Murphy welcomes Magee Expansion report

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has received the first report from the Ulster University Magee Taskforce.

Pictured at UU's Derry~Londonderry campus are (l-r) Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University Prof Paul Bartholomew; Economy Minister Conor Murphy; Taskforce Vice Chair Nicola Skelly; and Taskforce Chair Stephen Kelly

This independent body was established in March to develop and oversee an action plan for expanding Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus to 10,000 students. It brings together a range of stakeholders including Ulster University, Derry City & Strabane District Council, business representatives, and the community sector.

In 2023/24 there were 5,337 students enrolled at Magee. This first report outlines what is required to achieve the target of 10,000 students.

The report estimates that £700million is needed for new teaching blocks, research space and student accommodation. This extensive building programme could be fully completed in eight years. However, the campus is expected to reach 6,500 students in around two years and, following additional funding announced by the Minister, is expected to grow to 7,000 students in 2028. The Taskforce will now work with the Department for the Economy and other partners to secure further funding and finalise a delivery plan within three months.

The Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the campus expansion in driving economic development in the North West region.

He said:
“Increasing Derry’s student population is a key driver for economic development in the North West. There has long been an aspiration to expand Magee. We now have the basis of a plan, developed by and with local people, to actually deliver expansion. The Taskforce has set out exactly what is needed from various partners, including my Department. We will now work together to finalise a delivery plan and drive progress towards the 10,000 target.”

Notes to editors: 

1. A copy of the report is available on the DfE website. 
2. On July 2, the Minister announced funding for an initial increase of around 500 undergraduate students at Magee as well as additional PhD funding.
3. The Minister has also allocated £14.7million of capital funding to support expansion at Magee in the current financial year to advance key opportunities such as the purchase of land and buildings. 
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