Why I Love Doing a Degree on the Isle of Man

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a student on the island? Probably not, but I’m going to tell you anyway. 

Did you know that UCM offers a total of 13 different degree courses? I didn’t either to be honest.

Admittedly, the nightlife for a student on the Isle of Man is not what it would be across. This can only be seen as a benefit for your studies, though, as it arguably allows you to stay more focused and less hungover than the average UK student. It’s also more financially sustainable and means I don’t have to survive on rice and beans. 

With personal experience of studying UCM’s History & Heritage degree, higher education on the Isle of Man could arguably be deemed as underrated. 

As a second year student, in a class of four, the course has already provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge. It might not sound too glamorous at this point, but you’ll want to study here by the time I’ve finished, I promise. 

Run in conjunction with the University of Chester, meaning that we have access to their online library and resources as well as UCM’s (along with graduating with the University), I have not regretted the choice to study at home, despite the shocking nightlife scene. 

Modules on the course can vary from year to year, but are lectured by passionate individuals who can make any subject matter fascinating and care about each and every student. When faced with my own personal problems, I was met with support and compassion by my lecturers where I may not have been on a course of 50-plus people elsewhere. 

The American Revolution, 1,000 years of European history, crime and poverty in the 19th century, and disputed Irish history are just some of the historical modules we have completed. Each has offered insight into the way we look at and judge history. 

We also study the heritage industry and museum management, which has become a particular area of interest for me, which I might not have considered on a standard history degree.

A particular eye-opener was the module, ‘Introduction to the Isle of Man’. This module consisted of the history of the island’s geography, archaeology, folklore, prominent figures and general Manx identity amongst other things. 

Despite having lived on the island for most of my 21 years, I learnt about my home in a way that had never been explained to me before and that its history is both interesting and important. The module also encouraged us to do our own research about the island early on, which includes going into the Public Record Office and archives, making you feel like a ‘proper’ historian. 

Not only has studying these subjects in a familiar environment with a limited number of people helped me get more out of my studies due to the one-to-one aspects with the brilliant lecturers, but it has also greatly improved my confidence, encouraging students to speak up in seminars and hone presentation skills. 

To me, these are also benefits that could help someone who may struggle with anxiety and not want to study away from home to achieve graduating with a degree in a safe space. 

Nights out have still been known to be arranged, and the small class sizes mean that it has been easier to mingle with students in other years of study, not just socially but also to ask for advice or tips about the course. We are all based at Elmwood House, which is separate from the main UCM building, also making it easier to get to know people with similar interests. 

Studying at home and a lack of nightlife also allows you to carry on with, or be more passionate about, your hobbies or extracurricular activities. Students in my class have been heavily involved with the likes of Manx Auto Sport, caring for their horses full time and partaking in volunteering jobs and part-time work to gain valuable work experience. 

Another bonus of studying on-island as a Manx resident is the cost. I will not be trawling home from university with extensive debt. For a Manx resident, the three-year course costs around about half of what it costs in the UK for just one year, and student grants are also available to those who qualify for tuition fees. 

Students are also able to transfer from the Isle of Man to the University of Chester on some courses that are run in conjunction, if they so wish (not that you would want to, of course!). 

But, the course is not going ahead for the 2023/24 study year, as there were not enough applicants to justify its running. This is a great shame because the lecturers, subject matter, and overall skills the degree provides a student have a lot to offer. 

Hopefully next year will see an influx of students wanting to benefit from studying on the island, and revive the brilliant History & Heritage course. 

Convinced, yet?