South West College have recently announced a significant new partnership with The Open University, launching three new degree and top-up degree courses. These new degree courses will complement the college’s existing curriculum and are approved as; a BSc (Hons.) in Sport and Exercise, a BSc (Hons.) in Engineering, and a BSc (Hons.) in Construction Engineering and Management.
This new collaboration will enabled the college to further its strategic priority of widening access to higher level education, particularly at undergraduate degree, to the people of the South West region.
Michael McAlister Chief Executive, South West College said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Open University to deliver these innovative top-up degree and degree programmes that are unique to South West College. They provide direct articulation routes for our Foundation Degree students in key areas of economic growth, allowing students to study from Level 2 to Level 6 (undergraduate degree level) locally, which is proving to be an increasingly popular choice in the region.”
The Open University, which is celebrating 50 years of education this year, is now the largest academic institution in the UK, and is widely renowned for its flexible, innovative approach to providing higher education for all.
John Darcy, Nation Director, The Open University, said:
“Our mission is to make higher education accessible to everyone and a great way to achieve that is by supporting college students to progress onto degree programmes. We are delighted that this partnership will enable the local community to have access to such high-quality degree provision delivered through the College, with a resulting significant positive impact on the local economy.”
This is a fantastic opportunity for local students such as Adrian Dobbs who has just finished a Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering with Surveying at South West College and will now be one of the first students to study the BSc. (Hons.) Construction Engineering and Management top-up degree to achieve a full Honours Degree.
Adrian has worked in Construction for over twenty-five years, he said: “Two years ago I was between jobs and came along to an information evening where I was introduced to the construction courses available at South West College. I’ve enjoyed studying here in the two years since, and the opportunity to continue on towards honours level is fantastic. I’m able to study here in Omagh, one day a week, on a course that is financially viable for me, and still reach the same outcome of an honours degree”.
Tiernan McNamee has studied Sport from Level 2 onwards at South West College, and is continuing his education through enrolling on this new Open University accredited BSc (Hons.) Sport and Exercise course.
Tiernan said; “I still work, play football and have my normal home routine that I’ve had for a couple of years. I’m comfortable with that and comfortable at South West College, where I have the support of the tutors I know, in an environment I’m familiar with. The fact that I can continue my education here, but now come away with a higher qualification at honours degree level, is fantastic.”
For further information on the wide variety of direct entry courses available this September contact Liam Curran, Tel: 07739951965 email liam.curran@swc.ac.uk.