Higher Education students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) joined with family and friends to celebrate their academic efforts and achievements at the college’s annual graduation ceremony at The Waterfront Hall, Belfast on Friday 11 September 2026.
The ceremony honoured almost 900 full-time and part-time students and Higher-Level Apprentices. Certificates were presented by Paul Finnegan of SERC’s Governing Body, while guest speaker Cate Conway, from BBC Radio Ulster, highlighted the twists and turns of her own career and how different her pathway had been, compared to what she thought it would be, when she wore her own graduation gown.
The Vote of Thanks was given by Ellie Doherty, 21, from Portaferry, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Business Management degree (validated by Liverpool John Moore’s University). Ellie was also the recipient of the Emily J Connor Award which recognises academic commitment and excellence, ambition and self-motivation, and leadership by example.
Tommy Martin, Principal and Chief Executive of SERC, said, “Graduation is a milestone worthy of celebration. It represents the culmination of your hard work, commitment and resilience, and today is an opportunity to reflect on everything you have achieved. Your success is thoroughly deserved. As you celebrate this accomplishment, I encourage you to look ahead with confidence.”
He added, “None of us succeeds alone. Many of you will have been supported along the way by family, friends, lecturers, employers and mentors. Take time today to thank those who helped you reach this point, and in turn, support and inspire others. By sharing your experiences and encouraging future learners, you can help others recognise the opportunities that education can create and the difference it can make in their lives.”
Speaking about achievements at SERC, he continued, “The achievement rate for our full-time Higher Education students is consistently over 99% (99.2%). In addition, approximately 72% of our full-time students achieved higher grade profiles on their qualifications, and this year we have three students who achieved a First Class Honours - two from the BSc in Business Management (Validated by Liverpool John Moores University) and one from the BSc Cloud Computing Technologies Top Up (Validated by The Open University). One student, from the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (Validated by Queen’s University Belfast) achieved the highest grade on this course amongst students from all six regional colleges.
“This year also saw our first graduates from the Pearson HND in Film and Television; the Foundation Degree in Cloud Computing Technologies (Validated by The Open University); the Foundation Degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management (Validated by the Ulster University); and the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Leadership and Productivity Improvement. “Our Higher Education students continue to develop with to date 58% confirming they have progressed to the next level of higher education and 21% securing employment.
“Our valued partnerships with Ulster University, The Open University, Queen’s University Belfast and Liverpool John Moores University continue to strengthen and enhance our higher education offering, providing students with access to a diverse range of Degree and Foundation Degree programmes. Alongside these partnerships, SERC delivers a well-established portfolio of Pearson Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Higher Level Apprenticeships, and a wide range of professional and technical qualifications, ensuring learners can access flexible pathways to academic achievement and career success.”
Mr Martin concluded: “Further Education colleges play a vital role in developing the skills and talent our economy needs, with support from the Department for the Economy. As graduates of the Class of 2026, you are equipped with the knowledge, skills and ambition to help shape a brighter, more sustainable and prosperous future for Northern Ireland. You should be immensely proud of all you have achieved. I congratulate each of you on your success and wish you every happiness as you take the next step in your journey, whether progressing into employment, further study, or balancing both. Continue to challenge yourself, embrace new opportunities, be confident in your abilities, and remain committed to lifelong learning.”
Photos from today will be posted on our socials early next week.
