Stitched into the historic fabric of the city, and taking inspiration from the beauty of the surrounding Antrim Hill and Lough Nature Reserve, the layout and design of the striking campus buildings provide beautiful learning environments around a series of dramatic interior atrium spaces. Designed to be ‘long-life and loose-fit’ they will allow for changing needs and new adaptations.  The university's six faculties are positioned to spark creative debate and innovation between disciplines. This approach is reflected in a sequence of internal pedestrian streets and a variety of open public spaces.

A bold visual marker in an area once regularly in the news during the Troubles, the campus design signifies the university’s wider intentions to break down barriers and attract people from all backgrounds through its doors.  

With 14 occupied floors, this bold and innovative campus is vertically stacked in the city’s artistic Cathedral Quarter. Faculty and administrative offices are organised one above the other around receptions, meeting rooms, kitchenettes and shared offices.

The large, south-facing façade looks out across the city and nearby hills. Student hubs and social learning areas have been incorporated into the vertical approach to bring the entire academic community together, creating a truly 24-hour campus.

In a post-pandemic academic world, these connected spaces place a valuable emphasis on community and collaboration – values that are core to Ulster University’s priorities.