Surf Education News

An Education First for Cornish Beach - Surf Science and Technology Study

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 29 June, 2006 : - - The country's first university-level course to be based on a beach will open its doors to students in Cornwall this September. This will be a unique opportunity, offered by Cornwall College Newquay, to study Surf Science & Technology Foundation Degree (FdSc) at Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay, one of Cornwall's most scenic beaches.

This development follows accreditation of the centre's first degree course by the University of Plymouth's UPC (University Plymouth Colleges) faculty. For Tracey Griffiths, it is the realisation of a dream that she has held since she took ownership of the beach over seven years ago. "From the very first day we bought the beach we have always made it clear that we aimed to become a first class educational centre", said Mrs Griffiths.

"The introduction of this course recognises the tremendous dedication, determination and commitment to training that has been displayed by the team over the last seven years". "This is a huge achievement for Lusty Glaze and Cornwall College; the introduction of new Higher Education courses at its two Newquay sites will have far reaching implications for Newquay and the surrounding area"

The beach is already home to The Adventure Centre, an acclaimed multi-activity provider, and The Training Centre, which runs lifeguard, first aid and emergency rescue training courses. Since 2004, the centre has also offered further education courses in partnership with Cornwall College, which boasts a brand new zoological learning centre attached to Newquay Zoo, part of the development possible through the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative.

John Latham, CEO and Principal of the Cornwall College Group said: "This is a very exciting time for education in Newquay.  The courses on offer really benefit from the unique environment in which they are delivered; what could be better than enjoying the stunning Cornish coast while studying to a university level?"

Located on golden sands, surrounded by high cliffs and lapped by Atlantic rollers, Lusty Glaze is one of Cornwall's best-loved beaches. It makes an idyllic venue for a degree course, like Surf Science & Technology which can make the most of its natural advantages and is likely to prove a hit with prospective students.

Undergraduates on the Surf Science & Technology Foundation Degree course will use a purpose built classroom with the same IT and learning facilities they would enjoy at other Cornwall College campuses. Tracey Griffiths commented: "It is a lovely place to study, and we want our students to have the best educational experience possible, which means investing heavily in first-class facilities."

The Surf Science course reflects the growing needs of the booming, international surf industry. Brender Willmott, who is leading the course, explained: "After talking with many of our contacts it became apparent that surf companies and organisations need well-rounded graduates who have an overall understanding of how the industry works.

The foundation degree leads into the final year of a full degree course and successful students are expected to enter careers such as product design, hydrodynamic engineering, beach management, retail, marketing, PR, event management and corporate sponsorship."

While the surf science degree will be the flagship course at Lusty Glaze Beach, there are other foundation degree courses in the pipeline. These include the country's first Rescue and Emergency Services Foundation Degree, drawing on the centre's reputation as a first-class rescue training facility.

Tracey Griffiths added: "This accreditation is a major boost for the beach and will enable us to deliver specialist courses right across the educational spectrum from primary school children right through to degrees for adults."

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Elliot Walker

Surf Education News - Surfersvillage