An innovative new access route to higher education designed to give adult learners the chance to experience research-led teaching first-hand and progress towards studying a degree in archaeology or history has been launched by Cardiff University.
Exploring the Past is a new part-time foundation pathway into the University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion that has been developed to help people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds to realise their ambition to study at degree level.
The foundation pathway combines the Centre for Lifelong Learning’s experience of progressing and supporting adult learners with the internationally recognised research and teaching expertise in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion.
Exploring the Past will help participants understand more about their origins, identity and the nature of modern day society with teaching covering everything from pre-historic societies to ancient civilizations, medieval institutions to twentieth-century politics and culture.
As well as enhancing their understanding of the past and developing writing, reading and interpretation skills, all students successfully completing the course will automatically qualify for an interview for either a full-time or part-time degree scheme in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion.
Dr David Wyatt foundation pathway co-ordinator commented: “I am really excited about Exploring the Past! We have an amazing programme of courses lined up that are bound together by some very big themes like conceptions of power, gender, religion, national identities and, of course, the uses and relevance of history today.
“Exploring the Past is specifically for adults returning to education, it allows them to study within a timescale, framework and environment designed to specifically cater for their needs. Most importantly our courses have the potential to contribute directly towards a degree: students successfully completing the pathway and interview can enter into their first year of undergraduate study having already completed half of it.
“The foundation pathway courses are free for individuals claiming benefits who have not previously studied at degree level. So Exploring the Past provides an ideal opportunity for the unemployed to re-skill and gain a higher education qualification in the humanities. I wish something like this had been available when I came to university as a mature student!”
Exploring the Past is made up of six 10 credit courses and is equivalent to 50% of the first year of a degree. The course will start on Thursday 14th October, 7-9pm in room 3.58, Humanities Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff. To reserve a place or for more information, please call Dr David Wyatt on 02920 870404 or the Centre for Lifelong Learning on 02920 870000.
