The ceremony opened with a warm address from Victoria Squire, Associate Head of School – Education & Student Experience at the University of Plymouth, who congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone. She praised their resilience and ambition, highlighting the strong partnership between North Devon College and the University of Plymouth in providing high-quality higher education opportunities in North Devon.

Delivering the Graduation Address, Jennifer Grout, Operations Director, EMEA, Eaton Aerospace Ltd, inspired the audience with reflections on leadership, innovation, and the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing global landscape. Drawing on her own experiences in the aerospace industry, she encouraged graduates to be bold, curious, and confident as they embark on their next chapters.

Representing the student body, Jon Walton, who graduated with a Foundation Degree in Sustainable Environment Management, gave a heartfelt Student Address. His words captured the spirit of the graduating class — one of determination, growth, and community. Jon reflected on the friendships formed, challenges overcome, and the shared commitment to creating positive change in their chosen fields.

This year’s cohort of 90 graduates represented a wide range of disciplines, from health and social care to engineering, business, environmental studies, creative media and more — a testament to the University Centres broad and impactful contribution to higher education in the region.

As caps flew and celebrations filled the theatre, the 2025 graduation ceremony stood as a proud reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, perseverance, and passion.

The post North Devon College Celebrates Class Of 2025 University Centre Graduates. appeared first on North Devon College.

Clearing is now live at North Devon College, enabling applicants whose UCAS offers were unconfirmed, declined, or who haven’t yet applied, to choose from available degree-level courses, foundation degrees, HNCs and apprenticeships, all validated by the University of Plymouth

Why Choose North Devon College?

North Devon College believes that degrees are for everyone, no matter your circumstances. With degrees available on your doorstep, our University Centre allows students to studying locally and get hands‑on. With close collaboration with employers and support from a community-focused setting, our degree level courses allow you to work around your busy life.

How to Apply?

Applicants can apply through the UCAS Clearing service using North Devon College’s institution code P51. Alternatively, those who have not yet applied can apply directly via North Devon College’s programme pages or by contacting its Advice & Guidance Team.

To speak to an advisor about course options and suitability, call the Clearing line at 01271  852330 or the Advice & Guidance Centre at 01271  852422

The post North Devon College’s University Centre Opens for Clearing! appeared first on North Devon College.

The event offered a taste of what life is like at North Devon College’s University Centre and features a compelling series of talks from expert lecturers exploring the pressures, challenges, and possibilities of modern digital life, a theme that resonates deeply with today’s social and cultural landscape.

Featured Lectures:

Polly Kinnear – Sociology Specialist
In her talk, Polly dove into online safety, information literacy, and empowering young people to navigate the complexities of digital life. With experience supporting foster children and a background in disability support, mental health, and education, Polly brought both personal insight and professional expertise to her inclusive, student-focused lecture.

Sharon Tomlinson – Health and Social Care Expert
Sharon ead a session titled “The Age of Insecurity and the Rise of Anxiety,” drawing on over 25 years of experience as a qualified nurse in both NHS and private settings. As Programme Manager for the Assistant Practitioner FdSc qualification, Sharon’s teaching is deeply rooted in real-world clinical experience, bringing essential relevance and depth to her lecture.

Tara Davies – Criminology Lecturer
In “Youth in the Crossfire: Navigating Crime, County Lines, and Victim-Offender Blurs,” Tara explored the complex realities faced by young people involved in crime. With over 15 years of teaching experience and an active role in the Youth Justice Service, Tara is dedicated to rehabilitation, restorative justice, and developing students’ critical thinking skills, bringing her experience to her lecture.

This interactive and insightful evening was perfect for anyone considering higher education and looking to study locally at North Devon College’s University Centre. Attendees got the chance to meet the lecturers, ask questions, and immerse themselves in university-level topics, all in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re a school leaver, mature learner, or simply curious about degree-level study, this event was a chance to see what’s possible without leaving North Devon!

The post North Devon College’s University Centre Hosts Inspiring Free Lectures Event for Aspiring Degree Students appeared first on North Devon College.

Marking the final days of the course, students gathered in a relaxed and joyful session to reflect on their hard work, share their achievements, and enjoy each other’s company one last time before heading off to new academic adventures.

