Lea is Drawing up Plans for University with a Foundation Degree

Lea Nickell, 19, from Donaghadee, found the Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at SERC’s Bangor campus was the best course for stepping up to Higher Education, especially as it was right on her doorstep.

Following her GCSEs at St. Columbanus College, Lea completed her A-Levels and a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Hospitality through SERC. Her tutor suggested she might be interested in the Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, which offered a good progression to route, and so she attended an Open Day at the College to get more information.

Lea says “I really enjoy the atmosphere at SERC compared to school; everything is just a little more laid back, but serious where it needs to be. I also enjoy planning my own schedule for doing work.”

“I know that, for me, the thought of university was a bit scary, and I didn’t even know where to start if I had had to move. So, if like me, you’re unsure if you’re ready for university, want to stay at home but still want to progress, then I 100% recommend popping into your nearest SERC campus Open Day, to hear directly from tutors about the Higher Education programmes on offer. 

“I am really enjoying the Hospitality and Tourism Management programme and I would highly recommend it as a next step, especially if you enjoy working in customer service and want to learn about one of the most important sectors of any country.” 

She concluded, “I plan to go on and get my full degree at Ulster University and would eventually love to run my own business, perhaps a coffee house, in the future.”

Unlock your future. Visit our Higher Education Open Evening,  4pm - 7pm, Wednesday 17 November.