Government explores expansion of higher education on-Island

DESC considers options to strengthen UCM offering, but rules out new university for now

The Isle of Man Government has ruled out establishing a new ‘autonomous’ university, but says it will continue exploring opportunities to expand higher education provision through University College Isle of Man.

A research paper by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture outlines several policy options aimed at developing an Island Campus aligned to the Isle of Man’s economic needs and sector strengths.

The report, commissioned as part of the Island Plan, evaluates ways to address skills shortages and reverse a long-standing trend of outward migration among young adults.

It identifies a number of challenges facing the Island’s labour market, including an ageing population, a decline in birth rates, and a growing number of young people choosing not to return after studying elsewhere.

Figures show more than half of the Island’s 18-year-olds pursue university study off-Island each year, with only a small proportion opting to study at UCM.

UCM is currently partnered with the University of Chester, and offers various vocational and professional degree courses.

However, DESC acknowledges that the college’s Homefield Road site lacks modern facilities and the campus-style infrastructure expected of a university, such as accommodation and sports amenities.

The paper sets out three potential options for development:

• Maintaining the status quo.
• Creating a new university - similar to the University of Gibraltar model.
• Expanding UCM’s provision and facilities.

It concludes that the most viable route is to continue developing UCM’s academic offering in partnership with the University of Chester.

The report says any significant investment in a new campus or university would require detailed feasibility studies and a strong unique selling point to attract local and international students.

UCM will cease teaching at its Nunnery campus from July 2025, with courses relocated across its remaining sites following a review of space use and student experience.