As they received and reviewed their grades, a sense of pride and excitement filled the room, for many, this marks a major milestone on their journey towards university degrees and new careers.

The celebration wasn’t all academic, though. Students voted on a series of light-hearted end-of-course awards, with categories like “Biggest Caffeine Dependency,” and “Grumpiest Student” The awards were met with plenty of laughs and fond memories of inside jokes, shared challenges, and unexpected triumphs throughout the year.

Tables were filled with snacks and treats, and as students tucked in, the conversation turned nostalgic. From group study sessions and late-night assignment marathons to friendships formed over coffee breaks and shared ambitions, the students recalled their favourite moments from the course with warmth and humour.

“This has been such a life-changing year,” said one student. “I didn’t think I’d ever be going to university, but here I am, with the grades I need and a group of friends who’ve made this journey unforgettable.”

Tutors also shared their congratulations and pride, reflecting on the dedication, growth, and resilience shown by the group.“The Access to HE course is all about giving people a second chance, and this group has shown exactly what’s possible when you commit to that opportunity,” said a lecturer from the programme. “We’re incredibly proud of every single one of them.”

As the celebration came to a close, there was a sense of both ending and beginning. With university places ahead and bright futures on the horizon, North Devon College’s Access to HE students left the University Centre with memories made, goals achieved, and excitement for what’s next.

The post North Devon College UCND Access to HE Students Celebrate Completing Courses appeared first on North Devon College.

Led by tutors Sam and Matt, the Level 3 students took part in a dynamic Hydra Flooding Emergency Response Simulation in the university’s newly equipped Hydra Suite. The immersive experience allowed students to apply their learning in a high-pressure, real-world scenario, testing their decision-making and teamwork skills in a simulated flooding crisis.

University staff praised the students for their enthusiasm and professionalism, describing them as “an absolute credit” to their college. Alongside the simulation, the visit sparked promising discussions about future collaborations between North Devon College and the University of South Wales, with hopes of developing joint activities and enhanced progression routes for students.

The visit marks a significant step in providing practical, career-focused experiences for North Devon College students aspiring to serve in public service roles.

The post Public Services Students Experience Real-World Crisis Simulation at University of South Wales appeared first on North Devon College.

The event marked the end of their academic journey at this stage and celebrated the achievements, friendships, and progress made throughout their studies. The celebration held special significance for many of the students, who began their educational paths on T Level courses before successfully progressing to degree-level study.

For several, the journey doesn’t stop here, as they now look ahead to further academic and professional development.

The Liberty Centre was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment as students and tutors reflected on their hard work and growth. The event highlighted not only academic achievement but also the strong community spirit and dedication that have defined their time at North Devon College.

This milestone celebration served as a fitting send-off for a group of aspiring educators and childcare professionals who are set to make a meaningful impact in their future careers.

We look forward to seeing the students graduate at North Devon College’s annual graduation ceremony later this year.

The post North Devon College University Centre Students Celebrate Academic Milestone with End-of-Studies Celebration appeared first on North Devon College.

Alongside lecturing on North Devon College’s degree-level Art courses, Olga runs her own successful business creating vibrant, intricate wallpaper and fabric designs, fusing traditional folklore with modern colour palettes. Her designs have caught the eye of customers and interiors enthusiasts around the world. Under her brand Olenka Design, she brings a unique flair to interiors, fusing her creative background with a bold, colourful aesthetic.

Olga’s journey into design was anything but conventional. Originally pursuing creative interests, she found herself falling into an exciting career as a floor pattern designer for retail giant Target. The role saw her traveling the globe, attending international trade shows, and collaborating with major brands, a whirlwind experience that shaped her creative vision and broadened her industry insight.

Driven by a desire for creative independence, Olga took the leap and launched her own brand. Olenka Design now stands as a testament to what can happen when talent, experience, and entrepreneurial spirit come together.

Now, Olga is sharing that passion with students at North Devon College. As a lecturer within North Devon College’s University Centre programmes, she uses her own career experiences to show just how far a creative degree can take you.

Students benefit not only from her industry knowledge, but also from her lived experience of building a brand from the ground up, an invaluable perspective for those aspiring to forge their own creative careers.

