The dedication of a group of students who have worked tirelessly towards their University awards will be recognised at a special ceremony being held at the University of Aberdeen tonight (Thursday, August 23).
Over 80 students of the University's Centre for Lifelong Learning will receive their certificates from the University's Senior Vice Principal, Professor Stephen Logan, at this evening's ceremony, which takes place at the University's diner – Zeste.
Professor Logan said: "The University of Aberdeen is committed to improving access to higher education. Lifelong learning is vital to Scotland's future. This is nowhere more striking than in Aberdeen, where we see very clearly the need to ensure that everyone who wants to work has the skills they need to do so.
"I am delighted to be presenting awards to this year's students from the Centre for Lifelong Learning. I would like to pay particular thanks to the hard work provided by the team at the Centre whose dedication to our learners is crucial to the success of the programmes and the students."
The University has a long history of commitment to lifelong learning and the Centre for Lifelong Learning is responsible for the promotion of wider access to Higher Education through the provision of innovative, student-centred, learning opportunities.
This session, the University will award 567 course certificates; 62 programme certificates; 7 diplomas; 6 MA Archaeology degrees and MA Scottish Studies; as well as 56 COSCA Certificates in Counselling Skills.
Julie McAndrews, Director of the Centre for Lifelong Learning, is looking forward to welcoming the students at tomorrow's special ceremony. She said: "Our students range in age from as young as 16 up to the sprightly age of 82 and come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
"The programmes boast a number of success stories where students have had to overcome serious health, family, financial and other difficulties and have succeeded despite the obstacles which have appeared along the way.
"There have been a number of family connections on our programmes, including sisters, husbands and wives, and also parents and children."
In addition to a number of part-time students, the University also has a growing number of full-time undergraduates who take courses at the Centre.
Students wishing to gain entry into postgraduate teaching can also take Maths and English courses through the Access programmes in order to meet the entry requirements in these subjects. The Access programme has now changed to the MA and BSc with Foundation Studies enabling students on benefits to take advantage of the fee waiver scheme, thus opening up further opportunities for non-traditional students.
Ms McAndrews added: "All the staff at the Centre for Lifelong Learning are very proud of the achievements of our students and admire their determination and commitment. We should not forget though the support of friends and family as, without this, many would not have been able to study at the University of Aberdeen."