University College Isle of Man expands health courses to meet demand

Degrees offered at the university college are validated by the University of Chester

Health and social care qualifications offered at the Isle of Man's only university college have been expanded to meet growing demand in the sector.

University College Isle of Man (UCM) has launched four pathways for degree students to specialise in areas such as public health or end of life care.

UCM's Gail Corrin said this was aimed at "broadening the appeal" for those seeking a future career in healthcare.

She said the island's health sector was a "significant employer".

Under the changes, undergraduates studying health and social care will be able to specialise in children and young people, end of life care, mental health, or public health in their second year.

The four new degree options were announced by UCM alongside new higher education courses in both sport and the arts.

All degrees offered at the government-funded centre are validated externally by the University of Chester.

'Well trained'

Ms Corrin, who is UCM's Higher Education Manager, said it was "widely known and accepted" that high quality health and social care services were "critical for the island".

UCM was committed to ensuring workers were "well trained and well qualified" to help meet demand for staff in this sector, she said.

Specialist training was set to be included within the new pathways, with organisations such as Hospice Isle of Man set to bring "real world experience" to the courses, Ms Corrin said.

Offering four distinct degrees within the same broad subject was also an "economical and efficient" way to boost student numbers without greatly increasing costs, she added.

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