Higher Education Prospectus 2024-25 by SERC

HIGHER EDUCATION PROSPECTUS

2024-25 BANGOR | DOWNPATRICK | LISBURN | NEWTOWNARDS | SERC.AC.UK 1

Welcome Welcome to SERC, Northern Ireland’s top-performing college. We are immensely proud of our learners and their achievements, and we are equally proud of our work in supporting the next generation of professionals, who will play a key role in the Northern Ireland economy. We work with partners in industry, education, business and government to create a learning environment which prepares our graduates for employment and for the challenges of the wider world. Our teaching staff and our support services ensure that students have every opportunity to develop as rounded, confident individuals, with the skills, knowledge and attributes to progress in their career and their life. In 2022-23 we saw a 96% achievement rate for our HE students.

WELCOME

Browse our prospectus, explore our website, and come and talk to us at an open evening to find out why you are better off at SERC.

Ken Webb MBE, Principal and Chief Executive

Contents Welcome 2 Higher Education At SERC 4 Qualifications 6 Full-Time Courses 8 Part-Time Courses 12 Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAS) 16 Higher Level Apprenticeship 18 Why SERC? 20 Join A Winning Team 22 Real Skills For Real Life 23 Project Based Learning (PBL) 24 The Student Voice 26 Student Support 28

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CONTENTS

Next Steps 30

HIGHER EDUCATION AT SERC 4

What we Offer We offer degrees, foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher-Level Apprenticeships (HLAs). SERC also provides postgraduate-level and professional development qualifications which are accredited by professional industry bodies and which demonstrate a student’s depth of knowledge and understanding of a subject as well as a commitment to succeed within the industry. In addition, we deliver Level 7 qualifications with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and through City and Guilds.

Our HE Partners • The Open University • Queen’s University Belfast • Ulster University

• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) • Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB)

• Pearson

• Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI)

• Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI)

• Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE)

• Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

• Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)

• Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

• Institute of Export and International Trade OUR HE PARTNERS

• Liverpool John Moores University

QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED

After Further Education or A-Levels, there are many Higher Education pathways and progression routes to further study or into employment.

QUALIFICATIONS

At SERC, you can access a variety of qualifications at different levels, all of which are recognised by employers and universities. You can also progress within SERC as the table shows. You can click on the link below to find full details of the qualifications. Each course listing will include the relevant entry requirements specific to that course. In all cases, certain GCSE grades may also be required. Industrial or other experience may also be acceptable as part of APL (Accreditation of Prior Learning process).

Degree (Level 6) This is a Higher Education qualification that helps you develop a true understanding of a subject. The qualification is designed to help you develop your analytical and writing skills, while developing technical skills for the world of employment. At SERC we offer both full-time and part-time degree options. We also offer a top-up degree option in specialist subjects areas. Foundation Degree (Level 5) This is a Higher Education qualification that combines academic study with workbased learning. Designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers, foundation degrees are available in a range of subjects. They are designed to equip you for a particular area of work, as well as giving you the skills that are useful in any type of job. Following a foundation degree, you can progress to a relevant SERC top-up degree or university to achieve a degree qualification. Foundation degrees provide a clear progression route to a bachelor’s degree programme,or into employment.

Higher Nationals (Level 4 & 5) Higher Nationals are work-related, or vocational, Higher Education qualifications. They focus on learning by doing, and give skills that you can use in a particular job as well as providing opportunities for progression. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations..

Higher National Certificate, HNC (Level 4) Are level 4 and usually studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. For those already in employment, a parttime HNC lets you put the technical skills you learn into practice in your current job. HNCs are considered the first year of an HND. They provide progression opportunities to the HND or degree programmes or opportunities into employment. Higher National Diploma, HND (Level 5) Are level 5 and usually studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. They provide progression opportunities to degree programmes or opportunities into employment.

