UCOL BLOG

Palmerston North people with an interest in art and design now have an opportunity to do a certificate programme at UCOL.

The new programme – the Certificate in Art and Design – starts at UCOL mid-April and will end in December.

Students will study full time, learning about drawing, painting, computer graphic design, and New Zealand art history.

Head of UCOL’s School of Photography, Arts and Design Rachel Hoskin says the programme will appeal to people who want to create and find out more about original art and design. “It can also be used as a foundation programme for those who want to go on to further study on our arts and design degree programmes at Whanganui and Palmerston North, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts offered at Whanganui UCOL.” Read More: “New Art and Design programme at UCOL”…

Award-wining graduate Sarah Williams says the Quay School of the Arts at Whanganui UCOL has been a huge part of her life for the past four years.

“During the years of studying towards my Bachelor of Fine Arts, I have built friendships and bonds and a bank of knowledge to last a lifetime,” she says.

Sarah will graduate at Whanganui UCOL’s graduation ceremony at 1 pm tomorrow at the Jubilee Stadium. Read More: “Sarah has the drive for success as an artist”…

Beauty Therapist graduate Richelle Hopkinson already runs her own salon in Whanganui.

The 41 year old was named top student during her Certificate in Beauty Therapy studies in 2010. She was again recognised last year in the Diploma in Beauty Therapy programme, with the top student and the best Advanced Makeup prizes.

Richelle will graduate at Whanganui UCOL’s graduation ceremony  at 1 pm tomorrow at the Jubilee Stadium.

Whanganui-born Richelle was always keen to pursue a career in nursing or beauty therapy. “When I heard there was a beauty course at Whanganui UCOL, I jumped in!” she says. Read More: “Richelle provides top beauty therapy”…

Jess Van Der Lee admits she was rather rebellious and lacked social skills throughout her school years.

“I’m not naturally what you would call a people person,” she says. “But I’ve always been really comfortable around computers.”

The result? Jess will graduate with two qualifications at Whanganui UCOL’s graduation ceremony  at 1 pm tomorrow at the Jubilee Stadium. Read More: “Double graduation for computer buff Jess”…

Hard work and commitment has paid off for 275 Whanganui UCOL graduates who earned degrees, certificates and diplomas last year.

Many of the graduates will attend this Thursday’s annual Graduation Ceremony in Whanganui, to receive their new qualifications.

This year the graduation ceremony will be held at the Jubilee Stadium on Thursday 29 March at 1 pm. Read More: “Whanganui UCOL celebrates graduates”…

Former Masterton Mayor Bob Francis and chef Al Brown have been honoured by the Council of the Universal College of Learning for their contribution to UCOL and the wider community.

Bob Francis received the Honorary Fellow award, the Council’s highest Honour, at today’s UCOL graduation ceremony in Masterton. The award recognises an outstanding and distinguished contribution to UCOL and/or the wider community. Wairarapa-born chef Al Brown received the Honorary Associate award, for a significant and distinguished contribution.

The awards were presented by UCOL Council Chair Trevor Goodwin who said Mr Francis had a longstanding interest and involvement with tertiary education in the Wairarapa. “He was involved in the inception of Wairarapa Community Polytechnic in 1989 and has continued to support the provision of tertiary education in the region. This often required advocacy in political and economic environments that were a challenge to polytechnics remaining viable, with changing demographics.  Read More: “UCOL honours Bob Francis and Al Brown”…