University College Isle of Man (UCM) has celebrated the achievements of 135 students who completed their qualifications at its annual Graduates’ Ceremony at the Villa Marina.

The ceremony took place on Friday, October 9, bringing together graduates, their families, college staff and invited guests to recognise the students’ academic achievements.

The event was officially opened by Paul Craine MLC, who welcomed those attending the celebrations.

Among the awards presented during the evening was the Liam Arrowsmith Higher Education Student of the Year Award, which was awarded to Matthew Brand.

Mr Brand also achieved a BA (Hons) in Highways Engineering, Network Planning and Asset Management through UCM’s Professional Development Degree framework.

The Research Award, supported by Utmost International, was presented to BA (Hons) Business Management student Eden McCubbin, which recognises excellence in research undertaken as part of higher education studies.

The ceremony also saw UCM confer an Honorary Fellowship on Chris Kissack, in recognition of his achievements and continued contributions to the college.

The annual event recognises students who have completed qualifications across the college’s higher and further education programmes, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions to education and the wider community.

UCM is the island’s main further and higher education provider. Based in Douglas, it offers a range of academic, vocational and professional courses for school leavers and adult learners.

Its provision includes further education, apprenticeships, technical and vocational training, professional qualifications and higher education courses, including degrees. The college also works with employers to provide training and professional development designed to meet the needs of the island’s workforce.

Through its range of study options, UCM provides opportunities for students to progress into employment, develop existing careers or continue their education without necessarily having to study away from the Isle of Man.

Business Management students - (Left to right) Yoana Soradzhieva, Josh Whyman, Francesca Sharp, lecturer Dr Florida Clements, Angus Livingston, Cameron Goldie and Wiktoria Gral
Business Management students: (Left to right) Yoana Soradzhieva, Josh Whyman, Francesca Sharp, lecturer Dr Florida Clements, Angus Livingston, Cameron Goldie and Wiktoria Gral (University College Isle of Man)
Winner of 2025 Liam Arrowsmith Student of the Year Award, Luke Sherwood-Walker, sharing his experience a year after graduating
Winner of 2025 Liam Arrowsmith Student of the Year Award, Luke Sherwood-Walker, sharing his experience a year after graduating (University College Isle of Man)
Cybersecurity students – (left to right) Subothini Sivakumar, Spencer Clarke, Lewis Ollier, Torin Shimmin-Munk, Regan Williams, Ben Drisdale and Aaron Harris
Cybersecurity students: (Left to right) Subothini Sivakumar, Spencer Clarke, Lewis Ollier, Torin Shimmin-Munk, Regan Williams, Ben Drisdale and Aaron Harris (University College Isle of Man)
Abbie Tate (right), who collected BA (Hons) Creative Practice (Visual Communications) with Professor Paul Bissell, Pro Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Chester
Abbie Tate (right), who collected BA (Hons) Creative Practice (Visual Communications) with Professor Paul Bissell, Pro Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Chester (University College Isle of Man)
Chris Kissack (left) who was awarded Honorary Fellow and UCM Principal Jesamine Kelly
Chris Kissack (left) who was awarded Honorary Fellow and UCM Principal Jesamine Kelly (University College Isle of Man)
Research Award winner, Eden McCubbin (right), with UCM Chair of Governors, Leslie Wong
Research Award winner, Eden McCubbin (right), with UCM Chair of Governors, Leslie Wong (University College Isle of Man)
Spencer Clarke who collected BSc (Hons) in Cybersecurity (right), with Professor Paul Bissell
Spencer Clarke who collected BSc (Hons) in Cybersecurity (right), with Professor Paul Bissell (University College Isle of Man)
Liam Arrowsmith Student of the Year, Matthew Brand (right), with UCM Chair of Governors, Leslie Wong
Liam Arrowsmith Student of the Year, Matthew Brand (right), with UCM Chair of Governors, Leslie Wong (University College Isle of Man)