After a difficult year for many, we have all been reflecting on what is important to us, and as is often the case in January we begin to make resolutions and set ourselves new challenges and likely even more so this year as we motivate ourselves during this third national lockdown. Whether it be relationships, health and fitness, hobbies and interests or education. More people enquire about gym memberships in January than any other month but not many see it through to February. Maybe exercising your mind has a lifelong benefit which can help you to meet your new goals; meet new friends, find new confidence and new interests and expand your knowledge. Perhaps even leading to new career opportunities.
The thought of returning to study may have been on your mind for many years, and the barriers to study continue to feel many and hard to overcome. With a little research however, you may find these barriers aren’t as difficult to overcome as they seem.
If its money concerns, then do you know all the facts about the fee loans, maintenance loans and even bursaries and support with childcare costs which you may be able to access? There may even be free courses such as the Warwick Gateway to HE. This course is similar to an access programme, and is being offered fully online over 16 weeks, for just 1 hour a week in the evenings, with daytime options offered in June and November. It’s also important for returners to study to consider the longer term gains that further study can result in; confidence, knowledge, new friendships and with increased earning potential due to promotion or the opportunity to change career completely.
Lack of confidence is often quoted by our learners as a reason not to study, the thought of sitting amongst 18 year old students who have chosen a more traditional route to study and the fear of sitting exams and writing essays. Many courses aren’t assessed by exams and there is lots of support offered by our student support team and through the university library, student support and student union. At CLL the average age of our students is 37. And the eldest is 78. So it’s never too late to try. Our students often find they have more confidence to speak up in a seminar with knowledge that can only come from life experience, plus they learn a lot from their younger peers.
Often, the hardest barriers to overcome are commitments. Adult life often comes with many; children, parents, work and/or relationships. Finding a flexible programme that can fit around your life may seem impossible however there are options at local colleges and universities, especially those that have adapted because of Covid-19 with increased online and blended-learning variants. At CLL our Early Childhood Foundation Degree has been designed to suit those who work full-time with lectures taking place in the evening and on Saturdays. There’s also a part-time degree programme with a range of day-time modules and with the option of some, but limited, evening study. If you don’t have any formal qualifications, our 2+2 degree could be ideal. Your work and life experience are a key part of your entry requirements and this full-time course focuses on building your confidence and skills in the first two years studying at a local partner college, preparing you for the final two years based at the University.
If you are ready to for a new challenge and to gain new knowledge and confidence and maybe even a new career, take a look at the courses we offer and read our students’ experiences or contact us with any questions.
Lifelong Learning at Warwick 