College to be rebranded as University

Douglas complex to become UCM

The Isle of Man College is to be rebranded and renamed.

From April 1 the campus in Douglas will be known as University College Isle of Man, or UCM.

It's part of a renewed focus by the Department of Education and Children on the college's higher education offering.

The department says the change could be the first step towards establishing the Island's first fully-fleged, internationally recognised university.

Political member Bill Malarkey MHK believes the long term prospect could entice more students to earn their qualifications on-Island: