Satisfied Students
Research Power
International Mix

Home Students

68%

International Students

32%

Total Students

32,085

Home

21,810

International

10,265

Ulster University is one of the 2 Northern Irish universities in the UK. Established in 1865 and gaining degree awarding power in 1984. The Ulster University is a  Plate Glass. 

In the 2025 National Student Survey, the university received a positivity score of 86.4% for teaching and 86.2% for learning outcomes. 

Established in 1865 and granted university status in 1984, this institution is one of the distinguished “plate glass” universities. The university was part of the modernisation of higher education in the 1960s. The name plate glass comes from the architectural style of the time.

In the 2025 National Student Survey, the university received a positivity score of 86.4% for teaching and 86.2% for learning outcomes. 

Global Rankings

Not all universities appear in every global ranking. Many rankings consider the TEF and the National Student Survey as key indicators of teaching quality and student satisfaction.

# 601–800
THE
2,000+ universities
# 609
QS
1,503 Universties
# 801-900
ARUW
1,000 Globally

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Ulster University Courses

National Student Survey Results 2025

The National Student Survey (NSS) is an annual UK-wide survey that collects final-year undergraduates’ feedback on the quality of their courses, covering teaching, learning resources, academic support, and overall satisfaction. Its large sample size, consistent methodology, and focus on student experience make it a trusted indicator for comparing universities.

Ulster University University Level Scores

Ulster University received positivity scores of 86.4% for teaching and 86.2% for learning. Click the tabs below to see detailed student survey results and an explanation of the scores.

Theme 1 of the UK’s National Student Survey asks final year students to rate the teaching they have experienced on their course. 

It asks students how clearly tutors explain ideas, how they bring the subject to life, and how well they inspire learning. It’s one of the best ways to gauge students’ direct experiences of teaching quality at the university.

NSS Theme 1: Teaching on my Course – University Score
Metric Value Explanation
Positivity measure 86.4% The percentage of students who answered “good” or “very good” to the questions in Theme 1 about the teaching they received.
Difference to Benchmark 0.8ppt The difference in percentage points between this provider’s score and the national benchmark for similar institutions. A positive or negative number here indicates the university’s performance against similar institutions.
Benchmark 85.6% The expected or average score for similar institutions and subjects, used as a point of comparison.
Response Distribution
Materially above benchmark 0.1% Proportion of responses where the score was significantly above the benchmark (typically 2 standard deviations or more). A large percentage here indicates above-average teaching satisfaction.
Broadly in line 99.9% Proportion of responses that were close to the benchmark and within expected variation.
Materially below benchmark 0% Proportion of responses where the score was below the benchmark.
Response rate 71.5% The percentage of eligible students who responded to the NSS questions in this theme.

Theme 2 of the UK’s National Student Survey asks final year students to reflect on the learning opportunities they have experienced during their course.

It covers how well the course has offered opportunities to explore ideas in depth, bring together information from different topics, and apply learning in new or practical ways. This theme gives prospective students a sense of how effectively a course supports exploring the subject matter intellectual growth. 

NSS Theme 2: Learning Opportunities – University Score
Metric Value Explanation
Positivity measure 86.2% The percentage of students who gave positive responses (e.g. “definitely” or “mostly agree”) to the learning opportunities questions in this theme.
Difference to Benchmark 2.7ppt The difference in percentage points between this provider’s score and the national benchmark for similar institutions.
Benchmark 83.4% The expected or average score for similar institutions and subjects, used as a point of comparison.
Response Distribution
Materially above benchmark 66% Proportion of responses where the score was significantly above the benchmark (typically 2 standard deviations or more).
Broadly in line 34% Proportion of responses that were close to the benchmark and within expected variation.
Materially below benchmark 0% Proportion of responses where the score was significantly below the benchmark.
Response rate 71.5% The percentage of eligible students who responded to the NSS questions in this theme.

Location

Coleraine, Northern Ireland

Distance to London 503 Miles (809 KM)

Driving To London 10 hours 41 min

Public Transport To London 13 hours 35 min

Nearest Airport Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

Miles to Nearest Airport 173