Clearing

Now's the time to explore the different pathways towards the career you want. If you're looking for a Higher Education course starting this September, you can apply directly online.

• Gain qualifications through practical learning in small groups
• Tutors are experts in their industry
• Learn in state-of-the-art facilities on professional-standard equipment
• More than a qualification – project-based learning develops the personal skills employers seek
• Practical experience: real learning, for real life
• Lower annual fees than university

After Further Education or A-Levels, there are many Higher Education pathways and progression routes to further study or into employment. At SERC, you can access a variety of qualifications at different levels, all of which are recognised by employers and universities.

• Degree - 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 subject areas.
• Foundation Degree - 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 Level Apprenticeship - 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.
• Higher National Diploma - a vocational qualification that provides students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge for a specific career. This is usually studied full-time over two years. You will complete an HNC in year one of the course. An HND can lead on to a degree programme or directly into employment.
• Higher National Certificate - a vocational qualification that prepares students for the workforce with practical skills and theoretical knowledge. HNCs are Level 4 qualifications and are usually completed in one year full-time or two years part-time. If you are already in employment, a part-time HNC develops the technical skills which you can put into practice in your current job. Higher National qualifications are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. They focus on learning by doing, and give skills that you can use in a particular job as well as providing opportunities for progression.