Higher Education
Discover a world of opportunity with Higher Education at Southern Regional College 2025/26
Higher Education That Doesn’t Break the Bank
Studying higher education at Southern Regional College is a cost-effective option for many school leavers and adult returners each year. With low tuition fees and many debt free options, higher education at SRC will open many doors to exciting and rewarding careers. Whether you choose to study full-time, part-time or as a higher level apprentice, you’ll find our tuition rates surprisingly reasonable.
Many reasons to choose SRC
College courses are extremely flexible and aligned with the needs of industry, so we are preparing you for your next step – a fulfilling career.
At Southern Regional College you will enjoy:
Small class sizes allowing for more individualised teaching and support.
Being taught by industry experienced lecturing staff who will pass on their many years of experience.
Our strong partnerships with prestigious universities such as Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast and The Open University who will validate your higher level qualification.
Our modern state-of-the-art campuses that offer the latest technology and equipment relevant to your learning.
International travel opportunities that allow you to explore different cultures and perspectives through study visits and residential trips.
Excellent pastoral and tutorial support from our friendly and experienced staff who are always ready to help you with any issues or concerns.
Impartial careers guidance and support from our careers advisers who will help you plan your next steps.
Course Levels Explained
Thinking of studying higher education at SRC? So where do you begin your journey?
Navigating the world of higher education can be difficult and choosing the right course is paramount. When deciding to come to College you will find you have a lot more options. Unlike university, you will enter higher education at SRC generally at level 5 (Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree) with the option to go onto further study at level 6 (Degree). This gives you the flexibility to exit education after 2 years with a valid qualification, stay at SRC to complete a degree or transfer to university to finish your degree.
Our higher education courses have extremely flexible delivery models, so if you start as a higher level apprentice but things don’t work out, you can seamlessly transfer to the part-time route of the same course. Then when you find employment again, you can hop back on as an apprentice. The same applies if you start as a part-time student and wish to transfer to the higher level apprenticeship.
The table below should help you understand at which level you need to join.
Level
4
Level 5
A first step into higher education. A suitable bridge between secondary school and university (1 year).
Offered in a small number of subject areas.
Setting you up for a degree, level 5 qualifications are an ideal entry point after A-Levels/Level 3.
Typically a 2 year full-time programme, or 3 years if part-time or higher level apprenticeship (HLA).
Graduate with a Foundation Degree or HND or choose to top up to a level 6 Bachelors Degree.
Gain a bachelors degree by ‘topping up’ your level 5 qualification.
Level 6
Level 7
SRC top-up level 6 degrees are studied part-time or as a HLA.
Apply to university with your level 5 and top up to degree with them.
Build in-dept knowledge of a subject.
Can be higher degrees or professional qualifications.
SRC offer a very small number of professional qualifications at level 7.
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
Level 4 Diploma/ Certificate/Award
Foundation Degree
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA)
Level 5 Diplomas and Certificates
Bachelors (Hons) Degree
Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship
First year of a bachelors degree programme
Please check website for progression routes. These qualifications may assist with entry onto a HNC
Level 7 Diplomas and Certificates
Two-thirds of a bachelors degree programme
An undergraduate degree
Top up from level 5 in 2 years
Level 7 is postgraduate level. May lead onto a Masters Degree.
Level 7 holders may be eligible for entrance onto Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes
Money Matters
Higher Education Fees
Education doesn’t have to be expensive. Our tuition fees are much less than university equivalents. So, you’ll graduate with the same qualification, with less debt or no debt.
Your course might be made up of tuition fees and other associated costs, such as exam fees or awarding body fees. We are completely upfront about all costs as no one likes these kinds of surprises. You will find all fees associated with each course on the course pages of our website.
Tuition Fees
Full-Time Higher Education Students
Tuition fees for higher education (HE) full-time courses are set by the Department for Economy (DfE) and are currently £2,900 per year*. Fees may be changed by DfE, and if this happens, we’ll publish updates on our website as soon as possible.
Part-Time Higher Education Students
Tuition fees for higher education part-time students are calculated on an hourly rate. You’ll find this information on each individual course page on our website. Just remember, these fees will be less than the full-time rate as they are studied over a longer period of time.
All Students
Full fees must be paid on enrolment, unless you’re in receipt of an ‘Award Notice’ from Student Finance. Any fees paid, but subsequently funded by loans from the Student Loans Company or grants from the Education Authority, will be refunded to you.
Get ahead and make your application to Student Finance now and find out what maintenance grant/loan and tuition fee loan are available.
Apply to Student Finance now at: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Financial Assistance
We understand that you might want to talk about financial help. If you need advice, speak with one of our Campus Coordinators who will guide you. Call 0300 123 1223 or make an appointment at any campus reception.
Financial Support Available
Full-Time Higher Education Students
• Undergraduate Tuition Fee Loan
• Maintenance Grant
• Maintenance Loan
• Students with Dependants
• James Kane Foundation Scholarship
Part-Time Higher Education Students
• Undergraduate Tuition Fee Loan
• Tuition Fee Grant
• Course Grant
All Students
• Hardship fund
• Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Scan QR code or further Information on financial assistance:
Embrace Student Life
Jump straight into student life and discover opportunities to meet other students, build your confidence and develop your skills. At SRC we offer a vibrant mix of social, cultural and sporting activities alongside studying.
