Magee College facts for kids
|
Irish: Ollscoil Uladh ag Coláiste Mhig Aoidh
|
|
The Magee main building
|
|
|
Former names
|
University of Ulster at Magee, New University of Ulster at Magee Magee University College Magee College |
|---|---|
| Type | Public research university |
| Established | 1865 – Magee College 1953 – Magee University College 1968 – Coleraine Campus established; New University of Ulster established 1969 – Magee College merge 1982 – Ulster Polytechnic merge; University of Ulster established 2014 – Ulster University rebrand |
| Endowment | £6.483 million (2014) |
| Budget | £185m |
| Chancellor | Colin Davidson |
| Vice-Chancellor | Professor Paul Bartholomew |
| Provost | Professor Malachy Ó Néill |
| Students | 5,098 (2014/15) |
| Location |
,
55°00′22″N 7°19′23″W / 55.006°N 7.323°W |
| Colours | Logo:Navy blue & Bronze Seal:Red & Gold Formerly:Navy blue, Blue & Green |
| Affiliations | Ulster University |
 |
|
The Ulster University Derry~Londonderry campus is one of the four main locations of Ulster University. It is in Derry, Northern Ireland. The campus first opened in 1865. Back then, it was a college focused on Christian studies and arts.
Since 1953, the campus has welcomed students of all backgrounds. It offers many different courses for students. These include subjects like business, law, social work, and creative arts. You can also study cinematic arts, design, computer science, computer games, psychology, and nursing.
Contents
What Students Can Study
The Derry~Londonderry campus offers many courses for students. These courses are part of Ulster University's four main areas of study, called faculties:
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
- Life and Health Sciences
- Ulster Business School
Each faculty has different schools that focus on specific subjects. The schools located at the Derry~Londonderry campus are:
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – School of Arts and Humanities, School of Education, School of Law, School of Applied Social and Policy Studies
- Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment – School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems
- Life and Health Sciences – School of Nursing, School of Psychology
- Ulster Business School – Department of Global Business and Enterprise
Students can study a wide range of topics here. These include business studies, drama, law, social work, and education. Other subjects are cinematic arts, computer science, computer games, and creative technologies. You can also learn about design, robotics, electronics, modern languages, music, nursing, psychology, and social sciences.
Research at the Campus
The campus is also a place where important research happens. It has several special research centers.
One of these is the Arts & Humanities Research Institute (AHRI). This institute brings together researchers from different areas. They work on creative arts, Irish language, literature, English, and history. The AHRI helps researchers work together and share new ideas.
Another key center is the Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC). This center focuses on creating smart computer systems. Researchers here study things like neural networks (which are like computer brains), fuzzy systems, and artificial intelligence. They also work on cognitive robotics, which is about robots that can think and learn. Other research areas include ambient intelligence (smart environments), wireless sensor networks, robot vision, and brain computer interfacing (connecting brains to computers). They even work on "serious games," which are games used for training or education.
The campus also hosts International Conflict Research (INCORE). This is a joint project between the United Nations University and Ulster University. It started in 1993. INCORE aims to understand and help solve conflicts around the world. It also works to promote peace, especially in Northern Ireland.
Campus Leader
The main academic leader at the campus is called the Provost. This person helps guide the campus and its studies. Professor Malachy O'Neill is the current Provost.
History of the Campus
.jpg)
The campus was originally named Magee College. This name came from Martha Magee. She was the wife of a church minister. In 1845, she left £20,000 in her will to start a college. This college was meant for theology (the study of religion) and arts.
The college opened in 1865. It mainly focused on religious studies. However, it also welcomed students from all backgrounds to study many different subjects.
Over the years, Magee College was connected to other universities. It was part of the Royal University of Ireland from 1880. Later, it became linked with Trinity College, Dublin. This happened when the Royal University closed in 1909.
During World War II, the college was used by the Royal Navy. It became an important base for fighting in the Battle of the Atlantic. This was a major naval battle against German U-boats.
