29TH JUN 2023
Why study at GC? Hear from our University-level students
We recently caught up with our university-level alumni during their graduation ceremony last November. What better way to discover what it’s really like to study at Gloucestershire College by hearing what our students have to say?
We recently caught up with our university-level alumni during their graduation ceremony last November. What better way to discover what it’s really like to study at Gloucestershire College by hearing what our students have to say?
Jai Cross studied HNC and HND Graphic Design at our Gloucester Campus, after an industry week where the course stood out to him due to its creativity.
"My tutor was really accommodating throughout my course, and this made a difference when I moved from school to college as all the staff were friendly and made the transition easier.
"I'm currently in full-time work while doing freelance on the side but I'm looking to go to University to study at a higher level soon. I would recommend GC to other aspiring graphic design students; I even recommended it to my younger brother who is starting soon.
"A lot of people think that going away to study at University is the only option, but it's better to stay where you know and study while you're at home."
Izabela moved to England from Poland and decided to change her career direction into accounting. After finishing her Professional Diploma Apprenticeship in Accounting at Advanced Innergy Solutions, we caught up with her to learn more about degree apprenticeships at GC.
“At the beginning of my apprenticeship with Advanced Innergy Solutions, I started with admin duties, but as my knowledge and experience were increasing, I was able to progress to more complex tasks including bookkeeping, cost analysis, budgeting, and accounting as a whole.
“It was an apprenticeship requirement that I would be in college for one day per week to study. My employer was very supportive of this arrangement and would always give me time to study and work on college assignments.
“Apprenticeship seemed like a good way for me to get a head start by gaining valuable work experience in Accountancy at the same time as I was studying towards my qualifications.”
Tonia Hamilton became a business lecturer after completing her Postgraduate Certificate in Education in 2022. After the Higher Awards Ceremony, we caught up with her to see what she thought of the course and what made her study at GC.
"I got made redundant, I was an account assistant years ago and became a full-time mum after I had two children, and I decided to go back to college.
"I would 100% recommend the course, it has been absolutely brilliant. I've loved HNC, HND, and PGCE. My number one tip for getting back into education is just to go for it. I'm a mature student and I tried it, and I absolutely loved it."
Fashion and textiles student, Olivia Simpson, completed her HNC and HND because of the freedom she had to choose the modules she wanted to study around her specialism.
"I tried university, and it simply wasn’t for me. I much prefer the atmosphere at college, because the classes are smaller, and I have a much closer relationship with the lecturers. They know where my skillset lies and what exactly I need to work on. They can offer me support where I need it.
"The facilities within the fashion department were second to none and I feel prepared for the real world of work and hope that I can be a stylist/designer one day."
Sylvester Ghanney has always been interested in engineering and took the decision to study at GC to gain additional qualifications in Electronic and Electrical Engineering with a HND course.
"My lecturers were superb; always willing to help and very supportive to those who want to learn. The equipment is perfect too. During my first year, I was tasked to design an instrument for the lower-level students to use for testing, and in the second year, we worked as a collective to design a 3D printer for a parts supply unit.
"My next steps will be to continue my studies and go on to study a BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering at UWE (University of the West of England), with a view to becoming a Design Engineer in the future."
Enya Eckersley is a recent alumni, having completed her HNC in Construction last year. Here's what she had to say:
"I really enjoyed meeting new people and making those relationships with everyone, we got very close. The qualification really has helped a lot with my current employer. I would just say do it. It really is worth it and opens up a lot of doors for you.”
Vicky Asirvatham finished her foundation degree in counselling and now works as a counsellor and psychotherapist. Here's what she had to say:
"I did enjoy this course and my tutors were really amazing, they were so understanding. If it wasn't for my tutors, I wouldn't be here today. I'm really excited that I got a job even before I could graduate, I'm really very pleased and excited about that."
At Gloucestershire College, we have an extensive selection of University-Level courses including HNCs, HNDs, foundation degrees, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications and apprenticeships. With competitive fees and no relocation expenses, studying locally can help reduce the financial burden when studying a higher education course.
Ready to find out more and study at GC? View our prospectus or apply today.
