University of Gibraltar: Where ambitious students flourish

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When looking for a quality student experience in a unique location more and more students are looking to Gibraltar. The University of Gibraltar (UniGib) offers its students high quality, in person teaching and UK-aligned standards, in a safe and multicultural location. Thanks to their small class sizes, combined with the expertise of academic staff, meaningful placements and work experience opportunities, UniGib students can enjoy an exceptional student experience, ensuring they are developing the skills that employers are looking for.

Having recently received glocal accreditation from the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) students can rest easy in the knowledge that they are receiving world-class education while benefiting from all the perks that come with living under the Mediterranean sun.

With all of this on offer, what more could a 21st century learner want? Still need convincing, read what current UniGib students below have to say:

Louise McCarthy

When Louise McCarthy departed the UK to return to Gibraltar, she found that her first degree, in event management, was not offering the job satisfaction that she craved. Immediately, she knew that going back to her roots was the safest, smartest bet. “I saw some vacancies for nursing assistants, so I decided to give this a try; so many of my family members are nurses, it is basically in my blood,” she says.

She quickly realised catering to the needs of others was just as rewarding as it was fulfilling. While undergoing training, she learned of the BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing on offer at UniGib from her peers. “Going for it, in the end, was the best decision that I made,” she says.

Despite the pandemic, the programme was still as experiential as it was designed to be. While some regular placements were cancelled, many topical alternatives arose. For example, McCarthy and her peers were tasked to work in a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, supporting the Gibraltar Health Authority’s (GHA) response to the pandemic. This year, her placements will be focused on better understanding the nursing needs of the elderly.

“These opportunities have been fascinating as there are so many health facilities for the public in Gibraltar,” she explains. “We’ve been able to learn a lot about long-term conditions and how these affect patients and their daily living — the whole experience has been amazing.”

Louise taking part in a practice session in UniGib’s simulation suite. Source: University of Gibraltar

Jacob McGowan-Griffin

Gibraltar-native Jacob McGowan-Griffin made an exciting discovery when he first scrolled through UniGib’s website — its School of Maritime Science had just begun offering the MCA-approved BSc (Hons) Maritime Science with Cadetship programme.

He went from simply toying with the idea of starting a career in the Maritime industry, to coming to a solid decision when he attended an open evening and spoke with University of Gibraltar Maritime Academy Manager, Aaron Lopez, an experienced Marine Engineer and Marine Surveyor.

“I knew that the course was for me as it will give me an advantageous start into a career path and industry that I have had long-standing passion for, especially in the field of engineering,” McGowan-Griffin says.

Today, he has no regrets. So far, he’s been able to participate in various webinars with seasoned professionals whose shoes he hopes to one day fill. Currently on sea placement with Peninsula Petroleum, he’s broadening his horizons in a way textbooks could never, and on his way to becoming a “knowledgeable, safety-forward and environmentally-conscious seafarer”.

“In the short time I have been studying there so far, I have settled into studying well, and alongside gaining knowledge, have found myself ever more passionate about the maritime industry,” he says. “I must praise the number of certifications and materials available to us at the School of Maritime Science.”

Jacob aboard Peninsula Petroleum’s vessel ‘Spectrum’. Source: University of Gibraltar

Suman

Originally from Punjab, India, Suman set her sights on UniGib for fresh cultural perspectives, and the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the international business world. The Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) programme proved to be a fruitful decision for her — one that was made with ample guidance.

Prior to enrollment, Suman reached out to faculty members, who provided comprehensive answers to her questions, and helped her narrow down her options. After choosing the BBA (Hons), she was guided through document submission, payment and visa applications by UniGib’s Student Experience Team.

The support she received continued once she arrived in Gibraltar. Suman was picked up and dropped off to her accommodation alongside a university representative who helped her settle into her new home. She was then guided through the civilian registration process and, given she enrolled in 2020, assisted in completing the necessary COVID-19 safety requirements. With such support in place, Suman was able to fully immerse herself in the UniGib experience.

When asked about her experience, she said, “I am learning so much; best of all, I’m really enjoying it. The tutors are amazing and helpful when there are things I don’t fully understand on the course. They go out of their way to help us; they send us emails and offer extra sessions to assist us with areas that we struggle with.”