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It’s never too late to learn! All welcome to UEL Adult Learners’ Week events – 17–22 May

Monday 19 May 2008

Thinking of university but concerned about age as a barrier? The University of East London (UEL) and Newham Regeneration are celebrating this year’s Adult Learners’ Week with a range of events across east London and Essex.

More than half of UEL’s 21,000 students are over 21 at point of entry. The advent of more flexible work patterns, more women going into work and more people retraining or changing careers have all contributed to a big increase in mature and part-time degree studies.

Adult Learners' Week, 17-22 May, is co-ordinated by NIACE, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, and aims to celebrate, promote and advance all forms of adult learning.

Throughout the week, UEL staff will be leading workshops and offering advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including educational opportunities and preparing CVs, at venues in Stratford, Beckton, Ilford, Barking, Whitechapel, Grays and Canary Wharf.

Julie Walker, Information, Advice and Guidance Co-ordinator at UEL, said: “All our students are valued for their own life experiences, and academic credit rating is often given for previous qualifications or other relevant experiences before the course even begins.

“For mature students, part-time study can often be the key to success. At UEL, personal tutors can help students plan effectively and realistically, and many of our programmes offer evening tuition to allow students to continue working full-time.

“We understand that it can seem daunting to return to education after years at work or at home, but we are also confident that, for many people, it can be the start of a very valuable experience and the key to a dream career.”

UEL Extra offers a range of part-time and flexible learning opportunities enabling mature students to balance study with work and other commitments. UEL's Skillzone also runs the popular New Beginnings 2 access course, allowing people who have been out of education for a considerable time to develop the confidence and skills necessary for success at university level.

The Information, Advice & Guidance service at the University of East London is available throughout the year on a drop-in and appointment basis. To find out more, call 0208 223 4354 or email advisors@uel.ac.uk.

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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