The scholarship offers students valuable financial support of £5,500 per annum for the duration of their undergraduate degree programme. Sydney is now a first-year undergraduate at Salford University where she is studying Photography.
A past pupil of St Killian’s College, Sydney had originally planned to study Media Studies, Digital Technology and History at A level but, when Media Studies was no longer offered at the school, she decided to investigate other options:
“I didn’t want to choose another A level subject and end up studying something I wasn’t very passionate about for two years, so I had to look elsewhere,” she said.
The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Interactive Media at Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey, a vocational course which is the academic equivalent of three A levels, caught her eye.
“The creative aspects of the course really appealed to me, especially with the focus on photography in the first year.
“I really enjoyed the course as I was able to explore and learn about a wide range of different creative skills I’d never even considered trying before I went to the College.”
Sydney continued: “As well as improving my photography skills and camera knowledge, I developed new skills in Graphic Design, Animation, Video Editing and Post-Production, Audio Production, Web design, how to code and build a website.
“I also learnt how to use a range of Adobe software, as well as becoming an Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics using Adobe After Effects.”
She said the Level 3 Diploma is an ideal route for anyone interested in studying photography at university.
Sydney continued: “My proficiency in Adobe Software and the other skills developed during my two years at Northern Regional College have given me greater confidence in my own ability and an advantage over students who went the traditional A level route.
“Having the skills to shoot video and the ability to do graphic design helps in certain briefs to add to the project in a unique way. For my final Level 3 project at the College, I created a digital portfolio website. This is helping me at university as I am still using the original website and will continue to use and refine it in the years ahead.”
Sydney said the JP McManus Scholarship will make a huge difference to her, particularly in the current economic climate.
“I’m extremely grateful to receive this scholarship. It will certainly help take the pressure off when it comes to paying back student debt.”
And, with her financial worries eased, Sydney can focus on what she loves doing, photography.
As well as the Level 3 Diploma in Interactive Media, Northern Regional College offers vocational courses, including traineeships and apprenticeships covering a wide range of disciplines. Subject areas include Computing, Construction, Engineering, Hair and Beauty, Joinery, Performing Arts, Plumbing and Tourism & Hospitality.