Take the University challenge in 2010

Make higher education your New Year’s resolution, by enrolling on a course at Birkbeck, University of London. There are more than 200 modules on Certificate of Higher Education programmes starting in January, as well as four Foundation Degrees to choose from.

"We have a great range of courses for those wanting to gain new qualifications, change careers, or just get back into learning," said Caroline McDonald, Head of Outreach and Widening Participation. "We understand that funding is an important issue, especially at this time of year, and in the current economic climate. We've got a generous package of financial support to help students cover the costs of their studies."

Birkbeck has a diverse array of courses across all subject areas. From January you can:

• Investigate how our legal system works and discuss issues of equality, diversity and human rights
• Examine global issues, such as the re-emergence of Russia as a great power and the politics of identity, culture and conflict.
• Understand the world you live in with courses on the psychology of the workplace, how we act as consumers, and whether there’s a biological basis for our behaviour
• Set your creativity free with courses on writing poetry and fiction, for children and teenagers, and for the screen
• Explore art in its many forms, from anime and comic books to Persian ceramics, African art and Dutch landscape painting
• Learn more about London through its National Trust properties, galleries and museums, or by sifting through its photographic archives.

The four Foundation Degrees starting in the New Year are: IT, Management, Media and Business Applications, and Pharmacy Practice, Science and Management.

All courses are taught part-time, in the evening, so students can work and manage other daytime commitments. This flexible approach appealed to Kwasi Agyekum Atuah, a student on the Community Leadership course, who had tried life as a full-time student. "I struggled, as I couldn't work to earn extra money to support myself." Kwasi received financial support from the Birkbeck Student Opportunity Fund. "It has been a big help, and takes away some of the financial worries. Plus, because I can work during the day and study in the evening, I'm able to keep earning."

In addition to non-repayable bursaries of up to £1,000, concessionary fees are offered on many Certificate of HE programmes, and these are normally half the full fee.*

Birkbeck has a dedicated team offering study skills support which offers advice and runs short courses on topics such as: essay writing and note taking; communication skills; science, maths and statistics; IT support and training.

For a full list of courses log on to www.bbk.ac.uk

For more advice, information and details of the financial support on offer visit www.bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck, call 0845 601 0174 or email info@bbk.ac.uk.

*Concessionary fees

Concessionary fees are normally half the full fee. They are available to those who, at the time of their application, are in receipt of one of the following: Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance.