Alison Boulton digs beneath the city's dreaming spires

Lifelong learning is not just a buzz word. In Oxford it’s been a vibrant reality since 1878, when the first “extension” lecture was given by one of a group of dedicated Oxford University academics, who believed educational opportunity was essential for the nation’s welfare and future. Determined students came from non-traditional backgrounds – already part of the workforce, frequently forced through economic circumstances to leave school early, yet who craved access to higher education.

Their educational programme had to be tailored to fit in with a busy working day and to offer subjects relevant to their working lives.

Now in its 135th year, the Department for Continuing Education offers more than 1,000 part-time classes and programmes annually, ranging from one-day courses to Oxford Masters and DPhils.

With more than 12,500 part-time students per year the current department exceeds that of full-time undergraduates, and its students range in age from callow youth to octogenarians.

“It’s a cornucopia to dip in to at will. We welcome students from all over the world – both in person here in Oxford and on our growing online and distance learning options. We spend a huge amount of time and effort designing our courses to have a wide international appeal,” Prof Jonathan Michie, director of the Department for Continuing Education, and president of Kellogg College said.

Members of the public who want to study a subject for general interest or the fun of it, people from professional groups or business organisations who need to update their knowledge and skills, or an increasingly large number of courses for international groups make the department one of Oxford University’s most interesting and diverse.

Last December, Abdullahi Mohammed Ali, a recent graduate of the department’s Foreign Service Programme was received by the Queen as the newly appointed ambassador for the Federal Republic of Somalia to the Court of St James.

Shaun Morley, a former Chief Superintendent with Thames Valley Police took an Advanced Diploma, Masters and DPhil in Local History and now teaches on the courses he once studied.

Bonnie Emmett, an IT consultant and mother of three has progressed rapidly from the Foundation Certificate in History to the tough reality of a full- time Oxford University undergraduate programme, accelerating directly into the second year of a three year course.

“The strength of the Foundation Certificate is its flexibility. You can go in any number of directions afterwards, depending on your motivation and ability,” Emmett said.

Anyone thinking it’s a soft entry into Oxford University is mistaken, though. The pre-tests, the interviews and the course itself are extremely demanding. Transition is challenging, and only for the most able students.