First Class Result for Degree Students at SERC

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is celebrating the success of the Class of 2021, with eleven (11) students gaining first class honours degrees.

Suzi Donnelly, Course Director for the Liverpool John Moores BA (Hons) in Business Studies (now BSc Business Management) at SERC said, “We are absolutely delighted with the results our students have gained.   Out of a class of  thirty two, we had 11 awarded a First  and 11 students with 2:1 classification.

She added, “It has been a difficult year for all students and our degree students have excelled.   We made a smooth transition to online learning during the first lockdown and our students were set to continue their learning and progress.   They all had plans and ambitions and we are delighted that they are all off to the best start in their careers.

She continued, “The degree is awarded by Liverpool John Moores University, so students enrolled in SERC follow the same course of study and demands of the programme as their counterparts on campus in Liverpool.  The degree offered this year at SERC changes to the BSc in Business Management, so again, students will study at SERC and are awarded their degree by Liverpool John Moores University on successful completion.    The savings on the costs of getting a degree – right on your doorstep - are significant and the classes are smaller, so everyone gets to know everyone and there is great camaraderie and support to achieve and progress."

Alice Day (22) from Donaghadee, who achieved a First said, “I had a good idea how my grades were going but until you hear officially there is always the slightest bit of doubt.   I was working so hard, passing on social activities when restrictions allowed, as I wanted this so badly.  I have applied to do a Master’s in International Business at Ulster University and needed at least a 2:1 to be accepted, so this is just fantastic.   I have signed up to do the online version of the master’s degree as my experience at SERC was so positive when me moved online.  It was challenging at first, but then I realised how easy it was to work around my schedule, I could study anywhere.  I am hoping to fit in some travel in the next year and long-term plans are to work abroad, but right now I am just enjoying my achievement and thankful all the hard work has paid off.”

Caitlyn Dunlop (21) from Bangor was also awarded a First.   She said, “I am absolutely delighted with this result.  I found some of the modules challenging in the final year but worked hard and am just thrilled I got a First.   I was alone in my car, just waiting to go into my placement, when I heard so I immediately called my mum who was squealing with joy for me.”

She added, “Right now I am following the Grads Get Social programme, fully funded by the Department for the Economy through SERC to gain an OCN Level 4 in Social Media and Digital Marketing and a CMI Stakeholder Management qualification which includes an 8-week placement with Glow, a charity and social enterprise in Belfast which focusses on empowering females from the age of 10 plus.   I am planning to work in the digital marketing sector and am submitting applications and preparing myself for a full-time career.”

Apply now for higher education programmes including HNC, HND, Degree and Higher-Level Apprenticeships commencing September at  www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be part of the next generation of professionals #BetterOffAtSERC #OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.