University to offer new cutting edge digital courses in state-of-the-art networked studios
STUDENTS TO USE INDUSTRY STANDARD SOFTWARE, VIRTUAL AND MIXED REALITY, 3D PRINTING AND MORE
WITH its cutting edge industrystandard training facilities and boundless ambition for its students, the new Institute of Technology programmes based at the University Centre Grimsby (UCG) are poised for great things over the next few years.
Focusing on specific technical skills, the programmes on offer will ensure that students leave their specialist programme industry ready or ready for further study at degree level.
The new state-of-the-art facility which is due to open its doors in September will see students using industry standard software and computers, virtual and mixed reality, 3D printing and rapid prototyping, all housed within purpose designed fully networked studios allowing opportunities for collaborative digital and traditional work. Enhancing the facility is also a digital demonstration suite, a high-tech theatre and collaborative breakout spaces.
The highly specialised portfolio of programmes offers include a twoyear Foundation Degrees in FdSc Digital and Technology Solutions with both face to face learning and online options, FdA 3D Visualisation and FdSc Software Development. These level 4 and 5 foundation degree courses have been designed with a large input from both experienced educators and industry (Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery Ltd, Olympus Automation Limited and Bakkavor Plc are among its high-profile supporters) - and it shows.
“The facilities, technology, equipment and resources are as good as or better than anything I’ve seen elsewhere in 25 years of teaching,” explains one of the programme leaders Keith Hume.
“The resources are truly excellent for these courses. It is a terrific opportunity to be able to offer an environment for students to learn and develop their potential towards future career aspirations. I’m incredibly opportunistic that this will support our students to produce exceptional work and give them an employable edge in the future.” “This is an ideal place to develop something very special and unique and we are trying to think about it in a different way to a conventional classroom.
“The environment is studio based, much more like industry so it helps students become accustomed to the environments they will eventually work in. We have taken the opportunity to design something from the ground up which not only suits the curriculum but helps the students to understand the ways that people work in industry across various disciplines.
“The learning spaces have been designed around each curriculum area so studio spaces are unique to that course. Digital Technologists, Software Developers and 3D Visualisers have resources and layouts more conducive to the type of work they specialise in - but also have collaborative spaces which encourage peer learning and working in teams as you would in industry.
“The kind of skills we are developing in our undergraduates is what’s needed right now and in the future Digital and Creative Industries. It’s not just the skills they are developing on their individual courses, it’s the ability to collaborate and work across different disciplines, understanding how those disciplines work, and what they can do to support those disciplines.
“It’s important to us to see collaboration between Software Developers, Engineers, 3D Visualisers and Digital Technology Solutions students and across the wider education community.
“It’s not just about gaining a qualification, it’s what you do between all of that - and what we wanted was a space to help students to study in a high-tech creative environment and enjoy feeling part of a community of learning with staff and students across UCG.”
Students are welcomed from all areas, local - ideal for those looking for high quality education without the costs of moving from home and students from further afield who want to study at an outstanding college with great facilities.
Key to the IoT programes is that our students are ready to take up professional positions within companies at the end of their course. One-year BA (Hons) top-ups for the Foundation Degrees will also be offered for those looking for further study, so there is scope for further academic progression.
■ For further information on the IoT courses available at UCG visit: https:// 3dvisualisation. grimsby. ac. uk/ https:// digital- it. grimsby. ac.uk/