College Support Services

At SERC we can offer support and guidance to adults who are considering returning to education.

Return to Education at SERC

Returning to Education doesn't have to be scary or daunting, we are here to help and with more adults returning to education every year, you won't be alone.'

We have listed some of the most popular courses people use to jump start their return to education, if you need more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of our Community Team members.

Qualifications Explained

We offer a range of different courses, at different levels to suit your needs.

Restart Education
Restart Education is a free, part-time course and requires no previous qualifications, studying 9 hours per week. Having fun while you learn and making new friends, this course focuses on improving your English, Maths, Science, Social Science and Study Skills. You'll gain OCN Level 2 Extended Certificate in Further Study Skills on completion which equates to 4 GCSEs.

Free Restart+
Restart+ is delivered over 9 hours per week and designed to provide learners with the skills necessary to work in a range of sectors including but not limited to offices, social care and early years settings. You’ll also develop your employability skills. On completion you’ll gain an OCN L2 Diploma in Vocational Skills which equates to 3 GCSEs

Access Award in Foundation Studies
This course provides adults who have been out of education an opportunity to return to study with a view to progressing onto higher education. You’ll study Biology 1, Study Skills and one further module from Psychology, Sociology or American Literature depending on your choice of campus. On completion learners will progress to the Access Diploma course.

Access Diploma in Foundation Studies
Depending on your career pathway, you can choose from subjects in science, humanities, or social & biological science. The Access Diploma is validated by Queen’s University, Belfast and is equivalent to 3 A-levels

Independent Careers Advice

Our award-winning officers can help you choose the right course; they can advise on matching your life skills to your course and advise on what qualifications you’ll need to and your dream job!

Application Support

If you need help filling in your online application our friendly Customer Services staff are always happy to help.

Fees and Finance

Our Student Finance team are available to assist with any queries and advice on financial support options that may be applicable.

Learning Support

The Learning Support Team have many years of experience of designing and implementing individual practical solutions to support students with disabilities and long-term physical and mental health conditions to achieve their qualifications.

Counselling

Our free personal counselling service is always here to help.

Campus Tours

Can’t make an Open Day? Campus Tours are a great way to see all the fantastic facilities that SERC has to offer. Booking is essential!