SERC First for Sport - Two new post-16 qualifications on offer in Bangor and Downpatrick

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has launched two new sport courses which increase the College’s offer for sports related programmes leading to employment or further study.

Colin Atkinson, Deputy Head of School, School of Applied Science, Sport and Access to Education, comments, “We are delighted to roll out these programmes for prospective students who have a passion for sport and are looking for practical and progression focused learning. Both courses aim to help the student build practical skills and knowledge that will help with employability and open doors if they wish to continue with more advanced courses. 

He added, “The Level 3 National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, available at SERC Downpatrick Campus, explores a wide range of skills and techniques required to be a successful and effective coach.   Students also study the factors affecting health and safety, including equipment and facilities, in a coaching environment. This two-year course will equip students with the skills to progress to employment or self-employment in sports coaching or development.

“The Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities, available at SERC Bangor Campus, will equip students a wide range of skills and behaviours required for work in the sports industry, particularly outdoors. Students will develop their leadership and instructing skills so that they can work independently as an outdoor pursuit instructor, ensuring safe and effective leadership for groups of people taking part in different outdoor activities.  This two-year qualification includes a minimum of 20 hours’ work placement giving students all-important work experience. 

He added, “The College has built up a sound reputation for delivery of sporting programmes from the Level 2 Technical Diploma in Sport through to the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness and our Elite Athletes programme which supports students competing at regional, national and international level.  In recent years, we have seen current and former SERC students compete and achieve to the highest level including at World, Commonwealth and Olympic Games, for example, gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, Paralympic swimmer Bethany Firth, triathlete Erin McConnell and NI Senior Women’s Footballer Rebecca McKenna, all of whom are providing inspiration to other young people as to what can be achieved balancing sport and academic studies at SERC. 

He concluded, “The College has also been recognised by UK Anti-Doping for their commitment to Clean Sport Education, the first college or university in Northern Ireland to be accredited. Clean Sport Education is an integral part our sporting strategy at SERC with Clean Sport ethics and values embedded into every programme.   This is another element of the sporting programmes at SERC which we believe puts the students in first place.”  

Pictured Above: First for sport: L-R SERC sports students Charlie Connell, Rodrigo Lee Moss and Andrew Smyth help launch two new sporting programmes at SERC, a Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities available at the Bangor Campus and a Level 3 National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development offered at the College’s Downpatrick Campus. PICTURE TAKEN PRIOR TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES.

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