This is the tenth year of West Lothian College’s partnership with Napier University, where we deliver year 3 of the BA Business Management degree at the college, and our students progress to fourth year honours or masters at university. Over 300 of our students have now studied this degree at college.

After graduating with a first class honours degree in June one of our BA Business Management students, Megan Waugh, is now working as a global logistics and supply chain management trainee at Danish multinational, Velux.

After the first year of her HND at college, she spent her second year at Clark College in Washington State. Current HND Business student, Katelyn Livingston, who finished the first year of her HND in June, is now attending Clark College in Vancouver, Washington in the US after securing one of the scholarships offered by West Lothian College. The Scottish Scholarship was awarded to Katelyn after a series of interviews. After a year of study at Clark College, she will return to West Lothian College where she will complete her Business Management degree.

Katelyn has settled into her home for the next year, saying “My experience has been wonderful so far. It’s been a very exciting time with lots happening like orientation, registering for classes and exploring a brand new beautiful city.“

Looking forward to classes starting at Clark College, Katelyn acknowledged the part that West Lothian College has played in getting her to this point after being out of education for some time. “West Lothian College helped me so much when it came to finding a clear path into further education and looking towards a career. It’s not always been easy but my time at college has definitely taught me that hard work pays off.”

When asked what advice she would give to anybody considering a course at West Lothian College Katelyn said, “Absolutely do it! The support, resources and opportunities available to students are great, particularly if you’re like me and returning to college after a few years out of education. If you’re willing to put in the effort the results will be worth it.”

Katelyn is relishing the year ahead and can’t wait to get started. “I feel like it was just a few days ago I sent my application for this opportunity, it’s a little bit surreal that I’m really here. I’m so excited to make the most of my time in US and for my classes to start!”

This long established arrangement between West Lothian College and Napier University is a great example of shortening the learner journey for HN students to achieve a degree, ensuring that there are no costly and demotivating duplicate years.

The scholarship, allowing students to study year two of their HND in America, expands the learner journey in value and experience – but not in time and cost!

This article was based on a case study on West Lothian College’s website.