A Borders College student is celebrating a major academic milestone after securing a place at university, highlighting the transformative impact of further education pathways.
Mitchel Robertson, who is currently studying HNC Cyber Security at Borders College, has been offered a place to study BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security at Abertay University. Impressively, Mitchel will enter directly into the second year of the degree programme, marking a significant achievement in his academic journey.
Mitchel’s path to success has been shaped by perseverance and a willingness to take an alternative route. After deciding that traditional high school education was not the right fit, he enrolled in the college’s Academy Cyber Security Level 5 and Level 6 courses, where he discovered a passion for the subject.
Mitchel said:
“The academy courses completely changed my direction. They opened my eyes to opportunities I had never considered and helped me build confidence in my abilities.”
Following his academy studies, he progressed to the full-time HNC Cyber Security course in August last year. It was during this course that he learned he would be eligible to apply for university, a goal he once thought was out of reach due to a lack of qualifications during his school years.
His hard work paid off when he achieved a very high score in his graded unit exam, one of his proudest academic accomplishments to date.
Reflecting on his journey, Mitchel added:
“The support from lecturers and the opportunities provided have helped me achieve goals that once felt impossible.”
Mitchel’s story showcases the diverse pathways available to learners and underlines how further education can unlock new opportunities. As he prepares to take the next step at Abertay University, his experience stands as an inspiring example for others considering alternative routes into higher education.