Would you like to learn more about the history of Cambridge, or perhaps unleash a hidden talent for art or creative writing? Throughout national Adult Learner's Week (10 - 16 May), the University is keen to raise awareness of the wide range of opportunities available - from full-time undergraduate courses to over 600 part-time courses at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE).

Lynne Harrison is the Development Officer and Science Tutor at the ICE:

"The Institute of Continuing Education runs a flourishing programme of courses, both vocational and recreational, as well as pioneering part-time degrees such as the recently launched Prison Studies Masters degree. We are very supportive of Adult Learner's Week and hope that it will encourage more adults to take advantage of our high-quality courses."

The ICE currently attracts over 10,000 part-time students every year, in diverse subjects which range from creative writing to politics, genetics to local history. All courses, whether learning for fun, personal interest or for professional development, are open to everyone aged 18 or over.

Ian Taylor, an architect in Cambridge, has been studying for a Diploma in Archaeology since 1999. He believes that the course has greatly enriched both his personal and professional life:

"Studying part-time on top of a full-time job can be very demanding, but the rewards have more than made up for it. The course has made me so much more aware of the heritage within the landscape around me. I'm now planning to start the Advanced Diploma course in the autumn."

Part-time courses at the ICE are offered at 43 local centres around the region in a variety of formats, from day schools and evening classes to residential weekends and summer schools. Adults can study undergraduate level Certificate and Advanced Diploma courses in, for example, counselling, English literature or landscape history, as well as part-time post-graduate Master of Studies programmes and Master's level Certificate and Diploma courses.

The University is committed to widening the participation of adult learners in higher education and recently organised a forum with educational institutions across the region with the aim of developing collaborative projects to encourage mature learners to consider further and higher education.

Sarah Barnsley is the FE Access Officer at the Cambridge Admissions Office, (CAO), who has been leading the forum. She has been working hard to encourage more adult learners to consider higher education and Cambridge in particular.

"We need to ensure that we are reaching out to prospective mature students in our region effectively and providing them with the information and support that they need. Adult Learner's Week provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of the opportunities at Cambridge for mature learners and can only help to build their confidence and aspirations to take that step into higher education," she said.

A Sutton Trust summer school specifically for mature students on Access courses is planned for June 2003 and offers the chance to experience life as an undergraduate. Whilst all Cambridge Colleges accept mature students on to undergraduate courses, four Colleges are only for mature students and are therefore geared to their specific needs.

In addition, there are always events, open days, lectures, concerts and exhibitions open to the public across the University and the Colleges. On Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May, the Fitzwilliam Museum are running StART, free drop-in sessions for adults over the age of 16. Please contact the Fitzwilliam Museum on 01223 332900 for further information.

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