First computing degree students graduate from Middlesbrough College

Future leaders of the world’s digital sectors are among the first cohort of degree level students to graduate from Middlesbrough College’s brand new computing qualification.

The group of 9 students – which includes young learners who’ve progressed from school, as well as mature students – have all successfully completed the College’s new BSc (Hons) Computing Top-up degree.

This new programme – offered in partnership with The Open University – follows on from the College’s hugely successful Foundation Degree in Computing.

It has allowed previous graduates to return to the classroom and top-up to a full level 6 qualification, equivalent to an undergraduate honours degree.

Among the graduates are 3 students who have been with the College since leaving school at the age of 16. Tom Curry, Muhammad Asad and Nabeel Hussain all started out on Level 3 Computing courses, successfully progressing to complete university level programmes.

Nabeel Hussain – who achieved a first class honours – the highest awarded level, said: “I chose to progress as I knew that having a full honours degree would open the doors to new job opportunities.

“The flexibility to attend College one day a week whilst completing assignments from home allowed me to fit my studies around my full-time work, so it was a no brainer for me to come back.”

Alongside Nabeel’s full-time position as a kitchen designer for Wren Kitchens, he also takes on freelance work as a website designer in his spare time.

“My plans are to stay in this role for the foreseeable future whilst I gain further experience and build a portfolio through my freelance work.

“I’ve also started supporting with the software development for Wren Kitchens, and there may be more opportunities as the business expands.

“Anyone who’s interested in computing should consider this course, they would get the full support from tutors and gain a qualification that they can use to kickstart their career.”

Tom Curry – another student who completed their degree whilst in full-time employment, said: “I chose the top-up programme because I wanted to achieve a full honours degree.

“The course has allowed me to increase my knowledge of user experience design, something that has been a great asset in my role at Colewood Internet.

“Despite the challenges of Covid, my tutors were great and always on hand to support, offering 1:1 video calls to give regular feedback on my work.”

The BSc Computing Top-up Degree covers a range of topics which include application programming, ethical hacking practices, the creation of e-commerce platforms and data science practices.

Cher Griffiths, Lecturer on the programme said: “We’re so proud of our first intake of graduates, who have worked incredibly hard, in most cases juggling full-time work, families and study.

“This year presented additional challenges brought on by the pandemic, however all students kept their eyes on the end goal and continued to work incredibly hard from home.

“Of the 9 students who completed the course, two thirds graduated with first class honours. This is an outstanding achievement and a clear demonstration of the commitment and hard work of the group.”

Middlesbrough College’s partnership with The Open University delivers jobs-focussed, affordable and flexible degree courses that are designed to give graduates the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.

Courses typically offer more one-to-one time with teaching staff, including smaller class sizes and more teaching hours than traditional universities. The College is also rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a coveted Government award programme that scores providers on the quality of teaching and employment success for students. 

Find out more about Higher Education courses at Middlesbrough College.

*Photo taken when student received their Foundation Degree Award, November 2019.