University College Isle of Man is holding an open day next week to try to entice more students to take degree course there.

It will take place at the Nunnery campus in Douglas on Wednesday, October 11.

In addition to offering the opportunity to talk with lecturers about the 12 degree-level programmes and tour the Nunnery campus, the event also showcases many of the companies on the Isle of Man that offer career and work experience opportunities for graduates.

The Nunnery campus hosts the majority of UCM’s degree programmes, including computer science, applied computing, business management, marketing and event management and finance and accounting. It also hosts professional, work-based degrees, as well as postgraduate programmes and work-based MBA. UCM also offers degrees in history and heritage, public health and art.

Jo Pretty, principal of the UCM, said: ’It’s essential we prepare our students with the skills they need to be contributors to the island’s growing and diversifying economy.

’Knowledgeable, highly skilled and enterprising graduates from all our degrees are of immense value to the island. Two of our new courses this year are an example of that; BSc Hons in cybersecurity and MSc in computer science.

She added: ’Last year an outstanding 83% of UCM higher education students gained a top grade (a first class or upper second class degree).

’In addition, they forged valuable connections with local employers and organisations, and participated in research projects that will prepare them for the workplace.’

Studying on-island is now recognised as the ’value for money’ choice.

’Eligible UCM degree students are not required to contribute to course fees, avoid travel expenses and, in many cases, maintain part-time work. UCM higher education students are also able to gain important off-Island experience through field trips and international placements.

The Nunnery campus is a partnership between UCM and International Centre for Technology Ltd (ICT), a private company that bought the Nunnery site in January 2015 to develop what is described as ’a premier learning environment’ with UCM and provide a hub to promote technology and enterprise skills.

The open day will take place from 3pm to 6pm.

The event includes short presentations at 4pm from Katie Nicholson, the manager of Bridge Angel Network, which supports start-up businesses and entrepreneurs, and professional golfer Tom Gandy, both local graduates.

Ms Nicholson will challenge guests to consider the attributes of an enterprising graduate.

She said: ’High quality educational qualifications can provide a platform for a successful career and the creation of an enterprising organisation; but equally so are the personal attributes and attitudes of the graduate. Knowledge alone will not generate success.’