As A-level and GCSE results arrive, Christopher Sheridan, from Gortatole near Florencecourt, is encouraging students to consider the “high-quality” further and higher education opportunities available closer to home.
Having previously studied at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Christopher completed a Level 3 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at South West College (SWC) before moving to London to study a BA in Games, Modelling, Animation & Effects.
After his first year, Christopher decided the course was not right for him and took a break from education. However, he did not give up on his ambition to achieve a degree and, after attending a SWC open day, discovered the College offered specialist higher education courses in games, allowing him to pursue his studies closer to home.
The open day also gave Christopher the reassurance he needed to return to education, with many of his questions about how the course would be delivered and the support available for his additional learning needs answered either on the day or through follow-up emails.
Christopher said: “I chose South West College because it provided a clear course specification, the campus was much closer to me than Belfast or London, and the cost of the course was among the lowest in Northern Ireland. From the beginning, I felt well supported, and the courses represented excellent value for money.”
Christopher first completed the Level 5 HND in Creative Media Production (Games Design) at SWC’s Enniskillen Campus before returning to complete the Level 6 BA (Hons) in Visual Media Arts (Games) at the Erne Campus, achieving his honours degree.
Throughout his studies, Christopher overcame learning barriers while developing valuable technical and practical skills. He credits the support of his lecturers and the College’s student-centred approach with helping him build both his confidence and capabilities.
Christopher said: “I always felt supported with my learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia, as well as with my academic work in general. The support from my teachers was always present, and there was a clear ethos that they wanted students to succeed academically and gain meaningful employment.”
Following graduation, Christopher secured a role with local 3D visualisation company Envision Studio, where he produced 3D visualisation work for clients, collaborated on innovation projects through SWC’s InnoTech team and represented the company at sector-wide events.
The role helped him further develop his technical expertise, industry knowledge and professional skills, preparing him for his latest career move with STRIDE.
Christopher believes SWC played a key role in helping him achieve both his academic and career ambitions and said: “South West College was instrumental in helping me achieve both my academic and professional successes. SWC provided specialist games courses, supported me throughout my studies and helped create opportunities that strengthened my career prospects.”
Encouraging prospective students to explore their options locally, Christopher praised the College's student-centred approach and growing range of higher education programmes.
Christopher said: “I would recommend South West College because it is a local college with a genuine ethos of supporting students and their learning. It is no longer inevitable that someone must leave for a large city to receive a high-quality education. There are now many excellent opportunities available locally.”