South West College alumni Niamh Elliott and Joanne Murphy are celebrating graduating with Honours degrees from Ulster University after using the Foundation Degree in Science in Health and Social Care at SWC's Erne campus as a stepping stone towards their dream careers.
With applications for the Foundation Degree still open this September, graduates Niamh and Joanne are encouraging others to consider the higher education course, highlighting the opportunities it provided and the benefits of studying locally.
Reflecting on their journeys, both graduates said the Foundation Degree played a key role in helping them achieve their ambitions. Niamh and Joanne both found the foundation degree gave them the opportunity to access higher education close to home, benefit from dedicated lecturer support and gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress to Honours Degree. They believe the qualification provided a strong foundation for further study and helped them take important steps towards their chosen careers.
Niamh's journey began at South West College on the Level 3 Children's Care, Learning and Development programme before progressing to the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care. She went on to complete a BSc (Hons) in Health and Wellbeing at Ulster University and is now preparing to undertake a PGCE at Liverpool Hope University as she works towards a career in teaching.
Joanne's pathway was equally inspiring. After completing an Access Diploma at South West College, she progressed to the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care before graduating this summer with a BSc (Hons) in Health and Wellbeing from Ulster University. Joanne is now pursuing the relevant graduate route into Social Work, building on her passion for supporting others and making a positive difference in people's lives.
Chris McDowell, Curriculum Manager, Health Life and Personal Sciences said:
"We are delighted to see both Niamh and Joanne achieve such success and continue progressing towards their chosen careers. Their journeys demonstrate the strength of the Foundation Degree as a pathway to further study and professional opportunities.
"Many students are surprised by the breadth of opportunities that can follow this qualification. It can lead to careers in health and social care, social work, community development, education and a range of related sectors, while also providing a strong foundation for honours degree study and professional training.
"Studying locally enables students to access high-quality higher education close to home, while benefiting from the personalised support and flexible learning environment that South West College is known for."
South West College is continuing to accept applications for the Foundation Degree in Science in Health and Social Care at its Erne campus. The programme is open to school leavers with A Levels or a relevant Level 3 qualification, as well as those with relevant work or life experience through the College's Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process. Anyone considering a career in health, social care or a related profession is encouraged to apply.