The continuing relevance of continuing education Friday, March 12, 2010 - 16:32

Over half of all university continuing education departments have closed over the past few years. A new book - University Continuing Education 1981 - 2006 - illustrates that the principle these departments were founded on - a tradition of providing accessible education to the local community - is as valid today as it has ever been. The book, published by NIACE, was launched at the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL) annual conference on Monday, 15 March 2010.

University Continuing Education 1981 - 2006 contains a history of university continuing education departments from their 19th century beginnings. It goes on to explore the recent significant changes in university, society and education policies, highlights the work of UALL and includes pointers to possible successful futures. The book also contains case studies of eight universities to illustrate - to Senior Managers - how these departments can help execute universities' strategies.

Bill Jones, co-editor of the book and former Director of Lifelong Learning at Newcastle University said:

"There were once more than 35 of these departments, but now there are less than half of that number. The key question we have addressed in this book is why these departments have come under so much threat at a time when their founding principles of social inclusion, widening participation and outreach to communities have never been higher on the political agenda."

"We've written this book to explain to the higher education community the history and value of continuing education, to encourage Directors of University Continuing Education departments to continue to fight for their existence, and to show University senior managers that these departments are not out of line with the University's main objectives, but can have a key role in their strategic mission."

"Take the University of Leicester for example (Times Higher Education University of the Year 2008), where the Institute of Lifelong Learning has great support from the Vice Chancellor, who recognises that providing education to the local community has a key part to play in the University's overall strategy and mission. This can be the case for every other University in the country and we hope that this book goes some way to encouraging Universities to embrace continuing education again and reap the benefits."