Take those vital steps to success

by Mairi Mallon© The Herald
Originally published: 08.08.2006



FOR those who still dream of going to university, but have not made the grade with their Highers this year, there is an alternative route to academic and career success.

Studying at Motherwell College can not only be used as an access route to university but also as a direct way to get into a chosen career.

"There are lots of benefits to be had from completing the first two years of study at college before moving on to a degree at university, " said a college spokesperson. "The first thing is to do with finances. If you study for your HNC then HND over two years at college, and complete a degree course within two years of achieving your HND, you are not eligible to pay the compulsory graduate endowment of more than GBP2000."

According to the college, this means students will be able to move into employment free of the vast amount of student debt accumulated by students going straight into their first year at university.

Studying at college also offers smaller class sizes and more individual attention, as well as better support from student services.

Former Motherwell College student Anne McLean graduated from Strathclyde University with a BA degree in history and politics last year. To get there she took HNC/D social sciences at Motherwell.

"The lecturers at Motherwell College were a total inspiration and without their patience and encouragement, I would never have got to where I am today, " she said. "I would be lying if I said that gaining my degree was easy because it was a hard slog. I can honestly say it was the hardest thing I have ever done. But I would not have missed it for the world."

A college education can also open doors to dream jobs, offering a start further up the career ladder or as a help in starting a business.

Jacqueline O'Donnell, owner of The Sisters restaurants, in Jordanhill and Kelvingrove in Glasgow, decided that a college course would be the best way to get her career under way and took an HND in hospitality management.

"Motherwell College provided a great foundation for me and, to this day, I still refer to what I learned there, " she said. "I found Motherwell College to be a friendly and supportive environment and I still remember the buzz in the training kitchens."

The college has also just launched Scotland's first course in rock and pop music. The course, which is aimed at anyone who may enjoy jamming or playing in a band, has the backing of Wet Wet Wet guitarist Graeme Duffin, producer Sandy Jones and sound engineer Ted Blakeway. The year-long course, launched to give budding musicians the foundation to pursue a career in the music industry, is highly practical, incorporating solo and group performance, recording and production techniques and songwriting. Graduates will be able to go on to HNC courses in musical technology and music performance.

The college also offers challenging, new creative courses this year, including HNC computer arts and design, HNC photography and HNC multimedia computing: web design.

These courses are being run in addition to the HND filmcraft and animation. The college has formal agreements in place with partner universities for students from HNC/D courses to continue with degree courses.

Students can complete the first two years at Motherwell with guaranteed access to third year from a number of degree programmes including graphic art, animation, multimedia design, film and media studies.

The college is also keen to recruit students for its HNC and HND computer-aided draughting and design programmes, as employers have been clamouring for more graduates from this area.

The college is hosting information days today and on August 23 on campus. For course and application enquiries call 01698 232425 or email information@motherwell. co. uk.