Level 6

Full Time / Part Time Options

Employer Based Options

Typical Entry Requirements

• • •

•

Level 3 qualification (E.g. B-TEC, A-levels) * Level 5 qualification (e.g. HND, Foundation Degree)

Level 5

Full Time / Part Time Options

Employer Based Options

Typical Entry Requirements

• • •

•

Level 4 or relevant level 3 qualification

Progression Opportunities to Level 6

Level 4 Progression Opportunities to Level 5 and 6

Degree 1 year Top-Up Degree* Professional Qualifications

Higher National Diploma Foundation Degree Professional Qualifications

Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)

Full Time / Part Time Options

Employer Based Options

Typical Entry Requirements

• •

•

Level 3 qualification (eg BTEC, A-Levels)

Higher National Certificate Professional Qualifications

Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)

PROGRESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION (LEVEL 4 OR ABOVE)

Restart

Vocational Route

Academic Route

Training Route

Access Diploma

Advanced Tech & Extended Diploma

A Levels

Apprenticeship

FURTHER EDUCATION (LEVEL 3 & BELOW)

QUALIFICATIONS

Progression Chart

FULL-TIME COURSES CLICK ON THE COURSE TO FIND OUT MORE 8

Code

Course Title

Location

Animal Care 10811

Pearson BTEC HNC in Animal Management

Bangor & Lisburn

10994

Pearson BTEC HND in Animal Management

Bangor

Art & Design 11164

Pearson BTEC HNC in Fine Art

Bangor

11163

Pearson BTEC HNC in Graphic Design

Bangor

Bio Sciences 10612

Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

10844

Pearson BTEC HND in Applied Sciences

Lisburn

Business & Management 10806

Liverpool John Moores University BSc Hons Business Management

Bangor & Other

Construction Studies 10635

Pearson BTEC HNC in Civil Engineering

Lisburn

10613

Pearson BTEC HNC in Construction Management

Bangor & Lisburn

11004

BSc (Hons) in Cloud Computing Technologies (Validated Bangor, Downpatrick by The Open University) & Lisburn

11003

BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (Validated by The Open University)

Bangor & Downpatrick & Lisburn

11002

Foundation Degree in Cloud Computing Technologies (Validated by The Open University)

Bangor & Lisburn

11001

Foundation Degree in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (Validated by The Open University)

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

10622

Pearson BTEC HND in Computing (Software and Games Bangor, Downpatrick Development) & Lisburn

10703

Ulster University Foundation Degree in Computing

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

Early Years 10665

Queen’s University Belfast Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies

Lisburn

Electronic Engineering 10618

Pearson BTEC HND Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

FULL-TIME COURSE LISTINGS

Computing/Software Engineering/Networking

Code

Course Title

Location

Health & Care 10637 Pearson BTEC HNC in Healthcare Practice

Downpatrick, Lisburn & Newtownards

Hospitality & Catering 11051

Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts (Validated by The Open University)

10734 Ulster University Foundation Degree Hospitality & Tourism Management with Specialisms

Bangor Bangor

Manufacturing & General Engineering 11131

Foundation Degree in Industry 4 (Validated by the Open University)

Bangor & Lisburn

11005 Pearson BTEC HND in Engineering (Industrial Automation)

Bangor & Downpatrick

11006 Pearson BTEC HND in Engineering (Mechanical and Advanced Manufacturing)

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

10706 Ulster University Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering

Lisburn

Media 10967 Pearson BTEC HNC in Film & Television Production

Bangor

Motor Vehicle 11091

Foundation Degree in Motorsport Engineering (Validated Bangor by The Open University)

Music 10625 Pearson BTEC HND in Music

Bangor

FULL-TIME COURSE LISTINGS

Performing Arts

10626 Pearson BTEC HND in Performing Arts

Bangor

Sport & Recreation 10708 Ulster University Foundation Degree in Sport & Coaching Bangor & Lisburn and Fitness Travel & Tourism 10638 Pearson BTEC HNC in International Travel and Tourism Management

Lisburn

10737

Lisburn

Pearson BTEC HND in International Travel and Tourism Management

I really enjoy practical sessions, I love hands on lessons and getting involved. My tutors at SERC have all been amazing, they go above and beyond to help and make sure I am meeting deadlines and submitting work on time. I would like to continue my studies and top up to a full degree, and then I want to get my PGCE as my overall goal is to become a PE teacher.” Carragh Nelson Ulster University Foundation Degree in Sport, Coaching and Fitness

Carragh Nelson

FULL-TIME COURSE LISTINGS

Study to suit your life. The SERC pathway to a Higher Education qualification can be followed fulltime, part-time, or a combination of both. Many courses allow you to move between the two patterns of study at the end of a year, enabling you to succeed whilst meeting other commitments.

