MSP Praises Blended Learning At SRUC Barony Campus

A Dumfries and Galloway MSP has praised Scotland’s Rural College’s blended learning approach following a visit to its Barony campus.

Oliver Mundell spoke to HND students studying land-based engineering at SRUC Barony near Dumfries, where students are returning to campus in limited numbers in order to allow for social distancing.

Non-practical elements of courses, such as lectures and tutorials, are currently being taught online.

Mr Mundell said his visit was useful to him both as constituency MSP and in his new role as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Tourism.

He added: “We are fortunate in Dumfriesshire to have such a top-class facility in our midst and I was impressed to see how well staff and students have adapted to the current Covid-19 guidelines through a mix of on-campus and distance learning.

“It was good to speak to staff and students and also learn more about the ambitious plans for the future of SRUC Barony.”

Professor Nick Sparks, Dean of SRUC’s South and West Faculty, said:  “We are always grateful for the support of our local representatives and we would like to thank Mr Mundell for taking time out of his busy schedule to see the steps we have taken on campus to enable our students to undertake the practical work that is vital to their learning while keeping  students and staff safe.” 

To find out more about studying at SRUC, visit www.sruc.ac.uk