THE first group of students to complete a BSc (Honours) degree in Computer Science entirely in the Isle of Man have graduated.

 
Seven students were awarded degrees by the University of Chester after successfully completing three years full-time study at the Isle of Man College.

 
The students graduated from Chester Cathedral earlier this month.

 
Isle of Man College has been involved with the computing degree programmes in the past but this is the first opportunity for the course to be completed wholly in the Island.

 
Graduate Braydie Grove who is now working for the Information Systems Division, said: "During my time on the degree we've covered a broad spectrum of topics which has helped to steer me in the direction I want to go. The skills I've learnt now will no doubt prove indispensable in the future."

 
Sam Caine said doing the degree in the Island allowed him to keep up his other commitments. He said: "It has allowed me to continue with my sporting interests here in the Island while gaining a valuable qualification which has helped me to understand the different skills required within different areas of the computing and IT industry."

 
For the current 2010-2011 year the BSC in Computer Science has been reviewed and undergone some modification to reflect changes in the industry. The college has committed staff and financial resources to keep the content relevant to industry requirements.

The BSc was a contributing factor in the college's success at gaining the status of Associate College of the University of Chester.

Photo caption: L to R: Sam Caine, Braydie Grove, Ed Benson, Corin Asembrener, Nick Uren, Nick Hays, Nick Hays, Michael Ulyatt, programme manager for computing and IT, Nuno Sousa, David Jones, lecturer and David Badrick, senior lecturer.