A secret control bunker was built under the college lawns. From 1941, this bunker helped control over a million Allied soldiers and sailors. It was a key part of the effort to defeat the Nazi U-boat threat.
In 2013, Magee hosted the 23rd International Loebner Prize Contest. This contest tests how well computers can think like humans, based on The Turing Test.
After the War
In 1953, the religious part of Magee College became separate. It later moved to Belfast. Also in 1953, Magee College became Magee University College. Many people hoped it would become Northern Ireland's second main university.
However, in the 1960s, a report suggested building a new university in Coleraine instead. So, in 1969, Magee College joined the New University of Ulster. For a while, the college became smaller.
In 1984, the New University merged with another college to form the University of Ulster. Magee then became a major focus for growth. The number of students and teachers grew quickly. In 1984, there were only 273 students. By 2012, there were over 4,000 students. In 2014, the University of Ulster changed its name to Ulster University.
Important Dates
- 1845 – Martha Magee provided money to start the college.
- 1865 – Magee College opened.
- 1880 – Magee College joined the new Royal University of Ireland.
- 1909 – The Royal University closed. Magee College became an independent university college.
- 1953 – Magee University College received major government funding.
- 1969 – Magee University College merged with the New University of Ulster.
- 1978 – The religious part of Magee College closed and moved to Belfast.
- 1984 – The New University merged with another college to form the University of Ulster.
- 2014 – The university was rebranded as Ulster University.
- 2023 - The campus was rebranded to Ulster University Derry~Londonderry Campus.
Campus Buildings
The most important building on campus is the original one from 1865. Around it are older red brick houses. There are also many modern buildings made of red brick and glass. These were built after the University of Ulster was formed.
The campus is used for teaching. It also hosts events and conferences. For example, Magee hosted the Tomo-Dachi convention in 2006.
- Recent Building Projects
- 1988 – Phase I building completed.
- 1989 – Carrickmore House and an extension to the main building were added.
- 1990 – Phase II library building completed.
- 1991 – The main building was updated.
- 1992 – An extension was added to 3/4 College Avenue.
- 1993 – Strand Road student residence built.
- 1995 – Phase III buildings (sports complex and informatics) and Duncreggan Road student residences built. A sports ground with lights was also added.
Tip O'Neill Chair for Peace
The Tip O'Neill Chair in Peace Studies is located at Magee. This special position honors Thomas "Tip" O'Neill Jr. He was a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and supported peace in Northern Ireland.
Former US President Bill Clinton officially started this chair in 1995. It is currently funded by The Ireland Funds. From 2002 to 2009, John Hume, who won the Nobel Peace Prize, held this position. During his time, many important leaders gave talks at Magee, including:
- Mitchell Reiss, US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, 2006
- John Kerry, US Senator, 2006
- Garret Fitzgerald, former Prime Minister of Ireland, 2005
- Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Senator, 2004
- Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, 2004
- Romano Prodi, EU Commission President, 2004
- Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, 2004
- Bertie Ahern, then Prime Minister of Ireland, 2003
- Bill Clinton, former President of the United States, 2003
- Michel Rocard, former Prime Minister of France, 2003
Famous People from the Campus
Here are some notable people who studied at or are connected to the campus:
- Gregory Campbell, 1982
- Mark Durkan, former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Executive, around the 1980s
- Dill Macky, founder of The Scots College school in Sydney, 1866
- Brooke Scullion, Irish entry to the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, 2020.
People Given Honorary Degrees
Many famous people have received special honorary degrees at graduations held at Magee. This means they are recognized for their achievements.
- Rt Hon Lord Ashdown (Paddy Ashdown), former Liberal Democrat Leader, 2006
- Amanda Burton, actor, 2002
- Bill Clinton, then President of the United States, 1995
- Hillary Clinton, US Senator, 2004
- Enya, Irish singer and songwriter, 2007
- Gary Lightbody, Musician, 2012
- Stephen Rea, actor, 2004
- Fiona Shaw, actor, 2004
- Sir Ian McKellen, actor, 2013
Images for kids
-
Magee at Night
-
Library Building
-
Main Building
