Student Spotlight - Callum McHattie

Not everyone knows what they want to study when they leave school, and some may need a little support to follow their chosen career path. We provide full and part-time courses for people who: ✔️ Are looking to gain more qualifications to progress ✔️ Have not yet decided what they want to do with their future ✔️ Lack the confidence to study in a busy College environment ✔️ Want to return to study, to brush up existing skills or learn new ones ✔️ Want to improve their employability chances ✔️ Want to find an entry point to another curriculum area ✔️ Want to study in a community setting.

After finishing high school, Callum came straight to UHI Perth to study in our New Opportunities department. Now studying on his second course, we find out how he is getting on 👇

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Callum McHattie and I’m from Perth.

What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?

I am currently doing Gateway 2 Creative Industries, so I’m getting to experience different subjects such as, film studies, audio and sound engineering, art and design, wellbeing, ICT, comms, and numeracy.

How did you hear about UHI Perth?

I heard about UHI Perth from my older brother and sister who were both students here.

What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?

I was a student at Perth Academy school.

Why did you decide to pick this course?

When I first started college, I did the Next Steps to Learning course and my PAT teacher thought I was really creative and thought the Gateway 2 Creative Industries course would be great for me, so I looked into it and it looked really interesting, so I went for it!

What is your favourite thing about the course?

I am really enjoying the audio and sound classes on the course.

Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?

Getting to meet new people and making friends - making memories with them on the course.

What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?

I have gained a lot of experience in using a film camera and all the angles used to record. I have learned how to use proper software on making music and how to use it. I have also gained a lot of volunteering experience as well, which has been a lot of fun.

Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?

I haven’t taken any placement, or work experience, but UHI Perth helped me to fix my CV and find a job.

Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?

Yes, they have been so supportive, helpful and understanding. They are always there to keep me on track. I also have a student development worker as well in the class for anything I need support with.

Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?

Passing all my classes and gaining a lot of qualifications, I have also gained a lot of confidence as well.

What do you like about the campus/facilities?

I enjoy having the library, so that I have a quiet place to do a little bit more studying during the breaks between classes.  I also really like the canteen and the food they provide for us at lunch.

Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?

I love being a student at UHI Perth, meeting new people and lecturers and making a lot of new friends, I would say my highlight would be making new friends and all the memories we have at UHI Perth. Getting to have options on what I study and not having to stress about on what I’m going to do after is amazing.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?

When I’m not at college, I’m watching movies or playing video games. I also love to hang out with my friends. I have a job at ‘Willows coffee shop’, where I work as a KP. I love dogs and I have two.

What are your future career plans?

I have been thinking about going to uni to take my creative industries further. But I don’t really want to think too far ahead, I’m just going to focus on the course I’m on now.

And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?

Don’t worry about if you don’t know what you want to do, UHI Perth has so many options and so many courses there’s something for everyone. And just have fun, it’s an amazing college.

Find out more about our New Opportunities department and explore the range of  courses on offer >>