Daena Finds Pathway to University Through SERC

Daena completed her GCSEs at Assumption Grammar School, then progressed to studying A Levels, which she found were not for her, and instead went into work full-time. She decided to return to education later in life after having four children, with her aim to work towards a career that she will thrive in. Since completing the Access Level 3 Diploma at SERC, Daena has moved onto studying Accounting at Ulster University, and aims to achieve a career in accounting after graduating.

Daena comments, “I saw an ad on Facebook for the Access course at SERC during the COVID lockdown and thought to myself ‘just go for it’. I chose SERC as I was interested in going to university and saw the Access course could enable me to start that journey. I also chose SERC due to the ease of travel to my local SERC campus in Downpatrick, which was very handy”.  

“My experience at SERC was excellent - 10 out of 10. The support was amazing, there was so much help provided for assignments in the form of online resources and books and the instructions for the assignments were clear and easy to understand. After being out of education for a period of time, that made a significant difference and was extremely helpful. The tutors made my time at SERC amazing – they made the course topics interesting to learn about and really boosted my confidence. I keep in contact with them to this day.” 

“I am currently studying Accounting at Ulster University and found that the Access course I studied at SERC had prepared me for aspects of my degree, especially in relation to academic writing and Harvard referencing.  Most of my degree cohort are fresh out of school and didn’t know how to reference, and I was one of the only people in the class that knew how to properly reference and write essays from day one, which has given me a great head start at university.” 

“I would highly recommend SERC, especially anyone that is thinking of studying on the Access course. It was the best thing I have ever done; I wish I had gone back into education sooner.” 

Join us on Wednesday 17 May between 10.00am-2.00pm in Newcastle or Friday 19 May 10.00am - 2.00pm in Ballynahinch for our Restart & Access Open Day. Staff will be on hand to provide information, advice and guidance on Restart Education and Access to Higher Education courses, Student Finance, Careers Service, Little SERC - our onsite creche - and the application process. 

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.