Community University of the Valley's partnership Bringing learning closer to home
A picture of people studying


Thinking about learning, but can't find a course that fits around your life?

A wide range of learning is now available in your local area. From informal courses to Degree level study.

CUV Students  

You can learn:

  • in your community
  • part-time
  • day or evening
  • at your own pace
  • using IT and the Internet
  • at a level to suit you
  • interesting/useful subjects
     

CUV Student

 

You will find:

  • a warm welcome
  • friendly/supportive tutors
  • help with study skills
  • childcare/crèche in many centres
  • help for those with disabilities
  • advice on learning choices
  • advice on help with cost of fees

Community Learning Centres

Starting to think about learning but feeling unsure or nervous about going to college or university? Joining a course at your local community centre could be the ideal next step.

You will find a friendly, inviting atmosphere and the opportunity to learn in comfortable and familiar surroundings. Centre staff are there to help with information and advice and can offer ongoing support with your learning and development needs. Tutors are also skilled in working with adults and will ensure a lively and participative learning environment.

 

Where is learning available?

UWS logo

University of Wales - Swansea
Dept of Adult Continuing Education

Tel: 01792/295786
Website: http://www.swan.ac.uk/dace

Courses available >>

OU logo

Open University in Wales

Tel: 029/2039 7911
Website: http://www3.open.ac.uk/near-you/wales/

Courses available >>

UWN logo

University of Wales Newport

Website: Centre for Community and Lifelong Learning

Website: Community University of the Valleys East

Courses available >>

University of Glamorgan logo

University of Glamorgan
Centre for Lifelong Learning

Tel: 01443/482878
Website: www.glam.ac.uk/cell

Courses available >>

Amman Valley Enterprise

Amman Valley Enterprise
Centre for Education & Enterprise

Tel: 01269/826267
Website: http://www.ammanvalleyenterprise.co.uk/

Courses available >>

Blaenllechau logo

Blaenllechau Community Regeneration

Tel: 01443/730749

Click for more information >>

BPP Development Trust

BPP Development Trust (the Arc)

Tel: 01792 578632

Click for more information >>

Bryncynon Strategy logo

Bryncynon Strategy

Tel: 01443/475120

Website: www.bryncynonstrategy.org.uk

Carmarthenshire Lifelong Learning

Carmarthenshire Lifelong Learning

http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/

City & County of Swansea Lifelong Learning

City & County of Swansea Lifelong Learning

Website: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=740

Cwmni Clydach Development Trust

Cwmni Clydach Development Trust

Email: Melvingray.Clydachtrust@btinternet.com

Websites: http://www.clydachtrust.org.uk and http://www.forgefach.org.uk

Daniel James Community School

Daniel James Community School

Tel: 01792 795551

Click for more information >>

Dove Workshop logo

DOVE Workshop - Banwen

Telephone 01639 700024
Website: http://www.doveworkshop.org

Courses available >>

Glynneath logo

Glynneath Training Centre

Tel/Fax: 01639/721772
Website: www.glynneathtc.org.uk

Courses available >>

Gurnos & Galon Uchaf Regeneration Partnership

Gurnos & Galon Uchaf Regeneration Partnership

Tel: 01685/359999

Menter Cwm Gwendraeth

Tel: 01269 871600

Website: www.gwendraeth.net/menter.htm

Neath Port Talbot Lifelong Learning

Neath Port Talbot Lifelong Learning

http://neath-porttalbot.gov.uk/lifelonglearning/index.cfm

Neath Port Talbot College, Queen Street Centre

Neath Port Talbot College, Queen Street Centre

Tel: 01639 648110
E-mail: gaynor.seamons@nptc.ac.uk

Click for more information >>

Penrhys Partnership Rhondda

Penrhys Partnership Rhondda

E-mail: julie@penrhyspartnership.co.uk

Click for more information >>

Penywaun Enterprise Partnership

Tel: 01685/814645

Website: www.penywauncf.org.uk

Rhondda Cynon Taf Lifelong Learning

Rhondda Cynon Taf Lifelong Learning

Website: http://www.rctednet.net/continuingeducation/

TABS logo

T.A.B.S - Telecentre & Business School

Tel: 01443/682312
Website: http://www.tabstraining.co.uk

Courses available >>

Tredegar Development Trust

Tredegar Development Trust

Tel: 01495/726862

Courses available >>

Universities of the Third Age

Universities of the Third Age

Click for more information >>

WEA logo

Workers Educational Association (South Wales)

Website: http://www.swales.wea.org.uk/

Courses available >>

Ystalyfera logo

Ystalyfera Development Trust

Tel: 01639/843965

Website: http://www.ystalyfera.org/

Courses available >>

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Related pages:

Learners: Information and Advice

 

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions about learning in your community

How will I be taught?
There will be a variety of learning situations but all classes are delivered with the emphasis on student participation. Tutors and lecturers are very experienced in working with adult learners, ensuring that classes are interactive and supportive. Teaching methods include group discussions, lectures, one-to-one support, field trips and the use of IT and distance learning materials. All courses are delivered by qualified Tutors, accredited by one of the Higher Education Institutions. Study Skills support is available for those who need to build up confidence when taking courses.

Do I need formal qualifications?
No, You can start with an introductory course to build up confidence and move onto higher level courses, when you feel ready. Advice and guidance services will be available to help you choose courses suited to your interests and needs.

What type of qualification will I get?
It will depend on the course that you decide to follow. Some courses are informal and do not lead to qualifications. Other courses have 'credits' attached to them. This means that you can follow a range of short courses with credits, which provide evidence of your learning that can be built up into a recognised qualification. For example, a collection of short courses, totalling 120 credits could provide you with a Higher Education Certificate qualification in a specific subject area or lead onto a degree programme.

Do I need to take exams?
Not all courses are assessed by exam. Some courses are assessed by course work, practical tasks or projects. With some courses, it is up to you whether or not you take the assessment.

When can I learn?
Courses are held at varying times - some during the day and others in the evening. There also some options for weekend residential courses. You can check the days and times of particular courses by contacting one of the listed centres. Click here: CUVP partners

How much will it cost?
Fees will vary, depending on the type and level of course. Certain groups of people will be eligible for free courses. There are also a number of schemes offering financial support with the cost of learning. Contact one of our local centres for advice on help with fees: Click here: CUVP partners
Careers Wales/Learndirect can also advise you on financial support, click on the links: Careers Wales /  Learndirect

What other resources and facilities are available?

  • Comfortable teaching rooms
  • Access to Personal Computers, email and Internet facilities
  • Friendly and supportive Tutors
  • Information on available courses
  • Access to University campus resources

Many Centres also have:

  • Crèche Facilities
  • Café or food preparation
  • Study rooms
  • Meeting rooms
  • Libraries

What type of learning is available?
You can choose from a variety of subjects and study levels. Courses range from Introductory IT and language courses through to certificated courses in subjects such as philosophy, environment, social science and performing arts. The Community University of the Valleys Partnership is constantly developing new courses to suit local need.

Modules of part-time Degrees are available at many community venues and it is also possible to follow a complete Degree programme at some of the community centres.