IT Leads to HE for Setanta

Progressing from further education to higher education (HE) proved to be a smooth transition for Setanta Gorman-Crane who found SERC’s Downpatrick Campus offered the perfect progression path for her higher education plans.

Setanta (18), from Downpatrick, successfully completed the BTEC Extended Diploma in IT gaining a superb Triple Star Distinction (equivalent to 3 A* at A Level) before progressing onto the Ulster University Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Computing. She said, “I have always been interested in IT and computing so I was keen to progress after my BTEC.   It made perfect sense to me to enrol on the UU Foundation Degree at the Downpatrick Campus – it is right on my doorstep, and I knew exactly was I was signing up for having completed the BTEC at the College.   The lecturers knew me, I knew them, and most importantly, I knew I would get all the support I needed to reach my goals.”

The ambitious young woman, keen to share how the College have supported her dyslexia said, “I know what I am capable of, so having support in terms of extra time for assignments and tests and a one-to-one support session each week means I am continually progressing as I should be. The Learning Support Team are amazing and so understanding.  It is a nice feeling to know that I am not disadvantaged and able to achieve exactly what I want in terms of my IT career.”

Speaking about her course she said, “I chose the Foundation Degree as I knew there was great variety in the course which covers, for example, programming, databases, hardware, software and cyber security.   There is a good mix of practical work and written assignments which suits my style of learning.   The classes are smaller than at university so there is great camaraderie, and we are all learning from each other.  I am particularly interested in programming and the course has helped me decide on future studies - I plan to progress to a full degree, and I am already looking at employers and what they can offer."

When we asked about studying at SERC she said, “Last year, I took on the role of Class Rep.  Although I was a bit nervous at first, it was a great way to meet people from other courses and it helped boost my confidence in my own abilities.”

She added, “The facilities are great and I especially loved being able to get my hair done in the College salon - at a brilliant discount – fitting appointments around my studies. Also, the new College Kitchen facilities are fantastic, so handy when you are coming into study, and you know you can get something good to eat; the lunches are delicious and good value for students.”

When sked if she would recommend SERC, she said, “Definitely! The staff are always willing to help and if you are struggling with something, you just ask, and the support is there.”

Find out how you can unlock your future at SERC’s Open Evening for Higher Education on Wednesday 17 November, 4.00 – 7.00pm at the College’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.