Adult and Higher Education

Thinking about an evening class or going back to college? Need more qualifications to gain advancement at work? This section provides ideas and links to enable you to be fully informed of what is on offer to fulfill any of your educational aspirations.

People go back to education for many reasons. They want new skills, better job opportunities, or just to meet new friends.

Whatever the reason, all Adult Education Programmes are very flexible - usually with day, evening, weekend or after school sessions, short (full time) courses and courses during holidays. They are designed for different needs - and the time learners can spare.

The BBC Learning for Adults website has a wealth of info on how to improve your learning and study skills. With a step-by-step guide to “Returning to Learning” it gives you all the answers you're looking for plus advice and encouragement to start a journey that could change your life.

The Open University is the UK's largest university and is ranked amongst the top universities for quality of teaching. The OU's undergraduate level courses do not require any entry qualifications and over a third of people starting their courses have qualifications below usual university entry requirements. Despite this, around 70% of students successfully gain degrees each year. Nearly all OU students are part-time and about 70% remain in full-time employment throughout their studies.

Further information on adult education can be obtained from your Ship/Unit Education Officer or from the Directgov website