The Department for the Economy has confirmed an additional £800,000 for Ulster University Business School's North West Short Courses Programme for 2026/27, building on a scheme that has already helped more than 540 people to upskill.

Part of the Magee Expansion Programme, the initiative has seen total departmental investment to date exceed £1.2 million, supporting learners and employers across a broad mix of short, flexible courses.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: "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."

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."

Over the past two academic years, the programme has run 29 short courses designed with employers to meet skills needs in areas including sustainability, data literacy, project management and leadership.

Further details on the Short Courses Programme are available at: www.ulster.ac.uk/funded-postgrad-places/_recache