Bermuda College has signed off on two agreements with overseas colleges to boost degree options for its students.

Now art and design associate degree students can transfer their credits into the third year of Nova Scotia College of Art and Design’s four-year bachelor’s programmes in art, art history, interdisciplinary design, or fine arts if they keep a GPA of 2.0.

Vice-president of academic and student affairs at Bermuda College, Dr Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, said: “We have a lot of talented artists in Bermuda.

“This agreement with NSCAD provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to pursue their undergraduate degree in two years at a highly reputable institution, in an affordable manner. We’re really excited about this.”

In addition, a modification of an existing agreement with Ohio-based Miami University will give students three options for masters degrees through an online hybrid programme.

These are the MEd in special education with initial teaching certification, designed for people without teaching credentials who want to be licensed as special education intervention specialists, the MEd in special education with licensure, for accredited teachers who want to add special education skills while taking a MEd degree and the licensure in special education, a non-degree option for people who have a teaching qualification and want additional qualification in special education.

Dr Curtis-Tweed said: “This agreement with Miami University fills a void here on the island.

“We have a dire need for certified personnel in special education, who want to contribute to the development of special needs students.”

She added: “Both agreements provide options and opportunities for Bermuda’s students.”“Both agreements provide options and opportunities for Bermuda’s students.”