During Their Royal Highnesses’ first time in Derry~Londonderry, The Duke and Duchess are visiting Ulster University’s Magee Campus. Earlier this year, Their Royal Highnesses spoke to nursing students from the University via video call and heard more about their experiences of studying during the pandemic, and of undertaking placements on the frontline of the COVID-19 response in Northern Ireland. Today, they are meeting some of those nursing students in person to hear how their studies are progressing since they spoke in February.
They are also visiting a specially designed simulated ambulance – the only one of its kind in the region – built on campus to train the very first year group on the brand new BSc Hons Paramedic Science programme in Northern Ireland. This course, which started just last week, is offered by the University to support the development of the paramedic profession in Northern Ireland and further afield.
The Duke and Duchess are then meeting with the first cohort of medical students accepted into the University’s new School of Medicine, established this year in response to the nationwide shortage in the medical workforce. The new School will develop a new generation of doctors who will work in Northern Ireland and beyond, once their studies are compete.
As well as observing some of the practical tools and lessons the students have access to, Their Royal Highnesses are also dropping into the Student Union as it hosts a ‘Culture Shock’ event. Here, they will join students to understand their university experience outside of their studies and hear how such events are promoting an inclusive student body.
As part of the event they will have the opportunity to sample some delicious Northern Irish food and drinks: from whiskey to wheaten bread and Tayto crisps. Students will teach them some local expressions and to finish they will hear some of the University’s talented music students playing traditional instruments.
Source: Ulster University
