There will be an open evening for potential students interested in studying history and heritage at University College Isle of Man next week.

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 10 undergraduate and three postgraduate degrees through the University of Chester, including an undergraduate degree in history and heritage. UCM students enrol and graduate with the University of Chester, but live and study here.

The UCM says more than 90 per cent of its graduates find relevant employment by the time they graduate.

A spokesman said this was because UCM worked closely with island-based organisations, giving students opportunities to meet with potential employers throughout their studies.

In addition, every student had the opportunity to undertake a five-week work-placement in their second year.

UCM has around 300 students and, for many people, the smaller class-sizes and close-knit UCM community offer distinct benefits.

Chloe Love, who has just finished her first year studying history and heritage at UCM said: ’It’s great to have the opportunity to study on-island and I am thoroughly enjoying the degree.

’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 and 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,’ she said.

’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.’

History and heritage programme leader Dr Catriona Mackie said the 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,’ she said.

To find out more about the BA (Hons) history and heritage, and about UCM’s evening classes in Manx history and heritage, go to the open-evening on Monday, May 22, from 6pm to 7.30pm, in Elmwood House, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas.

Staff and students will offer advice about studying history at university and studying at UCM.