Women working in STEM and the Arts have a limited-time opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities through a fully funded eight-week programme delivered by Ulster University.
The BRAVE Women in STEM & Arts module offers 40 fully funded places for an intensive leadership development experience beginning 30 January 2026. Funded by the Department for the Economy through the Skills Fund, this initiative aligns with the Minister's Economic Vision and requires no financial contribution from participants.
What is the BRAVE Framework?
The programme is built around Ulster University's BRAVE Framework, designed to develop five key leadership dimensions:
Bold - How you lead
Participants develop courageous leadership skills, learning to have difficult conversations with integrity, influence change effectively, take measured risks, and leverage diversity within their organizations.
Resilient - How you deliver
The course cultivates perseverance and adaptability, enabling participants to take personal responsibility, cope with obstacles proactively, and maintain focus on achieving results despite pressure or setbacks.
Authentic - How you engage
Women learn to lead with values-driven authenticity, developing awareness of their strengths and limitations while focusing on people development and recognizing the value of diversity.
Versatile - How you meet future challenges
Participants gain skills in identifying the need for change, promoting innovation, and communicating with clarity, impact and influence to successfully implement organizational transformation.
Empowering - How you work with others
The programme teaches how to provide teams with the autonomy to deliver on objectives, creating clarity around expectations and giving people freedom to self-manage effectively.
Course Structure and Commitment
The eight-week module combines in-person and online learning:
In-person workshops (half-day morning sessions at Belfast Campus):
Online sessions (60-minute sessions, Fridays at 12:30pm):
Assessment includes a group presentation, individual reflection, and completion of a Leadership Growth Journal. Successful participants will earn 15 credits at Level 7, which forms part of the PG Cert in Professional Development.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is designed for women currently working in STEM and the Arts who want to develop their leadership impact. Whether you're an emerging leader or looking to enhance your existing leadership capabilities, this programme offers practical frameworks and peer learning opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Why This Matters
Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across STEM and the Arts sectors. This fully funded programme removes financial barriers and provides women with the frameworks, confidence and peer network to advance their careers and lead with greater impact in their organizations.
With only 40 places available and applications closing 15 December, interested candidates should act quickly to secure their spot on this transformative leadership development opportunity.
How to Apply
For full details and to submit your application, visit: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/stem
Application deadline: 15 December 2025
This programme is funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE) through the Skills Fund and supports the Minister's Economic Vision for developing leadership talent across Northern Ireland's technology and creative sectors.
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