An Introduction to Renewable Energy: Penryn Campus
26 September-12 December 2022 (12 weeks), Mondays, 2.00-5.00 pm.

Free course for eligible participants. Upon successful completion of this module you will receive a level 3 accreditation worth 15 credits.

This introductory course is suitable for anyone who has a good basic understanding of general physics. No prior qualifications are needed, although GCSE Maths and Science would be helpful. The course has been developed within the University’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and is intended for anyone who’d like to have a better understanding of renewable energy from a scientific point of view, whether for career development or potential future study. 

An Introduction to Renewable Energy begins with the scientific definition of energy and of renewable energy. We will look briefly at the historical overview of the energy landscape, before focusing on the seven main sources of renewable energy: solar, wind, wave, hydro, biomass, tidal and geothermal energy. For each of the seven sources of renewable energy, the scale and magnitude of the resource are considered, and the variety of technologies available to harvest and employ that energy resource are examined at an introductory level.

This course will be delivered through face-to-face teaching at Penryn Campus and will include field trips to discover more about the local renewable energy landscape in Cornwall. This fully-funded course is a unique opportunity for the right person. The course is credit bearing and there will be assignments to carry out, including some mathematical calculations to quantify energy outputs and a short essay.

Would you love to study on the course but might find it difficult because of your specific circumstances?

Please ask. We may be able to provide tailored support (including financial support) to eligible participants, for example with transport, childcare costs, needs arising from a disability or a specific learning need.

To start the enrolment process, please provide your participant details here. Early booking is recommended as numbers on this course are limited. If you have already completed the form, you don’t need to do it again unless any information has changed.

If you have any further questions, please email: returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk.

Citizen Journalism

27 September–13 December 2022 (12 weeks), Tuesdays 9.00 am – 12.00 noon, Penryn Campus
Now running for the final time.

The Citizen Journalism course was developed out of our successful Citizen Journalism News Network course to offer learners a broad range of modern digital journalism skills. Supported by an academic supervisor, this course is structured into four learning blocks that offer participants the opportunity to steadily build up skills in the areas of:

• Podcasting
• Interactive Journalism
• Audio Visual Journalism
• Data Journalism

Journalism is a highly transferrable skill that is sought after in many different sectors and this course will provide you with experience that could lead to professional opportunities such as researcher, producer, editor or presenter. This is a fantastic and exciting chance to learn new skills or update your skillset whilst learning about how news stories are created and researched by making some of your own. The Citizen Journalism course will also take you on a journey to uncover the hidden news stories from inside your area.

Upon successful completion of this module you will receive a level 3 accreditation worth 15 credits, equivalent to one module of an undergraduate degree.

Like all our Return to Learning courses, this course has been specifically designed for adults who live in Cornwall, who are not students and who have the right to work. For those meeting the eligibility criteria, the course is fully subsidised and free of charge. We will ask for a participant form and ID.

Learning in the Time of Covid19

In the event that we need to step back from face-to-face teaching due to Covid restrictions, this course will be offered remotely.

Would you love to study on the course but might find it difficult because of your specific circumstances?

Please ask. We may be able to provide tailored support to eligible participants, for example with transport costs, childcare costs, needs arising from a disability or a specific learning need.

To start the enrolment process, please provide your participant details here. Early booking is recommended as numbers on this course are limited. If you have already completed the form, you don’t need to do it again unless any information has changed.

If you have any further questions, please email: returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk.

Thursday 23rd June, 2.00-6.00 pm, Treverbyn Community Hall, Stenalees, St Austell

This session will give fascinating insights into the history of Cornwall, the Cornish language and festivals. There will be the chance to learn some Cornish and reflect on what it means to live in Cornwall today. This session will be led by Dr Garry Tregidga, Director of the Institute of Cornish Studies, Dr Joanie Willett, Co-director, and Kensa Broadhurst, PhD student, language teacher and bard of the Cornish Gorsedh. This event includes a complimentary cream tea.

Numbers are limited and early booking is recommended.

This activity is fully subsidised and free to people who live in Cornwall and IoS (after completing a participant form with ID.) Eligibility criteria apply.

For enquiries, please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk

To book, please provide your participant details here.

Wednesday 15 June 2022, The Environment & Sustainability Institute (ESI), Penryn Campus, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm

This day is for adults who live in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and will be dedicated to learning more about the environment, ecology and conservation, with expert lectures and workshops, sharing some of the world-class teaching and research taking place at the University of Exeter. This one-off event is a unique opportunity for local residents and includes a complimentary lunch.

