Free courses for over-50s in the Hastings area

Published December 2011

The University of Brighton campus in Hastings, has developed the Open Access to Knowledge (OAK) programme which is aimed at older people, many of whom have never experienced higher education.

The free 22-week course starts in February and students attend at the campus in Havelock Road, Hastings, two days a week.

Students receive help from tutors to select the project they wish to take, whether it is a new skill or a subject they have interest in. Previous subjects studied include Gender and Stereotypes, Poverty and the Workhouse, Permaculture and the Pestalozzi Project, and the West Hill in Hastings.

Some students of the OAK programme have found their way onto full degree and diploma courses. Diane Addy, who completed an OAK course, said: “I will always thank the OAK project for giving me the confidence to realise I had the ability to study for a degree and that UCH has such a welcoming approach to lifelong learning.”

Wendy Philcox, programme assistant for OAK, said: “The programme is bringing an exciting range of learning experiences to local people who may have missed learning opportunities in the past, or maybe didn’t enjoy education first time round.”

Anyone over 50 should apply by the beginning of February. For more information or an informal chat, contact Wendy Philcox on 01273 644605, or email w.philcox@brighton.ac.uk  Alternatively you can find us on Facebook  and get more information from us there.