Date: 20 September 2000
If learning about Modern Spanish History and Culture, Criminal Law, Anthropology or Animal Behaviour sounds appealing but sitting exams, attending tutorials or writing essays does not, then taking part in the 黑料网鈥檚 Open Learning Programme may well be the answer!
Run by the University鈥檚 Centre for Continuing Education, the Programme enables members of the public to sit in on a wide range of lectures in degree subjects.
A large number of departments ranging from Accountancy to Zoology have opened up their doors to those registered for the Open Lecture Programme. Thumbing through the prospectus, intriguing topics such as Introduction to Fiction and Poetry, Early Celtic Art and Literature, Forest Ecology, Financial Accounting, Introduction to Art History and Marine Biology are just a few of the (almost) endless list of possibilities.
There is no limit to the number of lectures students can attend, as long as they have the time and can fit into the class timetable. The only restriction is if a Department is oversubscribed by university students enrolling for a particular course, then priority is given to full-time students.
Programme Co-ordinator, Donald Paterson explained that a wide range of individuals attend: 鈥淭here are those who have a burning interest in a subject but may feel that they do not wish to sit exams or may not have the time to study for them; others who want to 鈥榯est the water鈥� to see if University classes are for them and those who attended university in the past and want to refresh or expand their knowledge in a particular field.
鈥淣ot sitting exams, attending tutorials or writing essays takes much of the pressure off those attending. Often people attend simply because they have a little free time and want to broaden their knowledge in a particular field.鈥�
The courses listed in the Programme prospectus are those which Departments feel are particularly appropriate for members of the general public. However the full catalogue of University courses is available for consultation. If approached on an individual basis, Heads of Departments may allow entry to any of that Department鈥檚 lectures.
Mr Paterson added: 鈥淗aving whetted their appetite, students might progress to single subject study whereby they will attend a course and the tutorials, complete the assignments and sit the exam. It is possible to progress from there to a degree at the University.鈥�
The first half session begins on Monday 25 September and the second on 28 January. Fees are 拢55 for one half session or 拢80 for both half sessions. For further information, anyone interested should contact Fiona Findlater at the Centre for Continuing Education on 01224 273599
For further information:
Fiona Findlater (Programme Assistant), Tel: 01224 273599
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.