Programme for the Day:

• • Insect Superheroes: what has an insect ever done for you? Chris Bass – Professor of Applied Entomology;
  • Carbon Literacy Workshop - Understanding Cornwall’s Future: What Does it Mean to be Climate Literate? Peter Lefort, Green Futures Network
  • In Praise of Water: Microplastics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Emily Stevenson – PhD student and Founder of Beach Guardian;
  • Nature Walk & Talk: Living through a Time of Change (with a visit to the beautiful Walled Garden), Dr Joanie Willett – Senior Lecturer in Politics, Co-Director of the Institute of Cornish Studies;
  • A New Look at Renewable Energy: Richard Cochrane – Associate Professor for Renewable Energy, Fellow of the Energy Institute.
  • Exploring Eco-Anxiety, and Sustainability on Penryn Campus Jake Causley and Ollie Milliner, FXPlus Sustainability Team

This event is fully booked.  

This activity is fully subsidised and free to people who live in Cornwall and IoS (after completing a participant form with ID.) Eligibility criteria apply.

For enquiries, please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk

To book, please provide your participant details here.

Tuesday 21st June 2022, 9.30am-1.30pm, Acorn Theatre, Penzance

Does it seem like every time you turn around there’s a new podcast to listen to? That’s because it’s relatively easy to create a podcast once you understand the basics. This bite-size taster session will take you through the simple steps of researching, recording and uploading a podcast. You will be encouraged to plan for your first podcast. You will be introduced to the basics of recording and editing sounds on a computer and you will learn how to package and market your first podcast. You don’t need to bring along any fancy equipment, although a smartphone, laptop or tablet might prove useful. The session will be led by experienced radio producer and University of Exeter Lecturer Matthew Rogers.

The morning session at Penzance will include free refreshments and lunch.

The Tasters are fully subsidised and free to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID).

For enquiries, please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk

To book, please provide your participant details here.

Monday 16th May 2022, 9.30am-1.30pm, Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Porthtowan

Does it seem like every time you turn around there’s a new podcast to listen to? That’s because it’s relatively easy to create a podcast once you understand the basics. This bite-size taster session will take you through the simple steps of researching, recording and uploading a podcast. You will be encouraged to plan for your first podcast. You will be introduced to the basics of recording and editing sounds on a computer and you will learn how to package and market your first podcast. You don’t need to bring along any fancy equipment, although a smartphone, laptop or tablet might prove useful. The session will be led by experienced radio producer and University of Exeter Lecturer Matthew Rogers.

This session will include free refreshments and a pasty lunch.

The Tasters are fully subsidised and free to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID).

For enquiries, please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk

To book, please provide your participant details here.

Monday 6th June 2022, 1.30-5.30pm, Passmore Edwards Institute, Hayle

Does it seem like every time you turn around there’s a new podcast to listen to? That’s because it’s relatively easy to create a podcast once you understand the basics. This bite-size taster session will take you through the simple steps of researching, recording and uploading a podcast. You will be encouraged to plan for your first podcast. You will be introduced to the basics of recording and editing sounds on a computer and you will learn how to package and market your first podcast. You don’t need to bring along any fancy equipment, although a smartphone, laptop or tablet might prove useful. The session will be led by experienced radio producer and University of Exeter Lecturer Matthew Rogers.

This session will include a free afternoon tea for all attending.

The Tasters are fully subsidised and free to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID).

For enquiries, please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk

To book, please provide your participant details here.

Monday 21 June 6.00-7.30pm

What can we learn from ancient Amazonian farming practices? How might they help us protect the rainforest and its people today? Professor José Iriarte is an archaeologist and archaeobotanist at the University of Exeter. He’ll be talking about his own experiences and how the past can benefit the present. Prof Iriarte's research has been highlighted in National Geographic, New Scientist and the BBC. Join us for this fascinating online talk with a chance to ask questions.

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.

Wednesday 23 June 6.00-7.30pm

Wind turbines, solar energy, low carbon heat and energy storage – all your questions answered. This lively, interactive talk will give you the opportunity to find out about the latest developments in renewables. Prof Richard Cochrane of the University of Exeter is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Energy Institute with a passion for Renewable Energy and Engineering Design. Join us at this evening event and bring your questions!

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.


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Thursday 24 June 10.00-11.30am

Be the change you want to see in your community. This lively and inspiring online talk will help give you tips, tricks and a greater understanding of what it means to make your views heard and be an agent of change. Dr Joanie Willett is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Exeter. Bring your coffee, your curiosity and your questions.

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.

