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The University’s coat of Arms, granted in 1985, contains the Arms
of the new University of Ulster with a number of modifications
which illustrate the joining of the Ulster Polytechnic and the
New University of Ulster in 1984.
The most easily recognisable feature in the Coat of Arms is the
shield. This carries a basic design of six alternating panels of red
(gules) and silver (argent) suggesting the six counties of Northern
Ireland. Gules and argent derive from the Northern Ireland Coat
of Arms and the red hand derives from Ulster. The lamp in the
lower part of the shield symbolises study and enlightenment.
Thus two ideas, university and Ulster, are clearly asserted in the
design. The shield also has a narrow band; shield shaped and
inset clear of the main outline. This is called an orle and it is
counter changed. i.e., it runs gold or yellow where the
background is red and red where the background is silver or
white. The orle represents unity and interconnection and is
particularly appropriate to a university in which degree structure
is designed to allow students to combine interdisciplinary
interests. Above the shield is a helmet and immediately above
that is a torse or a wreath. i.e., a band alternating the gules
and argent of the shield, which also features in the mantling.
This has the appearance of a foliage-like decoration around
the helmet and shield. Above the helmet and torse is the crest.
This consists of two salmon, leaping in saltire, over a yew branch.
Again the two salmon, representing wisdom, stand for the coming
together of the two institutions over the yew, which symbolises
immortality. The antelope supporter, on the Arms left side, known
as sinister, originates from the Hamilton family as a tribute to the
New University of Ulster’s first chancellor, the late 4th Duke of
Abercorn. On the Arms right side or dexter, is an Irish elk which has
been taken from the Province’s Arms reflecting the various sites
or campuses and the word Ulster as part of the Polytechnic’s title.
The symbolic meaning
of the colours emanates
from very early history.
Argent - Silver: which is
sometimes shown as white;
suggests purity, chastity,
humility, innocence and
happiness.
Gules - Red: represents charity,
courage, valour, patriotism
and creative power.
Or - Gold or Yellow: depicts
justice and mercy, generosity
and defender of the good.
The University Mace
Where the University’s Chancellor
or Vice-Chancellor presides at a
graduation ceremony the University
Mace is present. It is, therefore, a
symbol of the University’s graduation
ceremony. The University Mace is
made of silver and it was designed,
constructed and engraved by
Mr Mike McCrory, former member
of the University’s School of Art
and Design. The intricate engraving
on the Mace represents elements
drawn from the University Coat of
Arms and symbolises the University’s
four campuses and their integral
role in the Institution.