Ulster University Student Earns First Class Honours
On July 9, 2026, Ulster University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, issued a press release announcing that Harsha Koorimannil Valiyamannil, originally from Kerala in southern India, has graduated with First Class Honours in Computing Science. Harsha arrived in Belfast in 2022 after studying animation and working in graphic design, choosing Ulster for its strong computing reputation and Belfast’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Academically, Harsha was placed on the Dean’s List in both her first and second years and completed her degree with First Class Honours. Beyond coursework, she co‑founded the university’s Women in STEM Society and created the Hack4Health Hackathon, an event that brings students together to apply technology to health challenges; the hackathon continues as an ongoing initiative. She also helped coordinate the university’s Peer Assisted Study Sessions and mentored fellow international students, assisting them in settling into university life.
During a placement with Ulster University’s Widening Access and Flexible Education department, Harsha delivered mentor‑training programmes and supported widening participation initiatives, stating that the placement “completely changed my confidence” and encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. She advises other international students to “say yes to opportunities” because they can lead to unexpected pathways.
Harsha’s graduation ceremony was attended by her mother, who travelled from India, underscoring the family’s support. She is among more than 5,000 students graduating this summer across Ulster University’s three campuses in Northern Ireland and intends to build her future in Northern Ireland, focusing her career on outreach, inclusion, and supporting others.
For further information on studying at Ulster University as an international student, the press release directs readers to ulster.ac.uk/global and provides contact details for the university’s press office (pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk).