Considering Options After A-Levels? Choose Southern Regional College for your university level study

Sports and Exercise students undergoing training on SRC’s industry standard equipment. | Supplied

Leaving school this summer or thinking or a career change? Want to discover an exciting range of undergraduate courses? Look no further than SRC’s higher education options

As A-Level students across the province prepare to take the next step in their academic journey, Southern Regional College is encouraging talented and ambitious young people to explore the range of higher level study opportunities available at their local Further Education College.

Southern Regional College is proud to offer higher education programmes across different vocational areas to ensure that students receive high quality and relevant training to meet identified skills gaps. These programmes have been designed in partnership with prestigious Higher Education institutions, including The Open University, Queens University Belfast, Ulster University, Liverpool John Moores and other top organisations.

Saoirse Treanor, a current Certificate of Higher Education Healthcare Practice student. Healthcare Practice is offered in two pathways, the SHSCT pathway and Nursing Home pathway. | Supplied

Valuable skills for Saoirse

One student, who made the decision to join SRC for her higher education course is Saoirse Treanor. Saoirse joined the Certificate of Higher Education in Healthcare Practice (Southern Health & Social Care Trust Pathway) to fulfil her ambitions of becoming a nurse. With the course there is a mixture of in class learning alongside placement hours in a hospital setting under the guidance of a nurse supervisor. The Healthcare Practice course is providing Saoirse with valuable skills, from communication to practical working skills.

Saoirse explains: “I have gained so much confidence and experience from the course. In class I have learnt clinical skills which I apply on placement. I’ve learnt so much from the course, from medication skills to dressing wounds. On the ward we do get mistaken for the qualified nurses sometimes.”

Small group teaching at clinical skills simulation on SRC’s full-time Level 4 Healthcare Practice course. | Supplied

Consider your options

Choosing the right path after secondary school can be a daunting so SRC encourages students to consider all their available options, including those at their local Further Education College. University-accredited courses at the College include HNCs, HNDs, Foundation degrees, Honours degrees, and Higher Level Apprenticeships allowing students to study locally, gain real-world skills, and achieve cost savings.

The College offers full-time foundation degrees in areas including Business, Early Childhood Studies, Computing, Game Development, Sports and Exercise, Creative Music and Audio Production, with many more part-time opportunities also available. Students also have the prospect of remaining at the College to complete BSc and BA Honours degrees.

There are many advantages for students who decide to stay local and study at their nearest Further Education College. They will benefit from smaller class sizes allowing for a more focused teaching approach, lecturers have industry experience in their specific subject area, tuition fees are cheaper and the industry standard facilities and equipment help students gain valuable skills and industry accredited qualifications which will improve their employability. All vocational programmes at Further Education colleges are developed in line with industry demand to ensure that they provide the right skills for progression to further study or employment.

Music students and lecturer working at SRC’s mixing decks | Supplied

Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College explains, “Deciding on the next step after leaving school can be a daunting and anxious time and young people and parents don’t always know what career courses or learning opportunities are available to them.”

With the growing costs of university tuition fees and living costs, it is vital that young people wishing to obtain qualifications are aware of the range of options available to help them make better, informed choices and I would encourage them to look at the provision that’s on offer at their local Further Education College as they look to the next step of their educational journey.

Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional Colle

Expert help to make the right choice

SRC’s team of experts are committed to offering valuable information and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your future. Get in touch if you have any questions or to find out how the College can support your career plans. Phone 0300 123 1223, email [email protected], or call into your local campus to talk with our expert team.

Applications for full-time courses starting September 2024 are now open. Prospective students are encouraged to visit SRC’s website at www.src.ac.uk for detailed information about each program, admission requirements, and the application process.

Find out more about undergraduate degree options here. This is your time!