Learning does not have an age limit

Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University provides a wide range of part-time courses.

Our students differ in age and life experience and wanted to use their stories to encourage others to return to the classroom as dreams do not have deadlines.

Maggie’s story

Maggie is from Llandaff, Cardiff and is enjoying retirement. She enrolled on French language courses.

“I have always loved French since I studied it at A level in the late 1960s.  I took it for granted that I could maintain a level of fluency, but about six years ago, I had to acknowledge that standards were slipping. So I looked to the university to rescue me.  Several courses later, and two visits to Nantes on the adult exchange programme, which I can’t praise too highly, I am once again happy to speak out in class.”

Elizabeth’s story

Elizabeth is from Blackwood and is a busy working mum. She recently completed our Pathway to Optometry and now studying for a degree in Optometry at Cardiff University.

“Optometry is a subject that I always found fascinating but I did not have the grades to apply to study a degree. I have been blown away with the level of support I have received from my tutors, the administrators and all of the other professionals that I have met during my time studying the Pathway to Optometry.

I always felt like I could have achieved more in my youth if I had applied myself to my studies.

I really wanted to prove to both myself and to my children that it is never too late to work hard and achieve a qualification and you can change your life! Learning does not have an age limit”

Sharif’s story

When Sharif retired from his role as a Professor of History in 2017, he felt he needed a new challenge. Sharif, who is 65 and lives in Abergavenny, had completed several creative writing courses but wanted to hone his skills and be able to write in a different genre.

He enrolled on the Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy course.

“The course was extremely useful. I learnt of some authors I'd never heard of and was given some useful pointers about describing situations and people in fantastic or future societies. Part of the module was to write a 2,000-word piece of fiction.

I set the story in a future Wales, maybe in the 2060s or 2070s. I entered it for a Welsh short story competition but wasn't lucky. I then heard of a special issue on the theme of 'Refuge' organised by an American e-mag called Muleskinner. To my delight, they accepted my entry within days.”

Onyinye’s story

Onyinye Tete, who came to the UK from Nigeria with her three children is enrolled on the Pathway to Social Science. She said:

“When I came to Wales I didn’t know what to do. Where do I start from? But since the courses at Cardiff University, it has been as if everything about me has come alive all over again.

The lecturers are wonderful. I have learned in a different way, a fun way. It’s been very impactful, very interactive. I now know what I am aiming for. I can live. I can focus and know where I’m going. It has been amazing. Making friends, sharing experiences and empowering each other.”

We would like to thank everyone who has shared their story with us.

If you feel inspired to return to the classroom, we run a range of part-time courses, including Pathways to Degrees, for adults.