Restart Your Education at SERC Open Day at Ballynahinch and Newcastle

If you have ever thought about getting back into education now could be the perfect time to take the next step. South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is hosting Restart & Access Open Days at Ballynahinch Campus on 19 May 10.00am to 4.00pm and at Newcastle Campus, 24 May 12.00pm to 3.00pm.

Ellie Bradley, Deputy Head of School for Adult Education said, “We understand how daunting it can be to return to education, but we are here to help everyone take that first step. Regardless of the challenges you face in everyday life, our student-centred approach offers the necessary support to inspire you to learn and achieve, through our adult returner Restart and Access Diploma in Foundation Studies courses. Our Open Days give potential students the opportunity to come along for an informal chat, find out what it is all about, and ask us anything about the courses and returning to learn at college.”

She added, “Our Restart programme provides adult returners with the basic knowledge and skills that are required for progression to Level 2 and Level 3 courses within the College, or for the Level 3 Access Diploma in Foundation Studies course, so there are plenty of options for progression depending on where you want your return to education to take you.”

“If you think you've missed your chance at university because you didn't get the qualifications when you were at school, you’re stuck in a job because you lack the qualifications to change; you want a new direction or you would like to progress in a job that you love; then you might want to consider the Access Diploma in Foundation Studies.  It’s a Level 3 academic qualification, validated by Queen's University Belfast, specifically tailored to the needs of adults who have been out of full-time education for at least two years. The course is concerned with improving knowledge, skills and personal and academic confidence with the eventual aim, following completion of the Diploma year, of progression to Higher Education courses at university or college.”  

Pictured above, Laura Wright (33), from Newcastle is a first-year student on the Level 3 Access Diploma in Foundation Studies.   She said, “All the tutors are very helpful and supportive, and communication is great, plus there is the added advantage of the Little SERC Creche at Newcastle Campus.  College is much more relaxed than school and I found it relatively easy coming back into education.   I would encourage anyone who is thinking about returning to learn to come along to one of the Open Days.”