BSDC Education Students Earn 17 High Honors

Seventeen students on Burton and South Derbyshire College’s (BSDC) University Centre BA (Hons) Education Top-Up program have graduated with eight First Class Honours degrees and nine Upper Second Class Honours degrees. The results were celebrated at the college’s graduation ceremony at St. George’s Park. The program is run in partnership with and accredited by the University of Staffordshire. BSDC students also gave the college an average positivity rating of 97.6% across all seven themes in the latest National Student Survey.

Results And Student Support

Students gave BSDC 100% satisfaction for Academic Support in the survey. The college said its scores exceeded benchmark results in every surveyed area.

The Education Top-Up degree is intended for people already working in education, combining workplace experience with study of learning, professional practice and the wider educational environment.

Paths Into New Careers

Former teaching assistant Eloise Gascoyne earned a first-class honors degree before becoming a primary school teacher. She is now studying toward a PGCE.

Eloise Gascoyne, former teaching assistant and BSDC graduate, said:

“The course is brilliant because you’re able to work while you study. It combines the two perfectly and was the ideal course for me at that time in my life.”

Eloise Gascoyne, former teaching assistant and BSDC graduate, added:

“Just do it. It opens so many doors for you.”

Adele Hopcott progressed from Supported Teaching and Learning to a Foundation Degree in Education and then the BA (Hons) Education Top-Up degree. She is now pursuing a career in occupational therapy.

Adele Hopcott, BA Education graduate at BSDC, said:

“Through my studies at Burton and South Derbyshire College, I discovered a passion for occupational therapy and sensory integration. It opened doors to a career path I didn’t know existed. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career in education will support me as I move into occupational therapy and continue working with children.”

Higher Education Close To Home

BSDC said its University Centre offers university-level study with support for professional careers and postgraduate study.

Chris Beech, Dean of Higher Education at BSDC, said:

“We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the results they have achieved this year. The combination of outstanding degree outcomes and exceptional National Student Survey feedback demonstrates the quality of the higher education experience available at BSDC’s University Centre. Our students benefit from expert teaching, personalised support and strong links with industry and employers, enabling them to achieve excellent results while studying close to home.”