ID001 Extra-Mural Studies

The Idea

Keele’s longstanding identity as a university rooted in its local community provides a foundation for reimagining its civic mission in the present day. Keele was founded on the back of the Workers' Education Association's activities. The region continues to face some of the lowest levels of university participation in the country. The establishment of the Keele in Town building offers a timely opportunity to renew our commitment to the local community and to create a modern, accessible programme of extra‑mural studies designed to meet contemporary needs. Keele can play an important role in providing opportunities for cultural enrichment and help to reduce the significant inequalities in the area that reduce the life chances of the local community. 

The proposed programme could offer short, engaging courses that introduce local residents (specifically, not people currently in an educational setting – this is not to be confused with college outreach) to university‑level learning in a supportive and welcoming environment. These would not be diluted versions of degree modules, but carefully designed tasters that capture the intellectual curiosity and disciplinary richness of Keele’s academic community. Delivered over four to six weeks, the courses would allow participants to explore subjects ranging from politics and public policy to creative writing, environmental science, health, and local history. The emphasis would be on accessibility, relevance, and confidence‑building: an invitation to experience higher learning without the financial, cultural, or psychological barriers that often deter potential learners. The programme would be targeted at groups who do not normally engage in academic activities to create a welcoming hub for these people, irrespective of the journey they will take beyond the programme (but with a hope that they will follow up with pathways in further education and then higher education. This is a chance to put the university in the heard of the community. Alongside these structured courses, the programme could include a calendar of community learning events. Public lectures, hands‑on workshops, intergenerational activities, and “meet the researcher” sessions could create a lively and visible presence in the town centre. The purpose of these events would be to help demystify the university. They would also provide low‑commitment entry points for individuals who may be curious about learning but hesitant to enrol in a course. 

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

To help build better links into the community, putting the university at the heart of the community, and to aid recruitment of mature students to the university.

How We Would Implement This Idea

The initiative would require coordination at the centre, with programmes invited to put forward proposals for outreach activity. This could come from a ‘Continuing Education Centre’, linked to other important outreach activities like ArtsKeele. 

Funding to support this work could be sought from philanthropic organisations with a strong track record in education and community engagement, such as the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Rayne Foundation, the Dulverton Trust, and the Mercers’ Company. 

What Success Would Look Like

Substantial community engagement, good publicity for the university and increased recruitment of mature students to the university.