PART-TIME COURSES CLICK ON THE COURSE TO FIND OUT MORE 12

Code

Course Title

Location

Animal Care 10811

Pearson BTEC HNC in Animal Management

Bangor & Lisburn

Beauty & Holistic Therapies 10807 VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Diploma in Spa and Salon Management

Downpatrick

10722 VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy

Lisburn

10724 VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complementary Therapist

Lisburn

10725 VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Reflexology for the Complementary Therapist

Lisburn

10726 VTCT Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy

Lisburn

Bio Sciences 10612 Pearson BTEC HNC in Applied Sciences

Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn & Newcastle

Business & Management 10036 ATI Level 4 Certificate for Accounting Technicians

Bangor & Lisburn

10037 ATI Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians

Bangor & Lisburn

10924 CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management

Bangor, Lisburn & Other

10942 CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management

Other

10546 CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership

Bangor

10806 Liverpool John Moores University BSc Hons Business Management

Bangor & Other

10855 Management Development Programme (MDP)

Other

Computing/Software Engineering/Networking

11003 BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (Validated by The Open University)

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

11002 Foundation Degree in Cloud Computing Technologies (Validated by The Open University)

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

11001 Foundation Degree in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (Validated by The Open University)

Bangor & Lisburn

10634 Pearson BTEC HNC in Computing

Bangor & Lisburn

10703 Ulster University Foundation Degree in Computing

Bangor & Lisburn

Construction Studies 10635 Pearson BTEC HNC in Civil Engineering

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

PART-TIME COURSE LISTINGS

11004 BSc (Hons) in Cloud Computing Technologies (Validated Bangor, Downpatrick by The Open University) & Lisburn

Code

Course Title

Location

Construction Studies 10614 Pearson BTEC HNC in Construction and the Built Environment (Building Services Engineering)

Bangor

10613 Pearson BTEC HNC in Construction Management

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

10640 Pearson BTEC HND in Construction and the Built Environment (Construction - Management)

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

Early Years 10073 CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Management)

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

10665 Queen’s University Belfast Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies

Lisburn & Newtownards

Health & Care 10642 NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (Northern Ireland)

Downpatrick & Newtownards

10637 Pearson BTEC HNC in Healthcare Practice

Newtownards

10639 Pearson BTEC HNC in Social and Community Work (Social and Community Work Practice)

Newtownards

10941 Ulster University Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice

Lisburn & Newtownards

10937 Ulster University Level 4 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Downpatrick, Lisburn & Newtownards

Hospitality & Catering 11051

Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts (Validated by The Open University)

Bangor

PART-TIME COURSE LISTINGS

Languages

10590 OCN NI Level 4 Award in Modern Languages (French)

Bangor & Lisburn

10591 OCN NI Level 4 Award in Modern Languages (Italian)

Bangor

10592 OCN NI Level 4 Award in Modern Languages (Spanish)

Bangor

Manufacturing & General Engineering 10616 Pearson BTEC HNC in Engineering (General)

Bangor & Lisburn

10619 Pearson BTEC HND in Engineering (General)

Bangor

10706 Ulster University Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering

Bangor & Lisburn

Renewable Energies 11086 OCN NI Level 5 Certificate in Retrofitting Domestic Properties

Newtownards & Other

11137

Other

OCN NI Level 5 Extended Certificate in Retrofitting Domestic Properties

The course covers all aspects of performing arts – including acting, lighting classes, prop design, costume design, sound, and more, so there is something for everyone. The staff are so friendly, they provide you with everything you need and push you to do your best, as well as the tools to build towards any career you want in performing arts. After I complete my course, I’d like to go straight into industry, but it’s great to know I have the option to apply to university if I want as well.

