Anna Pursues Her Passion on Art and Design Course

Level 3 Technical Diploma in Art and Design student Anna Clarke (19), from Dunmurry, is pursuing her artistic dreams while studying at SERC. 

Anna left school at the age of 13 due to a chronic illness and had to put her ambition of studying art on hold for the sake of her health. During her time in hospital, she kept her passion alive by painting any chance she could.  After recovering from her illness years later, Anna was determined to get back into studying art. She assessed her options online, and with the recommendation of her cousin who had previously completed art courses at SERC, she attended the college’s Lisburn campus Open Evening. Anna later enrolled on the Level 2 Technical Diploma in Art and Design course, before advancing to her current Level 3 Technical Diploma in Art and Design course.   

On her course, Anna says, “It’s hard to pick a favourite topic, I love every single thing that I do on this course, but I especially like the practical elements and learning about the history of art – I'm a big history person, and the combination of art and history is something that I’m really interested in. The practical side of the course includes working with ceramics, painting, sculpting, fashion, and textiles, which are all fun to work with in class. There are also computer-based topics such as graphic design and photography. The broad range of the course is great because different people will be interested in different subjects, and you get a taster to see what you like best.” 

On what she wants to do after her course, Anna comments, “At this point, I feel like SERC has given me the skills to move on to university after  complete my course. I’d like to study a Foundation Degree at Ulster University and then later hopefully get into Bath Spa University to study Fine Art. Long-term I’m not sure what specific type of art I would like to specialise in, but thanks to my current course, there are so many doors and pathways open to me.” 

Anna concludes, “I would one hundred percent recommend my course and SERC as a place to study. After leaving school unexpectedly and then later trying to get back into education, I can say SERC was an amazing transition back into studying. It’s very different from school – the tutors treat you like an adult, and you have more freedom to complete your work the way you want to, which makes me feel proud about the pieces I create in class. I love the art rooms too; they provide you with all the materials you need for creating. Overall, the course is a great opportunity to explore what you want to pursue as an artist.”  

Apply now for courses commencing September 2025.  Come along to our full-time open evening from 4.00pm – 7.00pm on Thursday 6 March at our Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.