News

Free university taster programme for mature students

(23 June 2006)

If you are an adult with no formal qualifications, have been away from education for some time and are thinking about what it would be like to study for a degree then the Mature Student Summer Programme at Durham University is for you.

The four-day programme of taster events from 3-6 July is free and provides a gentle introduction to the Foundation Programme, a one year course which can lead straight into a Durham Degree. The programme is held daily from 9.30 am-2.30pm at Durham University, Queen’s Campus, Stockton, which is on the Teesdale Estate, near the Tees Barrage. Catherine Hyde Wesson, Director of the Foundation Programme elaborates: “On each of the four days students will be introduced to a new topic, from anthropology to writing essays and from biology to the internet, giving a friendly, jargon-free look at some of the learning options open to mature students in higher education. There will also be an opportunity to meet existing and past Foundation Programme students who can provide their own first-hand experiences about returning to education as an adult.” Foundation Programme staff will be providing the taster sessions and will be on hand throughout the taster sessions to answer questions. There is also a special session to discuss the practical aspects of learning as an adult, including fees and finances. Denise Crane, a recent student on the Foundation Programme who has gone on to study for a Durham University degree commented on the course: “I left school at 16 with a handful of CSE’s, got married at 19 and started a family. As the children got older I had a series of jobs in shops, schools and offices, but found them all low paid and tedious. I decided to enrol on the Foundation Programme really to better my career options. At first I was worried that it would all be above my level of intelligence and that I was too old to start again but I really needn’t have worried. The tutors were fantastic and inspirational. My fellow students have become firm friends. Every day was worthwhile and when we had holidays I missed going!” All Summer School participants will receive a certificate of achievement from Durham University Foundation Programme. There is no obligation to progress to the Foundation Programme although some places are still available for the new academic year beginning in October. To find out more or to reserve a place on the Mature Student Summer Programme or find out more about the Foundation Programme should contact Tracy on 0191 334 0163, Zoe on 0191 334 0172 or Carole on 0191 334 0168.