Going to College can be a complex business. Apart from the financial issues and time commitments, the whole determination of what course to take and what qualification you can expect – or aim for – at the end of your time in college, can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, in Bermuda, we have the Bermuda College, which is recognised for its academic excellence in many disciplines as well as its ability to encourage the academic or career advancement of its students. Try taking a look at their range of academic programmes and professional certificates. Even some of us older folks might be pleasantly surprised.
Many young people may not have the financial capability, nor the social maturity to go overseas straight out of high school, yet they are keen to attain a higher level of education and qualifications to get that dream job. That concern has been addressed and remedied by Bermuda College.
I chatted to Dr Constance Ridley-Smith, who wears two hats at Bermuda College – coordinator, training, professional development, and coordinator, external programmes & articulation agreements. She spoke about the college’s Transfer Pathways Programme.
This programme gives students the opportunity to obtain their associate degree at the college, transferring their academic credits to the third year of a four-year college or university, or to the second year in the UK. Bermuda College has these transfer agreements or pathways with nearly 40 accredited institutions in the US, Canada, the West Indies/Caribbean, and the UK.
Dr Ridley-Smith explained: “In the last five years, we have broadened our subject areas. Whereas most partnerships were previously in business and accounting, we now have law at the University of Buckingham, Marine Science at Arizona State via Bermuda’s own BIOS, Sports Medicine at Voorhees University in South Carolina, the opportunity to play college sports at Thomas College, and exciting opportunities at Troy University in Alabama.
“Recognising the changing world of academics, we have boosted our online partnerships. This is a plus for young persons and mature learners like me who want to participate in lifelong learning without leaving home and disrupting their lives. We offer undergraduate degrees online in Risk Management, Nursing, Cyber Security, Fashion Design, Music, and many other options.
“After spending two years at Bermuda College and attaining at least a 2.0 GPA, the student can apply for admission into one of the institutions on Bermuda College’s transfer pathways list. Thereafter, the student can complete a further two years of study at partner institutions to attain the internationally-recognised bachelor’s degree in many different disciplines, commonly known as subject areas. Moreover, Bermuda College’s partners offer a range of scholarships possible for their international students.
“These programmes have been rigorously negotiated to guarantee a two-plus-two option. In order to make good on that promise, it is strongly advised that coursework (your major) at Bermuda College correlates to the bachelor’s degree that you intend to take at the overseas institution. You can change your major once you get abroad, but it will take you longer than the two-plus-two option implies.”
Having said that, Bermuda College recognises that objectives, especially in education, can change through the learning years, and discussion with a college counsellor and academic advisor is recommended. Earliest discussions are advised.
Students who are UK-bound will benefit from the college’s one-year Foundation Diploma, designed for smooth transfer. The advisement process assists not only with the identification of courses and requirements, but also with a full itinerary of subject matter, classes and time frames.
Visit “Transfer Pathways” on the Bermuda College website. From the “Menu”, “Academics”, then “Transfer Pathways”. Next, call Bermuda College to schedule an appointment. They will provide you with the best possible options for your academic and, ultimately, career success. This part of the pathways programme underscores the Bermuda College mission statement: “Many paths. Discover yours.”