With lecturers like Olga leading the way, North Devon College continues to offer students not just education, but real-world inspiration and pathways into thriving creative industries.

The post Staff Spotlight – North Devon College Lecturer Olga Inspires Students With Global Design Industry Success appeared first on North Devon College.

The event featured interactive activities aimed at enhancing students’ aspirations and critical thinking skills. They explored potential university courses, teamed up with peers who shared similar interests, and discussed their excitement about future careers. A key focus was on personal statement writing, helping students identify crucial elements to showcase their strengths.

One highlight of the day was the Moon Landing survival challenge, where students tested their problem-solving and teamwork skills in a critical-thinking scenario. In addition, representatives from The University of Exeter delivered insightful talks, offering guidance on higher education pathways.

The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to refine their ambitions and gain confidence in their university applications, equipping them with essential skills for the future.

The post North Devon Students Aspire to University Success at North Devon College appeared first on North Devon College.

Throughout the day, students were immersed in the university experience. They toured the main campus, gaining an understanding of Exeter’s research-focused teaching style, the world-class learning facilities—including 24/7 libraries, silent study spaces, and research aquariums—and the dynamic student life, with a strong emphasis on sport and extracurricular activities. The students also attended an informative introduction to studying at Exeter, followed by a panel discussion led by five university ambassadors. This engaging Q&A session covered crucial topics such as managing contact hours, budgeting as a student, balancing part-time work, and crafting a strong university application. The ambassadors also shared their personal experiences, providing invaluable insights into why Exeter is a fantastic choice for higher education.

Sarah Freeman, Head of A Levels and organiser of the Aim Higher Academy at North Devon College, reflected on the day’s success:

“We are absolutely thrilled that our students had this fantastic opportunity to experience university life first-hand. The visit provided them with key insights into higher education, helping to break down barriers and inspire their ambitions. Hearing directly from university students and exploring Exeter’s outstanding facilities has been invaluable in helping our learners make informed decisions about their futures.”

For many students, the highlight of the day was the opportunity to engage directly with university lecturers and students. Oscar, who is currently studying Chemistry, Physics, and Maths at North Devon College, said:

“The engineering experience was definitely the highlight for me. Being given a problem and solving it within 15 minutes was a real challenge! Using Menti for interactive discussions made it easy to get broad answers, and the analysis of AI in the tech industry was fascinating.”

Edward, another North Devon College student, found the Bioscience and Geography sessions particularly useful:

“The Bioscience talk was really helpful; it gave us a clear idea of what the course entails. I also found Geography really interesting – I got stuck in, engaging with the lecturers and asking lots of questions.”

Sienna and Aisha, two other attendees, shared their enthusiasm:

“It was a really good day with lots of variation. We liked how we could explore different courses by career paths. The sessions on Medicine and Radiography were especially insightful. Exeter is now a real option for where to go to Uni.”

The day also included valuable information on the university’s support systems, covering academic guidance, health and wellbeing, financial assistance, and accommodation options.

The post North Devon College Students Gain Exclusive Insight into University Life at Exeter Taster Day appeared first on North Devon College.

The film follows amateur ghost hunters who set out to fake a paranormal investigation, only to discover that some spirits refuse to be fooled.

The students, working both in front of and behind the camera, transformed the iconic steamship into a haunted setting where their story of deception and dread unfolds. As the crew’s tricks give way to real terror and members begin to disappear, the ghost hunt takes a chilling turn.

Filming on location aboard the SS Freshspring added an authentic sense of history and atmosphere to the production. Student director, Joel, commented, “We wanted to create a unique horror experience that plays with perception and reality. The ship itself is full of character, and its history adds an extra layer of mystery to our film. It’s been an exciting yet challenging process, but we can’t wait to share the final result.”

With narrow, dim passageways and the creaking of the historic vessel, Chasing Shadows promises an unsettling blend of maritime history and supernatural horror. The students plan to premiere the film later this year, offering audiences a glimpse into the haunted world they’ve created—one where ghost stories may not be as fictional as they seem.

The post Foundation Degree Creative Media Students Film Horror Short Film Aboard SS Freshspring appeared first on North Devon College.