Studying a University Level course on your doorstep – what’s not to love?

Emerging young talent Joe Allan has had an amazing year.

Not only has he completed his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Music at North West Regional College – the 18 year-old recently released his first ever single ‘Blackout Blinds’ which is now available on all major streaming platforms.

And while Joe could have chosen to head to university for the next stage of his career – Joe’s opting for a HND in Music at NWRC saying that studying local is the path for him.

Joe enrolled on the Level 3 in Music in 2020. Already a singer/songwriter and guitarist, throughout his two years at NWRC he has grown and developed as a musician.

He regularly gigs across the city, and most recently was booked to perform at the Foyle Maritime Festival.

He said: “I had a hard time at school, and by the time I reached 16 I knew I wasn’t going to do A-Levels. I enrolled at NWRC and it’s been great since then. It was like all the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together.

“I settled in well at College as there wasn't any of the formalities of school, like a uniform. You are treated like an adult and the lecturers are easy to talk to and work with.

“It was a leap to focus on just one subject, but I knew what I wanted to do. Within that, I had lots of different modules and classes so there were always plenty of different subjects.”

Joe has chosen to enrol for the HND in Music at NWRC, with plans to progress to the HND in his second year.

“It makes so much sense to study at NWRC,” he said. “It’s cheaper and you can live at home, and when it comes to the standard of learning, everything is so much better here.”

When asked where he’d like to be in 20 years’ time – Joe says "hopefully touring the world!"

One to watch – for more information on courses at NWRC visit www.nwrc.ac.uk/results