Over £30,000 Worth of SWC Higher Education Community Scholarships Awarded to Three Students

South West College (SWC) is proud to announce that three higher education students, Connor McCusker, Luke Mimnagh, and Danielle Denley, have been awarded prestigious SWC Higher Education Community Scholarships. The scholarships, worth a combined total of £31,200 , will cover full-time tuition fees for all three years of their study.

The scholarships form part of SWC’s ongoing commitment to widening access and participation in Higher Education for students from local feeder schools and SWC. Covering full tuition fees over three years, the awards will support Connor, Luke and Danielle as they complete their Foundation Degree and Degree-level studies, removing a significant financial barrier and helping them to focus fully on their academic goals.

Connor McCusker and Luke Mimnagh will study the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Computing. Upon successful completion of this programme, they will progress to the one-year Open University BSc (Hons) Computing Science Top-up programme.

Danielle Denley has been awarded a scholarship to study The Open University Foundation Degree in Visual Media Arts and on successful completion, will progress to the one-year Open University BA (Hons) Visual Media Arts Top-up programme.

Speaking about the impact of the scholarship, the students expressed their gratitude and highlighted how the support will ease the financial pressures associated with higher education.

Connor McCusker said:

“This Higher Education scholarship will make a huge difference by removing the financial pressure of tuition fees. With fewer money worries, I should be able to focus fully on my studies and make the most of my time at SWC whilst gaining my degree.”

Luke Mimnagh added:

Studying at the College means I can earn a recognised degree without the extra costs of moving away, and now with my tuition fees covered, and the high-quality teaching and facilities here I feel I have everything I need to succeed in the IT sector.”

Danielle Denley echoed this, saying:

“SWC’s creative and supportive environment made it my first choice. Being able to stay at home and gain my degree locally, with the added support of this scholarship, has taken away the worry of student debt and opened up exciting opportunities for my future.”