Gerard on course for university after support from James Kane Foundation bursary

Full Job Description

Jun 30, 2026

Last year Gerard was awarded one of The James Kane Foundation bursaries, delivered through the South Eastern Regional College, and we are delighted to hear his story. Read on.

A SERC student says his foundation degree course has set him up to progress to university and follow his career ambitions.

A mature student at SERC, who has been supported by a grant from the James Kane Foundation, says the twists and turns in his educational journey have led him to the right place.

When Gerard Gallagher, from Belfast, made the decision at the age of 50 that he was going to achieve a degree, he wasn’t going to let anything hold him back. He explains,

“I was close to completing a University Access course for adult returners when the place I was renting was sold and I was left without a home of my own. Of course, it affected my studies and I missed my university place – though only by two percent! I knew further education was an option, though, so it wasn’t the end of the story, and to be honest, enrolling on a foundation degree course at SERC is probably the best move I made.”

“I was close to completing a University Access course for adult returners when the place I was renting was sold and I was left without a home of my own. Of course, it affected my studies and I missed my university place – though only by two percent! I knew further education was an option, though, so it wasn’t the end of the story, and to be honest, enrolling on a foundation degree course at SERC is probably the best move I made.”

Gerard had been talking for years about pursuing an electronic engineering degree – “Driving my family mad!” he admits. He worked for years as a chef, including a stint abroad, but says the last years in the job were mainly spent looking for a way out. He then worked in computer networking and event audiovisuals and eventually, he says, he turned 50:

“I reflected on things and thought, it’s now or never – I don’t just want a degree, I want it to lead to a career, so I should hurry! I was encouraged by a friend to get on the Access course as that delivers A-levels or the equivalent qualifications. As soon as I started that, I was a different man. I was reminded how much I enjoy learning. My results are the results of someone has applied themselves, who is committed.

“I reflected on things and thought, it’s now or never – I don’t just want a degree, I want it to lead to a career, so I should hurry! I was encouraged by a friend to get on the Access course as that delivers A-levels or the equivalent qualifications. As soon as I started that, I was a different man. I was reminded how much I enjoy learning. My results are the results of someone has applied themselves, who is committed.

“When I missed the university place, I researched online and I found the Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering at SERC, which is validated by Ulster University. I visited SERC Lisburn Campus before the term started and met the tutor, Declan Black, who I have since found to be a gentleman and a scholar, and funny too – a legend!”

“When I missed the university place, I researched online and I found the Foundation Degree in Mechatronic Engineering at SERC, which is validated by Ulster University. I visited SERC Lisburn Campus before the term started and met the tutor, Declan Black, who I have since found to be a gentleman and a scholar, and funny too – a legend!”

Gerard has found the facilities at SERC to be top notch, and likes the hands-on, real-life learning at the college, which he is sure he wouldn’t have got at this stage in a university course. He says,

“I would have missed out on a lot if I’d gone straight to the bachelor’s degree, which I hear is all theory. Here it’s hands-on and we’re doing modules using CAD (computer aided design) for example. I didn’t know what to expect from the course, and some modules I found easier, as they were about things I had been doing for years – others took a bit more work as they were completely new!”

“I would have missed out on a lot if I’d gone straight to the bachelor’s degree, which I hear is all theory. Here it’s hands-on and we’re doing modules using CAD (computer aided design) for example. I didn’t know what to expect from the course, and some modules I found easier, as they were about things I had been doing for years – others took a bit more work as they were completely new!”

Another aspect of SERC which has impressed Gerard is the support system. He went to get advice from student finance and not only got help from the student support fund, but was also encouraged, as a science and engineering student, to apply for support from the James Kane Foundation (JKF), and he was awarded a grant. He comments,

“Frankly, without their assistance I would have been reconsidering the course in the second year. I didn’t want to waste all the effort I’d made to get where I was, but I was in difficulty and struggling with my situation. I needed to complete a course of higher-level study and I was determined, but it was touch and go until I got that grant from the JKF. I was also lucky enough to get a paid student work placement as part of the course, so that has helped too – it’s all been great.”

“Frankly, without their assistance I would have been reconsidering the course in the second year. I didn’t want to waste all the effort I’d made to get where I was, but I was in difficulty and struggling with my situation. I needed to complete a course of higher-level study and I was determined, but it was touch and go until I got that grant from the JKF. I was also lucky enough to get a paid student work placement as part of the course, so that has helped too – it’s all been great.”

Considering life as a mature student, Gerard says,

“Joining in my fifties…it took time to settle, I’ll be honest – I have kids older than the other people in the class! At the end of the day, though, in class we are all peers. We are all working the same muscles in the same way and we support each other, and I really like the guys. I am a firm believer that education is a lifelong process. My sister-in-law’s grandmother graduated at 81! She is an inspiration to me, but I didn’t want to wait that long! I want to use my training in a new career. I needed a paradigm shift in my life and that is what I have achieved. My next move will be to complete my degree at Ulster University.”

“Joining in my fifties…it took time to settle, I’ll be honest – I have kids older than the other people in the class! At the end of the day, though, in class we are all peers. We are all working the same muscles in the same way and we support each other, and I really like the guys. I am a firm believer that education is a lifelong process. My sister-in-law’s grandmother graduated at 81! She is an inspiration to me, but I didn’t want to wait that long! I want to use my training in a new career. I needed a paradigm shift in my life and that is what I have achieved. My next move will be to complete my degree at Ulster University.”

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