University College Isle of Man (UCM)’s higher education awards ceremony will go ahead at the Villa Marina in October.

UCM staff say that it are delighted that this important event can proceed after lockdown regulations were lifted.

The event will see more than 100 students, receiving their degree and post-graduate awards at UCM, validated by the University of Chester. Students who have completed higher level apprenticeships and professional certifications, will also receive their awards and prizes.

Vice principal Jo Richardson said: ’The event means a lot to students, as it gives them an opportunity to celebrate their success with family and friends - more so because they have had to complete their studies in an extraordinary year with incredible challenges as a result of the pandemic.

’We are even more excited about the event this year because we are one of the very few higher education institutions that will be running a physical, live ceremony, as universities and colleges in the UK have had to postpone or cancel their ceremonies or have held them virtually.’

Formal invitations and further details about the higher education awards ceremony that will take place on Friday, October 9, will be sent out to graduating higher education students and guests soon.