Business studies graduates at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education have again demonstrated the quality of degree courses on the Island.
With 71% of Island-based graduates achieving a top grade, local students just edged ahead of the UK average of 70.58% (Higher Education Statistics Agency).
This week, A-level students across the Island will receive their results and many will be making decisions about where they will go to study a degree.
‘There is much to consider when undertaking a degree,’ said Gail Corrin, Higher Education Manager at the Isle of Man College. ‘Not only do you need to think carefully about the subject that you wish to study, but also the institution, the cost and quality of the experience and potential results including employability upon graduation.‘
‘Our students’ results this year again prove that studying your degree at the Isle of Man College gives you every opportunity to achieve a high grade and the employability outcomes are outstanding, with 91% of our graduates achieving relevant employment at or prior to graduation. Results are excellent across all subjects but the business studies students did particularly well’
All degrees offered at the Isle of Man College are awarded by the University of Chester and an increasing number of people are choosing to study on Island.
‘It is not a question of being better to study on Island or off – they are different experiences and it is up to the individual to decide which is best suited to their situation and ambitions,’ Gail said.
‘Our courses are linked directly with areas of economic growth on the Isle of Man. In addition to business and fiance based degrees, our computer science degree is particularly strong with most students working in the sector as they study. The new manufacturing engineering degree directly supports our high value engineering sector. Increasing the number of Manx students who graduate from degree courses on and off Island is a key National Outcome in terms of us being better educated, more skilled and successful (Agenda for Change, July 2015).’
The College offers nine full undergraduate degrees, an MBA and a range of other professional higher education programmes.
Degree students at the Isle of Man College make a significant contribution to the Island through their research and work-based projects.
‘Securing a sustainable future for our Island – the purpose of the Agenda for Change – requires the Government and business to be agile and innovative, and to be that we need to continuously challenge what we do and ask “are we being effective?”. The research activity and skills of our on Island degree students can assist Government and business to do that,’ Gail said. ‘We estimate that almost half million pounds of research projects are conducted for Manx organisations by students studying their degrees here.’
Daniel McMahon graduated from the Isle of Man College this year with a first class honours degree in business studies.
‘Gaining a first class honours degree has certainly helped me in the pursuit of my chosen career,’ he said. ‘It has helped to distinguish me from other candidates and employers have mentioned that it demonstrates an aptitude and work ethic that is looked upon favourably. However it did take hard work and time. Specific necessary skills were time management, critical analysis and the ability to forge personal relationships.
‘As a mature student, the initial fundamental appeal of study on the Island was cost-related. However, as study progressed, the quality of the lecturers, the University of Chester curriculum and small class sizes created an interactive and stimulating environment.
‘Having access to local business networks proved beneficial to my dissertation and CV. This network helped me to collect pertinent research for my dissertation, which focused on virtual currency in the Isle of Man,’ Daniel continued.
‘The access to top Government decision-makers and local business people was valuable in helping me attain a crucial first in my dissertation.’
Lydia Harris also achieved a first class honours degree in business studies and has been sought out by one of the world’s leading professional service providers based here on the Island, PWC.
‘While the opportunity to study off-Island may be a valuable experience for others, the alternative to study on-Island through the University of Chester provided me with a credible degree, positive experiences and opportunities to access the local economic network, which have really helped me in my career development,’ Lydia said.
‘Studying on the Isle of Man has been a positive experience for me; this being largely influenced by the teaching, facilities and support provided at the College. Studying on-Island allowed me to work for a variety of businesses, both as part of my course and during holidays. Following a summer internship at PWC, I am looking forward to starting work there as a trainee accountant in September.’
Honours degree courses on offer at the Isle of Man College include business studies, event management and marketing, computer science, public health, fine art and visual communication and digital media.
A range of HNC and HND higher education programmes is also offered.
New for 2015 are a BA honours degree in history and heritage and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in manufacturing engineering.
There is limited availability for courses commencing this September and applications for September 2016 are now being accepted.
For more information: HEAdmin@iomcollege.ac.im or call 648365.
