Higher Education Options on your Doorstep

SERC is reminding students of the Higher Education (HE) options available and the process for securing a place at the college.   HE enrolment days are Thursday 15 August, 9am-5pm and Friday 16 August, 9am-3pm at the College’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.

Heather McKee, Deputy Principal, Student Support Services says, “Progressing to Higher Education does not mean you have to move away from home and find funds for accommodation on top of high fees.   I encourage students to carefully consider what is available on their doorstep at SERC.”

She adds, “SERC provides HE (18+) qualifications including Degrees and Foundation Degrees.  We run courses validated by Liverpool John Moores University, The Open University, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. You can also study for a Higher National Certificate or a Higher National Diploma or follow the Higher-Level Apprenticeship route.”

Jodi Hanna who’s 21 and from Rathfriland, has just completed the Liverpool John Moores University BSc Hons in Business Management at SERC and will graduate this September.  Jodi says, “I had applied to go to university but after some deliberation, I knew it was not for me.  I applied to SERC and found that progressing my higher education at college was the best decision.”

She adds, “The classes were smaller, so you got to know everyone, and there was more support from the lecturers.   It is a degree, so there is plenty of work, but the atmosphere was more relaxed.   Because my course was two full days a week, with a bit of juggling, I was able to work part-time on three days, and having that experience, alongside the degree, was invaluable when it came to applying for jobs.”

“I had a brilliant experience at SERC and finished the year with a fully- funded work experience placement in Malaga, Spain – all through SERC.  It took me out of my comfort zone, but it was an amazing experience, working abroad for an international company.”

“I keep telling everyone that if you don’t want to go to university you don’t have to – it’s not for everyone, I know it wasn’t for me.    I have a degree from a reputable university, which was delivered at SERC – just over an hour’s travel from my home - I have no debt, and I have secured full-time employment as a purchasing assistant with Hub Packaging close to home. Going to college for higher education is a no brainer in my opinion.”

All Higher Education applicants should upload any results to their online account as soon as they receive them on 15 August (or now, if they already have them).  Those with a conditional offer should stay at home and complete the ‘Online check in process’.  Those without a conditional offer need to attend campus and talk to staff, who will endeavour to enrol you on a suitable course.

Heather adds, “Applications are still open, and places are still available on some courses.   It’s not too late to choose your path to the career you want, with qualifications in a range of subjects from animal management to business management, from cyber security and digital forensics to electronic or manufacturing engineering, from health and social care to travel and tourism, from fine art to culinary arts, sport, coaching and fitness to applied sciences.   Subjects available depend on campus and level of study.”  

The careers team will be at SERC’s campuses on a drop-in, first come-first served basis on A-Level results day, 15 August and 16 August for Higher Education enrolment.