Friday 25 June 10.00-11.30am

Interested in what numbers can do? And what they can’t? Join us online to find out more about the highs and lows of data modelling with Professor Stuart Townley of the University of Exeter. Bring your coffee, your curiosity and your questions.

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.

Friday 25 June 6.00-7.30pm & Tuesday 29 June 6.00-7.30pm

Solar energy has come of age but there is still much to be explored. How can solar energy benefit you, your home, Cornwall and the wider world? With new materials being developed all the time, what are the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions? Join us at this evening event and find out. Bring your questions and your curiosity.

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.

Saturday 26 June 10.00-11.30am

This interactive online lecture will provide a fascinating journey through the weird and wonderful world of insects with Professor Chris Bass from the University of Exeter as your guide. Bring your coffee, your curiosity and your questions.

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.

Wednesday 30 June 10.00-11.30am

Everything you ever wanted to know about diamonds and gemstones but were afraid to ask! Find out how these beautiful stones are formed, how far some have travelled and what factors lead to them being the hardest substances on earth and the most beautiful. Aveen Hameed, Lecturer in Mining and Geology at the University of Exeter will be delving into these mysteries in a special online event for people in Cornwall. Bring your coffee, your curiosity and your questions.

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.

Wednesday 30 June 6.00-7.30pm - Please note that the date has been changed for this event.

Do you have a favourite Cornish song? Can you speak Cornish? How’s your Cornish history? In Cornwall we are steeped in a rich cultural heritage which for many remains shrouded in mystery.

Come along to this online expert lecture by Dr Garry Tregidga, Director of the Institute of Cornish Studies who will shine a light on Cornwall’s unique heritage. Bring your questions!

Tasters are free and subsidised to people who live in Cornwall, UK (after completing a participant form with ID.) Please contact returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk to book your place.

British Politics: 31 January – 14 April 2022 (11 weeks) 

Distance learning.
Free course for eligible participants.

Upon successful completion of this module you will receive a level 4 accreditation worth 15 credits.

This course explores how British Politics are relevant to everyone who lives in Britain. It seeks to answer questions such as ‘What is politics and how can I shape it?’ ‘How much power do I really have?’ and looks at the whole picture of politics, as relevant in small rural communities as it is in the Houses of Parliament and Westminster.

This course will be delivered through a blend of self-led study and live remote teaching and includes an element of assessment. There will be opportunities to visit Penryn campus and meet others on the course.

Would you love to study on the course but might find it difficult because of your specific circumstances?

Please ask. We may be able to provide tailored support (including financial support) to eligible participants, for example childcare costs, needs arising from a disability or a specific learning need.

To start the enrolment process, please provide your participant details here.

If you have any further questions, please email: returntolearning@exeter.ac.uk.

Political Participation in My Community

Over the process of the course you will learn academic knowledge around political and local participation, be introduced to debates about appropriate methods for undertaking research, and learn practical skills such as designing and conducting research and writing your findings into an accessible report. You will learn how to integrate academic theory with ‘real world’ practice, producing a piece of work that has the potential to be of real benefit to your community.

This is an undergraduate level course and upon successful completion of this module you will receive a level 4 qualification worth 15 credits. More here.

As with all our courses and tasters, if you need support with transport, childcare costs or other barriers to learning, please get in touch, as we may be able to help.

Citizen Journalism News Network: 12 weeks, March – July 2019.

This course consists of 12 sessions learning the skills required to research, write, read and record the important new stories from in and around your area. Each week of the course is structured to offer participants the opportunity to steadily build up skills that could lead to professional broadcasting roles such as researcher, editor, producer and presenter. Supported by media professionals and academic supervisors you will learn skills such as news gathering, audio recording, editing and writing scripts. We’re delighted to be working with three local radio stations: CHBN Radio in Truro, Radio Newquay and Source FM in Falmouth.

As with all our courses and tasters, if you need support with transport, childcare costs or other barriers to learning, please get in touch, as we may be able to help. This is an undergraduate level course and upon successful completion of this module you will receive a level 3 accreditation worth 15 credits. View more information online.

 Real World Mathematics: February - May 2018

Working alongside a team of mathematical academics and students, you will be immersed in problem-solving and use maths to explore key issues such as: How do diseases spread? What is “high risk” of flooding? How does Amazon^® minimise its delivery costs?

This is an undergraduate level course that provides a taster of “university maths”. Upon successful completion of this module you will receive accreditation.

Mining 101: Monday 16 July to Friday 5 October 2018

The course will provide an introduction to the mining life cycle and allow you to gain a broad understanding of the mining industry. This will be an undergraduate level 3 course and upon successful completion of this module you will receive accreditation.