Return to Learn Day for adults interested in studying a Humanities degree

People talking

On Tuesday 18 April, The University of Liverpool is holding a Return to Learn Day for adults who are interested in an accessible and affordable pathway to higher education.

The Go Higher Programme is the University’s part-time Humanities access diploma. It is a year-long, fast-track route for adults who want to start undergraduate study in Humanities and Social Sciences, but may not have the traditional qualifications to do so.

The course, run over one day a week for a year, is specifically designed to introduce students to the research habits and learning processes required at degree level and to develop the confidence, skills and independence needed for success. It is an ideal course for those who may be balancing studies with employment or caring responsibilities

Those who have completed the programme have gone on to complete a wide range of degree courses including Sociology, Law, Archaeology, Irish Studies, English, Politics, History, Popular Music and Business Studies. A number of participants have gone on to study for postgraduate qualifications, including Masters and PhDs.

One example is 57-year-old Phil Hurworth, an army veteran from Wirral, who now studying for a PhD in Classics and Ancient History after enrolling in Go Higher. After completing the course, with the support of his tutors, Phil enrolled in a BA degree in Classics at the University’s Archaeology, Classics and Ancient History department.  He excelled in his degree and from there went on to complete his Masters in Classics and Ancient History.

Phil said: “I can’t praise the tutors on Go Higher enough for their encouragement, enthusiasm and support. They encouraged me to read the works of poets like Keats, Byron and other pieces of literature, which inspired me to learn and made me realise that writing and academic work was something I could do.”

Go Higher tutors and students who have completed the programme will be available at the Return to Learn Day on 18th April to provide further information to anybody who wants to find out more about what the programme involves.

Those attending the Return to Learn Day will experience a range of subjects across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences with the Department of English hosting hands-on workshops. Lunch and refreshments will also be provided.

The Department of Music will be running a taster session on ‘What can Eurovision teach us?’ and Sociology will be run a session on the cost-of-living crisis and food poverty.

Visitors will also be given a tour of the picturesque campus and the Garstang Museum of Archaeology.

Dr James Bainbridge, Deputy Director of Go Higher said: “It doesn’t matter how old you are, how long ago you left school or how many family or caring commitments you have: Go Higher is there for you and will provide an accessible and supportive environment for you to progress into Higher Education.

“Our courses attract a range of students – some have very few or no qualifications, some have retired and some are simply wanting to pursue a new career path involving the humanities.

“Whatever your background, do come and see us at our Return to Learn Day to find out how our Go Higher course could work for you.”

The Return to Learn Day is free to attend, but booking is essential. To sign up for the day please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/return-to-learn-day-tickets-533500112197

You can read more stories and experiences from students enrolled in Go Higher here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/humanities-and-social-sciences/go-higher/blog/

If you have any questions about the event, or Go Higher, please email gohigher@liverpool.ac.uk