With A-Level examinations now in full swing, many students will soon be turning their attention to university. If you’re thinking of studying history, why not come along and get some advice from the experts at University College Isle of Man (UCM)?
While many school-leavers will be planning to study at a UK university, some students prefer to stay on the Island to study for their degree. UCM now offers ten undergraduate and three postgraduate degrees through the University of Chester, including an undergraduate degree in History & Heritage. UCM students enrol and graduate with the University of Chester, but live and study here.
If you’re interested in a career on the Island, then studying at UCM is a very sensible option, with over 90% of our graduates finding relevant employment by the time they graduate. This is because UCM works closely with Island-based organisations, giving students opportunities to meet with potential employers throughout their studies. In addition, every student has the opportunity to undertake a five-week work-placement in their second year.
UCM has a growing Higher Education body of around 300 students and, for many people, the smaller class-sizes and close-knit UCM community offer distinct benefits. Chloe Love has just finished her first year studying History & Heritage at UCM: ‘It’s great to have the opportunity to study on-Island and I am thoroughly enjoying the degree’, says Chloe. ‘The lecturers are very helpful and there is a variety of subjects to study. The degree is hard work, but I am learning so much and picking up lots of new skills’.
UCM also offers opportunities to mature students who wish to study for a degree. Andrea Heard joined the History & Heritage degree as a mature student and has just finished her second year: ‘Studying for this degree has been the best decision I’ve made. You meet different people from all walks of life, and make firm friends in the process. For any mature student thinking of taking the degree, my advice is to do it. It’s changed my whole life for the better.’
According to Programme Leader, Dr Catriona Mackie, the History & Heritage degree ‘combines study of the past (history) with exploring how the past impacts upon us today (heritage). The Isle of Man has a successful and growing heritage industry, and we work closely with organisations such as Manx National Heritage to help enhance our students’ experience.’
To find out more about the BA (Hons) History & Heritage, and about UCM’s evening classes in Manx history and heritage, come along to the open-evening on Monday 22nd May, from 6pm-7:30pm, in Elmwood House, Glencrutchery Road. Staff and students will be on-hand to offer advice about studying history at university and studying at UCM.
Photo - UCM History & Heritage students on a fieldtrip to Chester in February 2017 (L-R: Alex Makin, Rachel Clague, Georgia Price, Chris Callow, Rory Murphy).
