Degree course change to make students 'work-ready'

Ensuring graduates are "work-ready" is behind an overhaul of the delivery of degree courses at the Isle of Man's only higher education provider.

University College Isle of Man (UCM) has developed a new framework along with the University of Chester, which accredits and awards its students' degrees.

Changes include the introduction of competency based assessments, including case studies and employer briefs for their courses to demonstrate vocational skills.

The approach has been tailed to deliver more compact timetable, allowing those studying to continue to work part-time as they qualified.

Higher education manager Gail Corrin said the new approach, which would be phased in from September, would make graduates "not only academically prepared but also work ready".

The a stronger focus on "practical competencies and authentic assessment" along would leave students "equipped with the skills and experience that employers are looking for".

Under the changes, block teaching of some courses would see larger modules assessed in a single term.

Revised timetables would also offer full and intensive teaching days along with additional digital resources aimed to cater to students who worked in part-time roles.

Ms Corrin said all UCM course would adopt the approach by 2026.

under an ongoing review of its offering, UCM previously announced it would offer a new degree in Applied Social Science in September 2025.

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