Get involved in student life
Freshers’ Fair
Starting College is exciting but it can be nerve-wrecking. Our annual Fresher’ Fairs will introduce you to life at College. Meet other students and get introduced to the wide range of clubs, societies and services available at SRC.
Student Consultative Groups/ Student Council
Sign up to become a class representative and influence policies, decisions and provide feedback. It is YOUR education after all and our Consultative Groups and Student Council act as the student voice on campus.
Students’ Union
Champion your interests and amplify your views. Run for office in our SU elections and become a candidate for positive change. Or perhaps run for SU President and get involved in College governance.
Clubs and Societies
We offer a wide range of clubs and societies to suit every interest. This includes the LGBTQ+ Society, Movie Club, Gamers Club, Women’s Society and My World, My Home Group who promote sustainability. Embrace diversity and inclusion with the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Council or become a Campus Mental Health Champion. Make a difference for all students.
Health and Wellbeing
Your wellbeing matters. At SRC we provide health education, fitness suites, physical activity days, counselling services and life skills and resilience workshops to support all students.
Take a day out
We organise many fun and stimulating away days throughout the year, from college exchanges to fun activity trips. Broaden your horizons and make lasting memories.
Fundraising
We’re passionate about giving back to the community and want you to be part of the change. Share your ideas and let’s make a difference together.
Exhibitions and Shows
Experience the creativity of your fellow students through captivating exhibitions and shows. Celebrate our art and design, hospitality, hairdressing, media, music, and visual arts students’ work throughout the year.
Together we can make your College journey unforgettable.
Let's make your College journey unforgettable. SRC student life awaits you!
Contact: Jason Brennan, Student Engagement Manager
Jason Brennan Student Engagement Manager
075 1777 8329 brennanj@src.ac.uk
075 1777 8329 brennanj@src.ac.uk
Higher Level Apprenticeships
Work. Learn. Succeed.
What is a Higher Level Apprenticeship?
A Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) allows participants to work towards achievement of a higher level qualification such as a Foundation Degree or Degree while working in a relevant job role and is a debt free alternative to achieving higher level qualifications.
From day one apprentices are an employee, earning a salary and gaining:
• Valuable skills and knowledge
• Academic training at College
• On-the-job training with an employer to gain practical, industry-specific experience
The apprenticeship is a three-way partnership between you, your employer, and the College. You’ll have a workplace mentor and a mentor at College, both of who will guide and support you throughout your HLA. All HLA employers must be based in Northern Ireland so you can work close to home.
Key Benefits of a HLA
• No tuition fees
• Get paid a salary - earn while you learn
• Start straight after A-Levels/level 3 qualification and progress all the way to an Honours Degree
• No age limit – HLAs are open to all
SRC offer over 19 HLA’s in a diverse range of areas. See overleaf for the range on offer. Further HLA’s are in development.
HLA’s Offered At SRC
Accounting
• Accounting Technologist Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree (Top Up)
• Accounting Technicians Level 5 Diploma
Science
• Applied Industrial Sciences – Chemical Science Level 5 Foundation Degree
• Applied Industrial Sciences – Life Science Level 5 Foundation Degree
Business and Marketing
• Digital Marketing, Advertising and Communications Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree (Top-Up)
• Business & Enterprise Level 5 Foundation Degree
• Digital Marketing, Advertising and Communications Level 5 Foundation Degree
• FinTech Level 5 Foundation Degree
Computing, IT & Multimedia
• Computing for Industry, Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree (Top-Up)
• Cloud Computing, Analytics and Security for Industry Level 5 Foundation Degree
Construction
• Construction Level 6 BSc (Hons) Degree (Top-Up)
• Construction (Quantity Surveying) Level 5 Foundation Degree
• Construction (Digital Construction Management) Level 5 Foundation Degree
Engineering
• Engineering Level 6 BEng (Hons) Degree (Top-Up)
• Engineering (Mechatronics) Level 5 Foundation Degree
• Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) Level 5 Foundation Degree
• Engineering (Electrical & Electronic) Level 5 Foundation Degree
Hospitality & Tourism
• Hospitality, Tourism and Events with Specialisms (Hospitality) Level 5 Foundation Degree
Sport & Exercise
• Sport & Exercise Level 5 Foundation Degree
Disclaimer
SRC strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy at the time of printing, the College cannot be held responsible for any changes that may occur afterwards.
For higher education courses, any significant changes will be communicated to the affected students. Tuition fees for higher education have been calculated based on the Fees Policy 2025/26, and University examination fees for 2025/26. Fees may be subject to potential changes determined by the College or University. Other fees related to higher education courses are included but may also be subject to change.
The College reserves the right to revise, alter, or cancel courses once they have started. The availability of courses depends on satisfactory enrolment numbers and funding availability.
Students enrolled on courses consisting of 120 hours or more, have the right to cancel their course without incurring any fees within 14 calendar days of the course start date. No refunds are available for students who leave a part-time course of less than 120 hours after attending one or more sessions.
©2024 Southern Regional College.