01 December 2021
High-performing Jersey athletes are choosing to study at University College Jersey (UCJ) as it offers the flexibility needed to combine top quality degree level education with playing in English competitive leagues.
Jersey Bulls players Jonathan Le Quesne and Sol Solomon, U23 Jersey Bulls' Joshua Coutanche and Luke Appleton, and Jersey Reds' Harry Doolan all started studying diploma or degree courses at UCJ in September.
During the past few years, Jersey Bulls have provided work placements to UCJ students in their media and marketing team and Jersey Reds have provided others with internships in performance analysis. Additionally, each club now offers two £500 bursaries to students. This year Harry Doolan (player) and George Cousins (intern) have been awarded the Reds' bursaries to spend on their sport and career development. The Bulls will provide bursaries to two interns in the coming months.
Bulls player, Sol Solomon, is currently in the first year of his Higher National Certificate in Sport. He said: "UCJ is great when it comes to allowing me to play midweek games when possible. They are always understanding as well as offering to help me catch up on anything I've missed one-to-one, meaning I never really miss anything when I go away."
Reds player, Harry Doolan, is studying an HNC Sport. He said: "Highlands has supported me to continue my education part-time. Without this opportunity I would not be able to achieve a degree whilst playing rugby at a professional level."
Deputy Head of UCJ, Andrew McGinnigle, said: "It is great to have top local athletes choosing to study at UCJ for their Higher Education; it is testament to the quality of our offering. We provide wrap-around pastoral care and excellent academic support through regular one-to-ones and a flexible timetable. It is also great for the clubs and Jersey to retain these players while they continue their studies."
UCJ offers full-time and part-time options on the majority of its ten degree pathways which range from Business Management, Social Work, Construction and Civil Engineering to Childhood Studies, Computing, Sport and Psychology with Criminology. This approach allows students to balance commitments with their academic and professional development.
Jersey students wishing to apply to University College Jersey should complete an application through the Highlands College website before 27 May 2022.
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