South Eastern Regional College Past Student Jason Achieves First Class Sports Degree

Jason Browning, a past student of @S_ERC will be graduating with first-class honours from Ulster University’s BSc Sports Coaching and Performance this summer.

The young man, who represents Northern Ireland, is passionate about sport, determined and focused, also happens to be a wheelchair user, who meets challenges head on. Jason, 25, from Belfast said, “I am absolutely thrilled. I couldn’t have achieved this result without the support of my tutors at SERC who helped me realise my dream.”

Jason, came to SERC’s Lisburn campus in 2014 and completed the Level 3 Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport, achieving triple distinction stars. He progressed onto the Ulster University Foundation Degree Sport, Exercise & Fitness, also delivered at SERC, and again completed with Distinction in 2019 before progressing to the final year of the Sports Coaching and Performance degree programme at Ulster University.

Jason said, “I chose to study at SERC because the tutors were very welcoming, helpful and reassuring. When I was applying for the BTEC Sports course, after leaving special school, I instantly felt appreciated and wanted at SERC, compared to other places where I had applied to study. The tutors were amazing, particularly Alan Simpson. They treated me like everyone else and adapted things to help when necessary. I could not have achieved the results I did at SERC without the support of the Sports tutors or Learning Support team at Lisburn Campus.”

Jason is considering all his options but hopes to pursue a post with the IFA stating that would be his dream career path.

Colin Atkinson, Deputy Head of Applied Science, Sport and Access to Education at SERC said, “During Jason’s time at SERC his academic work and practical ability were of the highest standard – he was an inspiration to his peers and all around him. Jason’s passion for sport shone through and he was a joy to have in the College. His enthusiasm and passion for sport extended beyond the College as he was the first wheelchair user to achieve UEFA B coaching badge and played international football for Northern Ireland, which gave him the opportunity to travel around the world.

He added, “SERC provided the perfect learning environment and flexibility for Jason to excel both academically and in his sport, which is what we desire for every student. The SERC Sport team are very proud that Jason not only completed his degree at Ulster University, but did so in his usual style, achieving First Class Honours, just as we all expected. We look forward to hearing what the next exciting chapter holds for Jason and wish him every success in his future career. Jason Browning is a name to look out for.

He concluded, “Jason, and past student David Doherty, have really helped pave the way for students with disabilities to pursue a career in sport. SERC is very proud to have been part of this journey.”