Ellie Hood

Nathan Irvine Pearson BTEC HND in Performing Arts

The course teaches you a lot about tourism, including why people travel to certain places (culture, history, economics, environment), and I particularly enjoyed the management and leadership modules too, as I’d love to enter the corporate and marketing side of the industry. You have quite a bit of freedom on the course– we get taught a lot of theory and then go and write it up ourselves. There is lots of help from tutors as well, but I like the more independent style of learning, which will help prepare me for uni too. Ellie Hood Pearson BTEC HNC in International Travel and Tourism Management

TESTIMONIALS

Nathan Irvine

HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS (HLAs) A Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) lets you earn while you learn, gaining accredited qualifications whilst developing skills sought by employers and relevant to the local economy. They provide an opportunity for new and existing employees to take their studies to a higher level while working in their chosen field. Benefits of an HLA

• • • • •

Earn while you learn Qualifications without tuition fees Apply your learning directly in the workplace A clear pathway for career progression Mentoring to support you through your HE programme

HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS

Eligibility

• You need to be employed, or about to take up employment, with an NI-based company • Working a minimum of 21 hours per week (including time for “off-the-job” training) • Individual entry requirements will depend on the apprenticeship chosen

Dylan Donaldson

HLA

Dylan Donaldson HLA Mechatronics at Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company

HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS

The HLA gives you plenty of options for employment, and I also have the option to go onto university if I want. It’s a huge benefit completing your qualification in partnership with your employer and the college, as you are qualified in industry standard practice – getting 3 years’ experience and a Level 5 qualification at the same time looks great on a CV.

HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP

CLICK ON THE COURSE TO FIND OUT MORE 18

Code

Course Title

Location

Business & Management 10186 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Accounting

Lisburn

Computing/Software Engineering/Networking 11070 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Cloud Computing Technologies

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

10189 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

11069 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Cyber Security and Digital Bangor, Downpatrick Forensics & Lisburn

Construction Studies 10190 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Building Services Engineering (HVAC)

Bangor

10975 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction & the Built Environment (Civil Engineering)

Lisburn

10191

Bangor & Lisburn

Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction Management

Early Years 10195 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Leadership for Children’s Care Learning and Development (Management)

Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn & Newtownards

Health & Care 10193 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care

Downpatrick & Newtownards

Hospitality & Catering 11052

Higher Level Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts

Bangor, Downpatrick & Lisburn

11056 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Advanced Technician Mechanical & Manufacturing (General)

Lisburn

11146

Bangor

Higher Level Apprenticeship in Industry 4

10196 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics

Bangor & Lisburn

HLA COURSE LISTINGS

Manufacturing & General Engineering

WHY SERC? The Student Experience

WHY SERC? THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Study closer to home, with lower fees than a university course (see individual course details for information on fees and charges)

We work in small classes or in workshops – no sitting in a lecture theatre! Learning is rooted in meeting practical challenges and working on projects to develop teamwork and self-management skills

Our courses lead to recognised, respected qualifications and offer progression to employment or to the next stage of education Courses include work placements, and in many cases offer work experience abroad

We have industry-experienced, qualified tutors and state-ofthe-art facilities

WHY SERC? THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Higher Education at SERC is a different route to your destination

JOIN A WINNING TEAM SERC consistently scores highly – above the UK benchmark - in the National Student Survey In 2022-23 the achievement rate for full-time HE students at SERC was 96%

JOIN A WINNING TEAM

In 2022-23 58 Higher National qualification students at SERC achieved a distinction

REAL SKILLS FOR REAL LIFE Transversal skills (T-skills) and Meta-skills (M-skills) are behaviours and competencies which underpin the learning of other skills and knowledge. They include critical thinking, team work, creativity, problem-solving, time management and learning skills. SERC puts these at the centre of the educational experience to build confidence and prepare our students for the challenges of modern life and work.

