Meet our students
Matthew Dunthorne, Accounting
Matthew Dunthorne (17), a Charleston Academy pupil has ambitions to work as a chartered accountant with a local firm. He opted to study HNC Accounting through UHI Inverness during his last year at school, and said:
"I love the campus building, the atmosphere, the people, the lectures and the course content. It is a fun and engaging course with lots of choice and freedom. I think it offers a very high-quality style of teaching by people who truly understand what they teach.
I feel my studies at UHI Inverness will massively help me jump start my career.
This was the right course for me because accounting runs in the family, I’m very good with numbers and enjoy problem solving. The highlights have been making lots of friends and being able to access extra support when needed."
Grace Thorpe, Acting and Performance
Grace Thorpe (17) from Golspie High School studies NPA Acting and Performance at UHI Inverness. Grace said:
“Although I live in Golspie, Inverness is a place I know really well, and I plan on moving here. I enjoy acting and this course offers a lot of skills which will help me. The people here are all really kind and I look forward to seeing them on Fridays.
“I really enjoy the style of teaching on the course. I always feels comfortable to speak up if I have any issues. I’d like to have a career in acting and I enjoyed performing at our open day. This course will directly help me learn skills I’ll need in the industry. Future students shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there – when performing or meeting people. It’s a nice environment and a very friendly and mature place.”
Kerrie MacDonald-Nethercott, Applied Sciences
Kerrie MacDonald-Nethercott (17) of Grantown Grammar School, had the goal of studying pharmacology at university. Her predicted school grades were lower than she needed to study pharmacology, so Kerrie opted to study an HNC on campus as an alternative pathway to the degree.
"I wanted to go to university to study pharmacology, and I knew this course would allow me to gain access to the pathway.
My favourite part has been getting to meet like- minded people and make new friends while continuing to go into school and enjoy my last year.
Personally, I have really enjoyed the different teaching style compared to school, it works a lot better for me, and the lecturers are very easy to talk to if you need help
Doing the HNC this year has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."
Abigail Lee, Beauty and Hair Styling
Abigail Lee (15), a Culloden Academy pupil, studies NPA Beauty and Hairstyling at UHI Inverness. Abigail said:
"I wanted to see how I worked in different education settings, and I thought a Senior Phase course would be a good way to do that. I love doing stuff like beauty and hairstyling outside of school and I wanted to broaden my skills.
I enjoy seeing people from other schools and going out of my comfort zone. My lecturers create a very nice environment in the class, and they also encourage me to try new things. I also like being treated like an adult, and that UHI Inverness is a very calm environment."
Christian Grant, Civil Engineering
Christian Groat (17) of Charleston Academy, studies a Foundation Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at UHI Inverness as part of his sixth-year school timetable.
"I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after school, so I thought I’d try something different.
I really enjoyed the work placement because it gave me an insight into what civil engineering looks like day-to-day, and I learned what civil engineers do.
The teaching is relaxed and one of the highlights has been the additional learning. I want to be a civil or structural engineer, and I think studying at UHI Inverness will give me a boost when applying to universities."
Aimee-Louise Kermath, Early Education and Childcare
Aimee-Louise Kermath (16), a Dingwall Academy pupil has ambitions to be a nursery teacher. She is studying the Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare course at UHI Inverness, and said:
"It’s a good course that teaches us a lot about child development. My lecturers are very nice and supportive and the way they teach keeps everything fun. Being a Senior Phase student at UHI Inverness is very freeing – I don’t feel stuck in one place for too long."
Leah Baarda, Professional Cookery
Leah Baarda (17), a sixth-year pupil at Fortrose Academy, is studying Professional Cookery at UHI Inverness every Friday. Leah said:
“I wanted to learn to cook and opted for this course to gain experience and now I have applied for the full-time professional cookery course after I leave school. I enjoy making new friends and the free food! The lecturers are very helpful and friendly – our chef is amazing and very funny.”