Adult learners thinking about going to university have been getting a unique insight into undergraduate life at a summer school specially designed for students over the age of 21.

Participants in the Going Further summer school, which took place from July 9 to 11, enjoyed lectures and seminars on topics ranging from the Black Death to women and the criminal justice system, as well as general sessions on study skills and applying to university.

The summer school was free, with the University of Cambridge and the Sutton Trust meeting all costs, including food, accommodation, activities and participants' travel to and from the event.

Going Further is just one of a number of initiatives the University of Cambridge has undertaken to reach out and open its doors to adult learners.

Other activities this year have included an open day for mature students, regional events for Access to Higher Education tutors and a programme of visits to Access to Higher Education course groups across the country.

The University is also part of the regional Adult Learners into Further and Higher Education initiative, funded by Aimhigher. Cambridge has joined forces with Anglia Polytechnic University and the Open University to work with four Further Education colleges in the Eastern region on activities encouraging more adult learners to continue their education.

Sue Long, FE Colleges Liaison Officer for the University of Cambridge, who is herself a former mature student at Cambridge, said:

"With four dedicated mature student Colleges, Cambridge is a great place to study and it's committed to selecting the best and brightest students of all ages. We're really keen to encourage more adult learners to continue with their education - and to apply to Cambridge - and the Going Further summer school is a great way of finding out what university is really like."

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