Higher Education Courses
We are passionate about inspiring, enriching, and transforming the lives of our students.
Our Higher Education Partners include:
We work with our partners to deliver a range of degree and foundation degree courses, Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates, and Higher-Level Apprenticeships.
Why SERC for HE?
- Gain qualifications through practical learning in small groups
- Tutors are experts in their industry
- Learn in state-of-the-art facilities on professional-standard equipment
- More than a qualification – project-based learning develops the personal skills employers seek
- Practical experience: real learning, for real life
- Lower annual fees than university
Browse the subject areas listed below to discover the courses we offer:
Please Note: To ensure students get the best experience possible our Higher Education programmes will run subject to numbers. If we are unable to meet our minimum threshold, we will aim to direct you to a provider who has a similar offer. Please also ensure that you are familiar with our Terms and Conditions before you apply.
Real Life at SERC
Students are at the heart of everything we do. Your learning experience is paramount – and we have had a consistently high satisfaction rating on the National Student Survey for several consecutive years, which shows we are getting it right.
- Real success: 95% achievment rate for full-time HE students (2023-24)
- Small classes – no sitting in a lecture hall!
- Work placements, including opportunities to travel abroad with some courses
- Accessible, inclusive premises
- Extensive support services
- An active students’ union
- Flexibility – move to part-time or full-time study at the end of the academic year, to find around your life
- Top up an HND or Foundation Degree to a full degree when you are ready
Higher Education Prospectus
At SERC, we’re committed to providing a practical, student-focused approach to higher education. With a wide range of degree and foundation gegree courses, Higher National Diplomas, and Certificates, we offer opportunities tailored to your aspirations.
Download Prospectus
HE Student Handbook
The SERC HE student handbook is an overall reference point for all enrolled HE students. You will also have access to a Programme Study Site, where you will find detailed information directly relating to your specific course.
Click on the headings to expand them.
Higher Education qualifications range from Level 4 to Level 7 (post-graduate) . You can find out about the different awarding bodies and the qualifications they offer here.
Degree - Level 6
Bachelors’ Degree
This usually takes three to five years to complete depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Foundation Degree – Level 5
This is a Higher Education qualification that combines academic study with work-based learning. A foundation degree can lead to a full degree, or employment.
Higher National Diploma (HND) - Level 5
HNDs are a work-related, vocational Higher Education qualification. While Degrees tend to focus on gaining knowledge, HNDs are designed to give you the skills to put that knowledge to effective use in a particular job. HNDs are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.
Progression opportunities include entry to enhanced level 6 Degree.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) – Level 4
HNCs are a vocational Higher Education qualification that are usually studied part-time over two years or full-time over one year. HNCs are popular with students who are already in employment as they enable you to put the skills you learn into practice in your current job. Progression opportunities to enter degree programmes can be available.
Professional Qualifications – Level 4 and 5
Qualifications which are accredited by professional industry bodies and demonstrate a student’s depth of knowledge and understanding of a subject and also a commitment to succeed within the industry.
Equivalent to: BA (Honours) Degree
Typical Entry Requirements: Level 4/5 or Relevant level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, A-levels). See individual courses for details. Certain GCSE grades may also be required. Industrial or other experience may also be acceptable as part of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning Process).
Progression: Progress to a Master Degree or use your skills to start work.
Equivalent to: Second year of a Bachelor Degree
Typical Entry Requirements: Level 4 or Relevant level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, A-levels). See individual courses for details. Certain GCSE grades may also be required. Industrial or other experience may also be acceptable as part of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning Process).
Progression: Progress to a Degree course at College or University or use your skills to start work.
Equivalent to: First year of a Bachelor Degree
Typical Entry Requirements: Relevant level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, A-levels). See individual courses for details. Certain GCSE grades may also be required. Industrial or other experience may also be acceptable as part of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning Process).
Progression: Progress to Higher Education at SERC/University or use your skills to start work.
*Please check specific entry requirements for specific courses
Pearson
- Level 4- Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- Level 5- Higher National Diploma (HND)
Ulster University (UU)
- Level 4- Certificate
- Level 5- Foundation Degree
The Open University (OU)
- Level 5- Foundation Degree (FD)
- Level 6- Top- Up Honours Degree
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
- Level 6- Honours Degree Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)
- Level 4- Certificate
- Level 5- Diploma City and Guilds (C&G)
- Level 4- Award/ Certificate
- Level 5- Award
- Level 6- Award
- Level 7- Award
Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)
- Level 4- Award/ Certificate
- Level 5- Diploma
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
- Level 5- Diploma
- Level 7- Advanced Diploma
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Level 5- Award/ Certificate/ Diploma
- Level 7- Certificate Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB)
- Level 4- Diploma
Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI)
- Level 4- Award
- Level 5- Certificate
Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE)
- Level 5- Diploma Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)
- Level 4 Award/ Certificate/ Diploma
- Level 5 Certificate/ Diploma
Many students return to study with us who have been out of education for several years and have relevant experience at an appropriate level. If you are returning to study you may be eligible through the Accreditation of Prior Learning process (APL) :
- Accredited Prior Certification Learning (ACL) – this is learning associated with a formal course of study that has been assessed either in Higher Education, by a professional body or achieved through staff development.
- Accredited Prior Experience Learning (APL) – this is learning acquired through life, work experience and study not previously certified through formal education.
If you would like further information please discuss APL when you make your application, or contact Stuart Rankin (Head of Higher Education).
At SERC we welcome students from far and wide, from China to Poland and Belarus to Sudan.
Our International students have the opportunity to study in a safe environment for a wide range of courses in one of the world’s most advanced education systems. Our students benefit from a high standard of teaching provided by well qualified, committed staff, delivered through small class sizes for a more supportive environment.
We have an International Office, from where you can get advice about preparing to come to the UK to study, including advice on visa issues where relevant, finding accommodation, opening a bank account and other issues related to helping you settle into a new country.
For more information please visit our International Department
Find out more about our Higher Education courses, speak to our lecturing staff, see around our state of the art facilities and enrol on a Higher Education course at our annual open evening, or our enrolment days.
Fees are applicable for all HE courses. The rate of fees that you pay will depend upon where you live. Northern Ireland domiciled students can apply for a loan for tuition fees, a maintenance loan for living costs and a non-repayable maintenance grant (for lower income households).
For further information please visit: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Students from England, Scotland and Wales will pay a higher rate of tuition fees and should contact the agencies below for further information on the support available:
- Student Finance England (in England) www.gov.uk/student-finance
- Student Awards Agency for Scotland (in Scotland) www.saas.gov.uk
- Student Finance Wales (in Wales) www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
For more information please visit our Fees & Finance section or view our Fees Policy