REAL SKILLS FOR REAL LIFE

At SERC we know it is important to educate the whole person, which means we don’t just deliver paper qualifications, we develop rounded individuals with the personal and interpersonal skills needed to navigate life. We know, too, that these skills are valued by employers.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PBL) Project-based learning (PBL) is used across all vocational areas at SERC and will prepare you for the world of work by developing the right skills, attitudes and behaviours, while having fun and learning along the way.

PROJECT BASED LEARNING PBL

DEFINE THE

‘REAL WORLD’

GROUP PROJECT

GENERATE DESIGN OPTIONS OR ALTERNATIVES

ORGANISE THE STUDENT GROUPS

PROJECT SCOPE AND CONSTRAINTS DEFINED

PRESENT PROPOSALS

GROUP PERFORMS RESEARCH TASKS

CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION

OPERATE THE PROJECT

CREATE ACTION PLAN

IMPLEMENT THE PLAN

PRESENT THE RESULTS

REVIEW EVALUATE PROJECT

SERC has developed a 12 step Project Based Learning (PBL) process to help you learn better. PBL uses industry focused projects to enhance your learning. You will study in small groups, learn from each other and develop skills in a fun way. Regardless of whether you prefer to learn using written instructions or using your imagination to create new solutions, PBL will make you more employable.

PBL Why PBL? PBL is a student-centred approach which students find more enjoyable and satisfying

It helps develop teamwork and communication skills

PROJECT BASED LEARNING PBL

It encourages learning from experience, drawing on what has been learnt to understand problems

PROJECT BASED LEARNING PBL

Students with PBL experience rate their abilities higher

THE STUDENT VOICE

SERC Students’ Union is a democratic body, elected by the student community to work on behalf of and for the benefit of students. SERC Students’ Union delivers a programme of events and activities for the SERC student community to advocate, enrich and enhance student life for all our students. All students both full-time and part-time are members of the Students’ Union and can stand for office such as class representative, welfare officer etc.

YOUR VOICE

Go Greener! SERC was awarded the prestigious Green Gown Award for our commitment to promoting sustainability. Students and staff are encouraged to get involved in progressing this commitment through the SERC Eco Community.

Student Businesses SERC provides a range of activities through which you can develop enterprise skills. All full-time students spend the first two weeks of the academic year developing enterprise ideas. There are also dedicated workspaces for students to develop their ideas, and a team supporting students to establish their own business.

THE STUDENT VOICE

SERC supports three community radio stations that provide training for students and members of the public, with industry-standard live broadcasting facilities and opportunities to create and innovate under supervision from experienced media professionals.

SOME OF OUR SERVICES

Community Radio

STUDENT SUPPORT

SERC is committed to supporting all students to meet challenges and achieve their aims. The College has an extensive network of support services and also works with a range of agencies to make sure help is there whenever it is needed.

Pastoral Care We work with Ascert, Aware, Inspire and the HSC to make sure you are able to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Learning Support If you have additional needs, we have the facilities and staff to work with you to help you succeed.

Student Carers

If you have caring responsibilities at home, we understand that this can have an impact on your learning. We have a dedicated support service to offer help and advice.

Learning Resource Centres

If you need a place to study or help in finding resources to support your learning, we have Learning Resource Centres on each main campus with printed books and e-books and quiet study areas.

Student Finance It can be difficult to juggle your finances when you’re a student. SERC publishes a range of guides and has a team of advisors to support you.

Little SERC Creche at Newcastle Campus

Our award-winning careers advisors can help you plan your path to achieving your ambitions. The service is impartial and available to everyone.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Careers

STUDENT SUPPORT

Little SERC was set up in 2020 to provide safe, stimulating childcare to help parents enrolled on courses at Newcastle.

NEXT STEPS Browse our Higher Education courses Get advice from our careers team The application and admission process can be found here

META SKILLS

NEXT STEPS

Come to a SERC open evening, 7 March 2024 and 6 June 2024, talk to tutors and advice teams and view our facilities