The University of York has urged adults around the city to consider further education.

The Centre for Lifelong Learning at the university helps adults into further education, with a number of flexible, part-time courses available.

Lesley Booth, director of community relations and lifelong learning, said: “This is always the most exciting time of the year for us as a whole range of new adult learners start their personal learning journeys with us. The first step is always the hardest, but we’re pleased to offer a friendly learning environment where everyone can thrive and feel welcome.”

Nathan Firby, 46, said: “In all honesty, I signed up to the creative writing course purely on a whim. However, the outstanding tutoring and course content had me hooked from the start and I didn’t take a break until I’d gained my full certificate, working at the same level as first undergraduates. I had never thought of poetry as being for me; but I find myself completely converted and have even enjoyed minor literary recognition with my own work.”

Certificates gained at the CLL are nationally recognised and can lead to a variety of other higher-level study programmes, with courses in psychology, archaeology, history, literature and creative writing.

Registration for next semester is open now, and an open day will be held at at King’s Manor on Tuesday, September 10, between 2pm and 5pm. For more information, or to request a brochure, phone 01904 328473, email lifelonglearning@york.ac.uk or go to york.ac.uk/lifelonglearning