Programme Support Areas (PSAs)
A new Blackboard ultra Programme Support Area (PSA) is now available for each programme for 2026-2027, replacing all previous programme support areas. The purpose of the PSA is to provide access to basic generic course support information and resources common to all students on the programme.
You will be associated with a PSA for every programme that you are listed in the Curriculum Management System as a Programme Director. If you see a programme support area that you are not associated with or if you would like to merge programme areas, contact CDLE to distribute the PSA to the appropriate staff member(s) or merge multiple areas into one.
You can use +Copy items to copy information from older ‘Original’ PSAs into the new one, just as you would copy learning content from one module to another.
Access to PSA for Programme Directors
If you are listed as a Programme Director, you will be automatically associated with the PSA. All of the PSAs that you are associated with should appear in the course list when you log into Blackboard. From September 2026, all PSAs will become available in Blackboard Ultra to students registered on that programme.
You can amend the PSA and edit it to suit the needs of your programme(s) and your students.
If you cannot find see your PSA in Blackboard, check the Curriculum Management System to confirm that you are listed as the Programme Director. If you are not listed as the Programme Director, follow the instructions to gain Access to PSA for additional staff.
Access to PSA for additional staff
Other members of the Programme Team can add themselves to a PSA if needed.
Login to Module Manager and choose Module Access.
Select Support Area from the Academic Year dropdown menu.
Type the title (or code) of the programme in the Enter Module Details textbox.
If you are unsure, you can check the details (title and code) on student lists at: https://webapplications.ulster.ac.uk/modules/studentlists
Choose your Access Level in the Select Level dropbox.
The PSA will now appear in the course list when you log into Blackboard.
Video: Access to PSA for additional staff
Remove Access to PSA
Go into the Module Manager and choose the Current Access tab.
Tick the checkbox beside the PSA.
Click the Remove Access button.
You will no longer see the PSA in your Courses in Blackboard ultra.
Video: Remove Access to PSA
Update the Programme Guide (word template)
If you do not wish to use the new Digital Programme Guide, you can update the word template for 2026-27. This can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the Ulster University’s Programme Guide and choosing the faculty MS Word-based Programme Guide template.
Add the Digital Programme Guide
A new digitised Programme Guide (to replace the word template) is being piloted by Academic Standards and Quality Enhancement Committee (ASQEC) for AY 26-27.
The Programme Director, can create the Digital Programme Guide and add it to the PSA, using the Programme Guide editor, in the Module Manager. Quick links to help with Digital Programme Guide:
To set up your digitised Programme Guide, follow the step by step instructions in the User Guide
Cannot find your PSA?
If you are having trouble finding your PSA please e-mail blackboardhelpdesk@ulster.ac.uk with your E or A-code, and the name of your Programme.
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