East Derry MLA welcomes engagement with Ulster University

SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has welcomed the opportunity to engage with Ulster University around its Coleraine campus.

Ms Hunter met with the university on Friday alongside other political representatives.

East Derry MLA Ms Hunter said: “It was heartening to hear about all the good work ongoing at Ulster University’s Coleraine campus and their exciting plans and vision for the future of the university in our area.

"The focus on outdoor sports and a new driving range has the opportunity to grow the university and attract students who may not have traditionally considered Coleraine and also ties in with the North Coast’s emerging position as one of the premier locations in the world for golf. Ideas around a teaching hotel and veterinary nursing were also very exciting and open a number of new doors.

"I will be engaging directly with DAERA to ask them to link in with the university around these proposals.

“I was also glad to hear that the university will be focusing on increasing diversity and inclusion at the campus, including a crèche for students who are parents to enable to them to undertake their studies.

"If the Coleraine part of Ulster University’s offering is to thrive then it needs to develop it’s own distinct offering that compliments the work that is going on in Derry, Jordanstown and Belfast."

She added: “During the meeting I also raised issues around the need to establish a fairer system for students from the South wishing to study in the North.

"The current system creates too many roadblocks and restrictions and dissuades students who may otherwise consider studying here.

"I am glad that Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew acknowledged this issue and is planning meetings to consider the options around it. He has made a strong contribution to the Coleraine campus since taking up the role and I appreciate his efforts.

"We will continue to engage with our colleagues in the South to ensure that every student who wishes to study here has the opportunity to do so.”