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Degree success for Angus Cohort

The first Angus College/Robert Gordon University cohort to complete the BA Management Studies degree graduated this week in the Aberdeen Business School graduation ceremony at Robert Gordon University. The students completed the qualification over an 18 month study period using a blended form of delivery, primarily through innovative online technology.  
 
The BA Management Studies is a unique course, which was recognised as an example of good practice by HMIE and shortlisted for an e-learning award last year. The first cohort of 16 students to complete the qualification were also able to attend additional face to face classes delivered in the evenings at Angus College’s Forfar learning centre.  
 
The programme seemed like an ideal opportunity to 28 year old Brechin High teacher Scott McGarvey who enrolled on the course with a view to achieving his ambition of being a guidance teacher.  
 
Through online delivery methods including podcasts, live broadcasts and video clips Mr McGarvey was able to study from home in the evenings after work. The flexible nature of the nature of the course has attracted interest from across the public and private sectors including the NHS and education.  
 
Mr McGarvey was amongst the first to graduate at the RGU ceremony having completed the course in just 9 months. After seeing the course on the Angus College website he enquired if it was possible to take cohorts 1 and 2 together, the College assessed Mr McGarvey’s needs and helped him to progress through the course through the 9 month period of study. Having completed the course Mr McGarvey now has time to concentrate on the dissertation for his M.Ed which he plans to finish in January.  
 
The course was developed as part of the Virtual Learning Angus programme supported by the European Social Fund. The idea was conceived when research revealed a degree deficit in the Angus area 11 per cent bellow the national average.  
 
Angus College Director of Learning and Teaching Barbara Nelson said “The course was specifically designed to provide higher education on a part-time basis within a rural community. The use of online technology has been vital in achieving this.”  
 
“It is great to see the first cohort completing their qualification. We will be celebrating not only their success but also the success of a great partnership between Angus College and Robert Gordon University staff who worked together to develop and deliver a unique opportunity for learners.”