Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has welcomed new and returning students to Ulster University's Magee campus as the new academic year gets under way.

The Minister attended the Students' Union Freshers Fayre in L'Derry, where she highlighted the growth in student numbers at the campus and plans to increase numbers further.

Student numbers at Magee have risen by 22% over the past two years to a record high, with the university working towards a target of 10,000 students.

Dr Archibald said: "It is fantastic to be at Magee and to see the campus buzzing with new and returning students as the academic year gets under way.

"This is an exciting time for Magee. Over the past two years, student numbers have increased by 22% to a record high, and we are continuing to build on that progress as we work towards our target of 10,000 students. This will create more opportunities for people to study here, develop their skills and build their future. "Higher education has a vital role to play in delivering my economic vision across the north and we have a rich higher education offering with Ulster University, Queen's University Belfast, St Mary’s University College Belfast, Stranmillis University College and the Open University. Our students and graduates bring the skills, ideas and talent we need to grow our economy, drive innovation and create more good jobs."

Welcoming the Minister to the event, Ulster University Students' Union President Lee Doran said there was a "great buzz" around the Magee campus, with the majority of students returning for the new academic year.

He also highlighted the planned development of the campus and the importance of ensuring students have a role in shaping its future.

Mr Doran said: "I'm really pleased to welcome the Minister to campus and have the opportunity to showcase the work we do as a Students' Union on behalf of our students. There is such a great buzz around Magee at the minute with the majority of our students back on campus for the new academic year.

"As a former Magee student myself, it is particularly exciting to see the growth in student numbers alongside the plans for further development of the campus. It’s really important that students remain at the heart of that growth, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work through the Taskforce to make sure their voices help shape the future of Magee."