Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning

Learning isn’t solely a pursuit of the reams of students that overrun Cardiff for nine months a year. And at Cardiff University Centre For Lifelong Learning, all ages are welcomed, right up to mature-​to-​the-​point-​of-​being-​elderly students. The building is something of a maze when you first visit, but the helpful reception staff are on hand to direct and lend advice on courses and the centre in general. With hundreds of part-​time courses, it’s up to you whether to pick something for fun or to enhance your career prospects. Students currently studying elsewhere are entitled to a discount, encouraging them to broaden their learning palette (the computer courses, for example, teach handy additional skills for an increasingly technological world). Once enrolled, the facilities compare favourably with the average university premises. And with vending machines dispensing snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks, plus a general seated area to relax, it’s an environment that actively encourages education.

I love learning but hate homework, so thankfully I can nurture my bored brain cells without the piles of subsequent paperwork at Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning (or as Elizabeth Gilbert may label as «Night School for Divorced Ladies»).
I took a writing course here, taught by an eccentric novelist who provided practical tips in addition to editing processes I was never privy to when I studied Journalism in uni. I’m quite shy in class, so it was a relief to know we didn’t have to share our writing, either — he rightly thought that amateurs commenting on amateurs’ work didn’t really have much value. Thank God for small favours.
The Centre offers day and evening classes to suit those interested in a wide variety of topics, from French classes to Practical Project Management. One, two and three-​day courses are available in subjects like Presentation Skills or Islam and Modern Britain.
I wish they’d bring back the Film Analysis classes, but I understand with all the rampant budget cuts, we should be grateful they’re still running Humanities courses at all!

Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learning offers an amazing range of part-​time courses with something to interest just about everyone — ranging from foreign language courses available in the evenings, to short Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for business, public sector employers and individuals.
The centre covers subjects such as law, computer studies, science and the environment, business and management, and social studies.
Some people study at the centre as a means of getting onto further courses within one of the university’s other Schools, gaining the necessary qualifications to be eligible for full degree courses. Other people just attend to follow a personal interest and continue their lifelong learning at an informal community course.
Businesses can send staff on CPD courses covering areas such as Lean Thinking, Project Management, Leadership, Communication Skills, Finance, Statistics, Marketing, and Language and Cultural Awareness.
If you fancy learning something new, it’s well worth checking out whether this centre offers what you’re looking for, as the teaching staff are generally of a good standard.

When I graduated last summer I swore I’d never have to revise or write an essay again. By October I was having withdrawal symptoms, so signed up for French evening classes at Cardiff University centre for lifelong learning.
Before coming I was rather apprehensive that I’d be the youngest member in the class, as I’d only ever heard of my parents friends taking evening classes. Thankfully there was a good mixture of young and old faces (mainly people in their 20s & 50s interestingly enough)., and I discovered that many Cardiff Uni students take these classes on top of their ordinary studies.
Our teacher was lovely and very thorough in classes. There was a good balance between oral, written, speaking and listening, and we had access to the language lab once a month.
What really impressed me about the centre for lifelong learning was the variety of classes on offer. Languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, Turkish, Japanese (and many more) are available at different levels, with multiple classes for each level (so you’re bound to find a time to suit your needs).
In addition to languages there are plenty of courses available in subjects like law, IT, history, science, and business studies (I quite fancy trying out the gothic mythology course).
If you’ve got the time I’d really recommend doing a course, they’re not too expensive (mine cost £180 for 28 lessons), and you’ll meet some interesting people. Just make sure you take it seriously and do the work, after all you don’t want to be the class dunce!

Cardiff University are trying to close the centre for lifelong learning

Unfortunately, in April 2009, the Cardiff Centre for Lifelong Learing announced that it proposed to cut all it courses in Humanities and Welsh. It will be a great pity if this aactually happens.

I was a total novice, told everyone happy new arse!!! can you beleive it. and I could go on. Now I am confident enough to go on my own to Spain and not worry just get on with it. All thanks to the little course I went on here. I am no youngster and at 48 took the plunge. I had flushes did my home work on buses (nothing changed from school days) difference I was treated with understanding, patience and respect. With the encouragement of my tutor Carlos who was brill I learnt and enjoyed. Dont feel silly take the plunge and make that first step. If you are on benefits you can claim and have reduced or free or there may be other options. Abd your acheivements are recognised. Go on you can do this. bet you will pass.