After completing her GCSEs, Lydia knew she wanted to progress to university. While researching suitable pathways, she discovered the University Access courses at SERC. She chose to study at SERC because her local campus is close to home and came highly recommended by family and friends who had previously had positive experiences at the college.
She says, “Since starting the course I’ve really grown to love learning about psychology - studying different psychologists and their theories has been really interesting. We’ve learnt about different approaches to psychology, like the humanistic approach – psychology focused on a person’s personal growth and self-actualisation, and the biological approach – psychology focused on genetics and brain function, as well as different psychological experiments like the Skinner Box, created by B.F Skinner, for studying operant conditioning (behaviours modified through reinforcement and punishment). I’ve learnt so much in my first couple of months of starting this course; aside from psychology I’ve also studied biology and mathematics, but there are other options on the course too like English and politics. It’s very versatile.
“Studying this course has given me a better understanding of what I want to do in the future. I’d love to go to university to study psychology and criminology, or criminology and law. I’ve always been interested in those areas so getting on track with this course to study them at a higher level is exciting.
“The teaching at SERC is brilliant, especially compared to my experience in school. The tutors are supportive and really go out of their way to help you, as opposed to just telling you to get on with the work. They encourage and help you a lot, which in my case is great because sometimes I need a little push and they are great at that. The library facilities are good for getting extra work done outside the classroom; the computers are fast and there’s lots of resources to help you do work there.
“Overall, I’d recommend SERC for the friendly staff and students, and the fact that you are always supported emotionally and intellectually here – it's a really welcoming environment to learn in.”
Applications for full-time courses are now open online. Come along to our Full-time Open Evening, 4pm - 7pm on Thursday 5 March, at Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses. Real Learning for Real Life #BetterOffAtSERC.
