Testimonials

I have taken courses at the Centre for Open Learning over the past 40 years, so something of a COL stalwart! I was first drawn to the Centre after moving to Edinburgh in my early career. At that point I welcomed the chance to explore subjects unconnected to work and meet new people along the way. I continued to enjoy a variety of classes as my children were growing up, and my enthusiasm for lifelong learning remains vibrant into retirement. At each life stage the convenience of courses at different times makes it possible to balance classes with work and other commitments.

Over the years I’ve completed courses in many subject areas, including literature, philosophy, anthropology, art, languages, psychology, creative writing, politics and science. In truth, I should probably be much better at quizzes than I am!

Lifelong learning courses at COL are stimulating, well organised, and taught by skilled and enthusiastic teachers. I have found the teaching environment to be inclusive and student contributions are welcomed. This helps connections and friendships to be formed, which enhances the overall experience.

Through COL I have enjoyed half a lifetime of lifelong learning, a true testament to the value I place on the Centre. I feel gratitude for the wide-ranging programmes that have allowed me to explore subjects I would never otherwise have touched and make connections I wouldn’t have found. It is a place to expand knowledge, spark fresh ways of thinking, and be reminded of the joy of learning. On top of that is the opportunity to study at a leading university in a beautiful, historic city.

I would highly recommend COL to anyone at any stage of life who is attracted to learning something new, wants to pursue an interest, or is curious about returning to study. The experience of lifelong learning is a rewarding and enriching one; but be warned, it may also be habit-forming, as I have discovered!
 

Joan has taken three of the University’s Short Courses, and says she’s learned so much from them. She’s also had great fun along the way, thanks to the relaxed and engaging way the courses are led.

She also signed up for the University of Edinburgh Monthly Read with Rolland Man. For Joan, it was a great opportunity to sit with other readers and hear an expert’s take on books from an academic perspective. It also gave her the chance to see whether her own writing was on the right track.

That experience gave Joan the confidence to take the next step. She went on to write and publish her first book, Desire Path.