The Higher Education Awards Ceremony, one of the University College Isle of Man’s (UCM) key annual events , this year recognised over 100 students who have completed their higher education at UCM in 2018.
This year’s graduates recorded impressive results with an 85% overall pass rate and with 18 students achieving first class honours.
Opening the ceremony, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, Hon Graham Cregeen MHK remarked that he was confident the UCM graduates have been empowered with the requisite knowledge and skills to support the workforce of the Island’s growing economy and community.
Minister Cregeen MHK explains, “One of the key reasons for this is UCM’s close ties with local businesses. These relationships have a formative influence on the courses taught at UCM, ensuring students are well prepared to compete in the job market. I applaud this strong collaboration between industry and education, as I believe not only our students, but the economy of the Island will benefit from it.”
Receiving the awards at the ceremony were students who completed their degree courses at UCM, in conjunction with the University of Chester, as well as those who have completed higher level apprenticeships and received professional certification.
Dr John C Taylor OBE, one of Britain’s most respected inventors, was bestowed with the title of UCM Honorary Fellow. The purpose of this award is to give recognition to the significant contributions by individuals whose professional and/or personal achievements truly reflect UCM’s mission and vision.
UCM is committed to providing education that empowers its students to be who they want to be by offering a wide range of higher educational courses enhanced by a firm emphasis on employability skills and grounded in the development of a growth mindset which fosters the love of learning and cultivates resilience.
Addressing the graduates during her closing speech, Jo Pretty, Principal, said, “We live in a time of transformational change, which means your futures are full of possibilities. This is why at UCM, we have a strong emphasis not only in academic excellence, developing employability skills, but also a focus on developing mental resilience or grit. Because in a world of uncertainty, one needs to be flexible in adapting to situations and also creative in seeking opportunities.”
In 2019, UCM will be offering 22 higher eduation courses. To find out more about our degree and postgraduate courses, members of the public are invited to attend UCM Higher Education Open Day at our Nunnery campus on Saturday 24th November 2018, from 10.30am-2.30pm. There will be a separate Open Day especially for schools (Year 12 students) on Wednesday 21st November 2018.