‘Honours degree while you work’ initiative to launch

Launching from May 2020, the BA (Hons) Applied Business degree is offered by Edinburgh Napier University. It will boost employees’ skills and improve their career prospects, and Coleraine-based Gradworks is now working to promote the programme across Northern Ireland.

“This course allows students to achieve a BA (Hons) degree from one of the UK’s leading universities,” says Catherine McBride, director, Gradworks.

“Edinburgh Napier is ranked highly in the UK for nurturing student talent, and the University will provide ongoing academic and pastoral support to students throughout the three-year duration of their studies.”

Students will attend classes in Antrim on a day-release basis – weekly in year one, on Fridays, and monthly in years two and three. They will also undertake work-based learning assessments from the outset, which will balance theory with day-to-day work experience to give them fresh insights.

“These assessed work-based projects also offer significant business benefit from the outset,” adds Catherine.

One business quick to recognise the opportunity has been Coleraine-based JKC BMW & Mini.

“We are delighted to be supporting one of our managers onto the BA (Hons) Applied Business degree,” says Ashley Hay, Finance & HR Manager.

“This course provides relevant content to our business needs and contributes to the Continual Professional Development of our staff. We look forward to working with the academic staff and the Gradworks team for the duration of the programme.”

The Business School at Edinburgh Napier University is focused on creating work-ready graduates, and Gail Boag, Dean, says: “The launch of this new course in Northern Ireland is a significant step towards helping businesses across all sectors to engage their key employees and thrive in a rapidly-evolving commercial environment.”

For anyone interested, but not currently in employment, Catherine McBride adds: “Gradworks can assist in trying to identify a suitable host employer company in Northern Ireland, which will then be supportive to your study needs and provide a workplace mentor.”

Employers and prospective students in Northern Ireland can find out more by contacting Gradworks’ on 02870 511377 or by visiting napier.ac.uk/courses.