University College Isle of Man has suspended its BA Honours in History and Heritage degree for the 2025-26 academic year, citing low application numbers and concerns over student experience.
Education Minister Daphne Caine confirmed the decision, which follows the earlier suspension of other degree courses.
“Earlier to the Easter break, three degree courses were suspended,” Mrs Caine told MHKs.
“UCM monitors application numbers and uses metrics like conversion rates, progression rates, and residential status to determine viability. The number of applications alone isn’t the deciding factor.”
Criticism
The move has drawn criticism, particularly for students who were provisionally accepted but left without options after the UCAS deadline passed.
Julie Edge raised concerns about what it would mean for students, saying: “When these students were told the course was cancelled, they were advised to go off-island.
“What does the Minister think of that?”
Mrs Caine responded: “UCM offers a wide range of alternative courses. If students need assistance, the admissions team is happy to help.”
She also highlighted distance learning as an option for those unable to leave the island.
Costs
Jason Moorhouse also questioned whether promotions for the courses were adequately considered before the decision. “Was this like the Cregneash bus service, where the big picture was ignored?” he asked.
Rob Callister inquired about the impact on UCM’s facilities, given recent relocations, but Mrs Caine assured that alternative courses remain available on campus.
Mrs Caine acknowledged “minimal savings” but stressed the decision prioritised student experience: “With minimal numbers, the studying experience isn’t ideal.”
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