Officer's Arrest
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has succeeded in a High Court appeal, reversing a County Court decision and upholding the lawfulness of a police officer's arrest during a watchdog investigation. In a judgment delivered this week, The Honourable Mr Justice Colton held that the arrest was lawful and allowed the Ombudsman's appeal in full.
19 December 2025
New Online Professional Learning Programme For Primary Teachers
Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled an online professional learning offer designed to enhance classroom practice for primary educators. Developed and delivered in partnership with Evidence Based Education, the initiative combines research insights with practical resources for use in schools.
New Online Professional Learning Programme For Primary Teachers
Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled an online professional learning offer designed to enhance classroom practice for primary educators. Developed and delivered in partnership with Evidence Based Education, the initiative combines research insights with practical resources for use in schools.
18 December 2025
Major Childcare Reform Proposed To Slash Costs for Working Families
A significant transformation of the early years sector is underway as Education Minister Paul Givan unveils the draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy.
Major Childcare Reform Proposed To Slash Costs for Working Families
A significant transformation of the early years sector is underway as Education Minister Paul Givan unveils the draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy.
18 December 2025
£119m Secured To Settle Landmark PSNI Data Breach Payouts
The Northern Ireland Executive has officially committed £119 million to address the financial and legal fallout from the PSNI data breach.
£119m Secured To Settle Landmark PSNI Data Breach Payouts
The Northern Ireland Executive has officially committed £119 million to address the financial and legal fallout from the PSNI data breach.
18 December 2025
Bank Of Ireland Issues Christmas Warning As Purchase Scams Soar
Bank of Ireland has issued an urgent alert to consumers during the festive shopping period, revealing that purchase scams now represent 67% of all reported fraud. These scams, which frequently involve fraudulent advertisements on social media for non-existent or misrepresented goods, have seen a 27% increase over the past 18 months.
Bank Of Ireland Issues Christmas Warning As Purchase Scams Soar
Bank of Ireland has issued an urgent alert to consumers during the festive shopping period, revealing that purchase scams now represent 67% of all reported fraud. These scams, which frequently involve fraudulent advertisements on social media for non-existent or misrepresented goods, have seen a 27% increase over the past 18 months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.