The Education department says leaving the Nunnery site in favour of UCM’s Homefield Road campus will provide improved access to support services and a more cohesive learning environment.
Sarah Maltby MHK, representing the department, told Tynwald that the move follows a comprehensive review of the Nunnery site, which considered factors such as student feedback, accessibility, and the utilisation of teaching spaces.
She told members that the transition would enhance the student experience.
Mrs Maltby said: “Students will have access to far better services, which will support their studies and provide a more integrated learning environment.”
The relocation will see 112 students from the Nunnery integrated into the Homefield Road campus, which currently hosts 1,531 students weekly.
Mrs Maltby said: “UCM is able to provide the facilities and resources required to ensure students continue to receive a high standard of education at the main campus.”
Concerns were raised about the potential impact on the prestigious setting of the Nunnery, with Jason Morehouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) questioning whether the unique atmosphere of the site had been fully considered.
However, Mrs Maltby reiterated that the decision was made with students’ best interests in mind, focusing on providing a more integrated and supportive environment at Homefield Road.
The move is part of UCM’s ongoing efforts to develop degree programmes and professional courses, supported by the recently signed partnership with the University of Chester.
No staff redundancies are expected, with all staff relocating to the main campus.
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