UCM to relocate classes from Nunnery Campus

Change will primarily impact higher education courses

University College Isle of Man has today confirmed all of its classes taught at the Nunnery Campus are to relocate at the end of the academic year.

UCM says the move 'follows the regular review of the organisation’s estate, which looks at student experience, space utilisation data, resource requirements and benefits to staff'.

The change will primarily impact higher education courses and will be implemented in July.

Vice Principal Jo Richardson told Manx Radio those students need better access to the support services on offer at other campuses:

UCM’s Principal, Jesamine Kelly added: "We regularly review our estate to ensure that we’re offering the best student experience with the resources we have available.

"Students will have greater access to support services such as our Student Services department, The Hive, our recently refurbished study zone and cafeteria. 

"The move, which represents a cost saving, will also reduce the number of students and staff travelling between campuses, which will reduce our overall carbon footprint and support our commitment to sustainability."

In August last year, owners of the nunnery site - the International Centre for Technology Limited - the company sought planning permission to construct new office accommodation in the grounds of The Nunnery in order to stop the estate becoming ‘obsolete’.

ICT said it wanted to construct eight, two storey, lettable units with associated access and parking.

In a statement to Manx Radio, a spokesperson from The Nunnery says: "We acknowledge the notice given on Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 11:30 that the University College Isle of Man will be relocating its courses from the Nunnery campus to their other campuses.

The Nunnery would like to thank UCM for the 10 years that they have occupied The Mansion House and for the ongoing positive interaction that we have always enjoyed with the students, academic and administrative staff.  

"In addition, the Nunnery estate is home to many start-up businesses and these businesses have also benefitted from the presence of the students on the campus and their involvement in daily life around the estate.  

"It has been a privilege to be part of many of UCM’s activities, such as the Research Festival and the Small Countries Financial Management Programme.  

"We have also delighted in having young people enjoying the expansive gardens and relaxed safe surrounds. It has been a bonus that some of the businesses have employed students on a part-time basis or offered graduating students the opportunity to join them in full-time employment.

"From 1 August, the Nunnery will be able to re-purpose the teaching rooms into office spaces of varying sizes to accommodate the growing demand for versatile business premises and training facilities in the Douglas area.  

"Being only 20 minutes from the airport, with ample parking, and within easy walking distance of the Douglas CBD it is an ideal location to meet all business requirements.  

"As our ongoing commitment to restoring and enhancing the Nunnery we will shortly be making a planning application for an on-site café to further serve the needs of the businesses, their employees and visitors.

"The Nunnery wishes the University College Isle of Man, its academic staff, the Student Services Department and the students the very best as they look to enhance their student experience on their other campuses."

The planning application is still 'pending consideration' as of today's date.