Graduate Spotlight - Ian McCormack

“I had always dreamed of attending university, but as my teachers in school had all written me off as stupid, I never believed I could do a degree.”

Having just graduated in October; Ian shared his experience of studying at UHI through hybrid teaching.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Ian McCormack, and I am from Shetland.

What course did you study at UHI Perth?

I was a ‘hybrid student’ based through UHI Shetland. However, my lecturers were based in UHI Perth and UHI Inverness, and I had no lecturers in Shetland. I studied from home and attended all classes from home via my iMac. I studied for a BA (Hons) in Literature. I was also the only literature student who studied this course full time.

How did you hear about UHI Perth?

I knew about UHI Perth as I worked for HISA during my second year and visited UHI Perth as part of my position with HISA. I loved the campus; I also have a friend who completed their teaching qualification through UHI Perth, and she spoke very highly of the campus.

What were you doing before you came to UHI?

I have been a bus and coach driver for 22 years and by year 17, I wanted to do something else. I had always dreamed of attending university, but as my teachers in school had all written me off as stupid, I never believed I could do a degree.

Why did you decide to pick this course?

My wife graduated from UHI Shetland with a first-class honour’s degree in 2016. She always said I could do it too, and four years later, I applied to do a BA in creative writing, as I write poetry and songs. UHI Shetland insisted that I do an NC in English literature and communication first. I attended the class with my eldest son, and I absolutely loved it. I changed my application from creative writing to Literature, and decided I wanted to teach, (which I plan to do as soon as I do a maths course). Literature is something I have really loved, and I also discovered that I was a creative learner, and so I was able to listen to books, watch YouTube videos and then read the books, which all gave me the understanding I needed to study effectively.

What was your favourite thing about the course?

The lecturers were really helpful, due to the hybrid nature of the course. We were all on Webex for four years.

Also, my classmates. We set up a WhatsApp group to spur each other on. We all clicked very quickly online. My favourite thing was the people, the help, the feeling of were in it together, as the lecturers also taught from home.

Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?

Yes. The day some of us met for the first time. We travelled from Shetland, Perth, Fort William and other places to meet up in Glasgow and have lunch together. I will never ever forget that.

Also, the lecturers. Three that stand out are Ian Blythe, Mandy Haggith (from UHI Inverness) and Kyle Smith from UHI Perth. They really cared, they wanted to help, and they were all VERY responsive to emails.

The WhatsApp group, which we still use, was a source of real help as we all as students spurred each other on.

The loneliness of study due to the remote nature of hybrid studying was really tough at times. The lecturers and fellow students made it bearable, and it is because of them that I have come as far as I have.

What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you now that you have graduated from UHI?

I have realised that my school teachers were wrong. Anyone can study effectively with the right support and the right help. I now have a BA Hons (upper second) in Literature. What an achievement! Five years ago, I was convinced it was beyond me. I am now 52, and here I am heading into a new career path.

Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI?

I was the Lerwick Officer for HISA and the Shetland Deputy president in Shetland for HISA. I sat on the board of management (even when I resigned from HISA) at UHI Shetland. I did some work experience in a high school and primary school as an ASN.

Were your lecturers supportive during your studies?

100%. The majority of them were just going above and beyond to help us all out when we needed it as a class. I received help individually as well - as I could ask to have five minutes online after class to help me in the direction of my essays. If I had an idea, they encouraged me to explore it. I am really very thankful for all of their help.

Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?

I have learned that I am a creative learner. I have learned how to get the most out of what I need to study. I can now read books and focus on them, as well as listening to them. I have learned how to write effectively. This course has changed my perspective in that now I know I can do anything I set my mind to; it has really humbled me.

What do you like about the campus/facilities?

As a hybrid student, I did not use any campus facilities. However, when I visited UHI Perth I was impressed with the sports and media facilities as well as the café area. It’s a really lovely campus.

Did you enjoy studying at UHI? Any highlights?

I loved studying, but again it was from home, in Shetland facing two computer monitors.

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

I am a Christian and a musician. I am also invested into my adult family and their lives

What are your future career plans now that you have graduated?

I am planning to do an NC in maths and then head onto a Postgrad in teaching. I plan to teach English in a high school.

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

Just do it!! Even if it is hybrid learning. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. If I can do it, you definitely can. Do not let past comments from teachers or anyone else stop you from achieving your dreams. Go for it and watch the world change around you and past comments fade away as you achieve what you know deep down you can. Good luck.

If you are interested in studying in 2025, applications are now open. Find your place at UHI Perth >>