Dumfries and Galloway College is celebrating after reaching the final in two categories at The Herald Higher Education Awards.
DGC has been nominated in the Widening Access Award class for its innovative partnership with the University of West of Scotland (UWS), which provides students with a pathway to gaining a Business Studies (BA Hons) degree while studying at the college’s Dumfries campus.
The college has also made the shortlist for the Supporting Student Wellbeing Award, in recognition of its Student Association’s ‘Here For You’ initiative which recently won the Campaigns Award 2023 at the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland ceremony.
DGC’s Business Studies (BA Hons) degree pathway course will start in August 2023 and recruitment is underway, with a number of positive applications already received. This pathway is ideal for students who show the talent and motivation to enter into degree level early.
Students can now start their journey with DGC from S5 and move up to degree level, all while studying in the same building at the college’s Dumfries campus.
They can effectively complete the full SCQF level 7 course in S6, meaning they would gain their degree just two years after leaving school.
If students can study, live, and network in the region, rather than leave, there is a greater chance that new businesses and employment will be generated due to this new style of education.
This degree pathway concept has been recognised by The Herald Higher Education Awards, which celebrate the extraordinary things that are going on in universities and colleges across Scotland.
DGC is also delighted that its Student Association has gained further recognition by reaching the final in the Supporting Student Wellbeing category. The ‘Here For You’ project was hailed by NUS Scotlandfor ‘supporting students through the cost-of-living crisis’.
The project has taken on several key activities — including a student food bank, self-service facilities on offer at lunchtime, Christmas Gift Appeal and the ‘Here For You’ partnership event — which will also continue to impact students in future years.
College Principal Joanna Campbell said: “We are pleased to learn that our business degree pathway — in partnership with UWS — has been named as a finalist at The Herald Higher Education Awards.
“By offering students the opportunity to gain a Business Studies (BA Hons) qualification, the college is widening access to education on many levels across the region.
“And our Student Association’s nomination is another well-deserved achievement that is a tribute to their tireless work and altruistic attitude in helping learners succeed.”