Bringing higher education to the local community

Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University has strengthened our widening participation activities this academic year by running more courses in local communities.

We have delivered 15 community courses to engage with 165 learners who would not usually consider higher education. Many courses have been delivered within traditionally hard to reach areas. The subjects taught are wide ranging, including human rights, health and social care, interpreting and creative writing.

Dr Rhiannon Maniatt, Pathways Coordinator, has been teaching in the Pillgwenlly area of Newport, and Ely area of Cardiff and understands the importance of providing a welcoming ‘first-step’ to university. Rhiannon commented:

“Because of their backgrounds or life experiences, many of our students think university is not for them, or find university daunting. By reaching out into the community, meeting potential students, guiding them on options, and building their confidence, we open doors to education that were previously seen as closed.”

Our community learners can face many challenges, such as living with disabilities, family and work commitments or seeking asylum. Our learners commented:

"It was a very liberating feeling to be able to come out into the community and take a class"

"The community course means a lot to us because it is our only pathway into higher education. It gives people like me more confidence, and the chance to progress to a degree programme. Stopping it would close an opportunity."

"Teaching in a community is very important, it helps people know about pathway courses"

"It makes learning more accessible, helps people feel included, builds stronger relationships between people in the local area, supports people who may feel nervous going to a college or formal setting, I feel more confident in a small community group, it fits better with my daily routine, I feel more supported and willing to join in"

This commitment to delivering within communities resulted in Dr Rhiannon Maniatt and Dr Sara Jones being successful in applying for the Future Generations Engagement Fund. This project will complement Reaching Wider Activities in Newport, by providing accredited courses to the community.

Find out more about our community programme.