If you are considering adult learning, the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Warwick University is sure to have a suitable course allowing you to enhance your career prospects, meet new people or simply study a subject that is of interest to you. Returning to education can seem daunting, but it is also exciting as our recent graduates and students on the  2+2 degree programme explain.

Marceline Cropper is a single parent and now also a 2+2 BA Social Studies graduate. She wanted to pursue a career in social work but realised that she would need to return to education to achieve her goals. The 2+2 degree programme is aimed at over 21 year-olds without formal qualifications, who wish to gain access to a degree programme through study at a local college.

She said: "I was encouraged to apply for the 2+2 BA Honours degree at Warwick University by my mother who had completed it herself 6 years ago. After looking into it I realised that this would be the best thing for me."

The course is split into two halves: the first two years spent studying at a local college and the remaining two years taught on the Warwick University campus. You are registered as a Warwick student for all four years of study and have access to all university facilities.

She added: "I have enjoyed doing the course as it was a gradual introduction into the world of studying, writing essays and studying for exams and the lecturers were very understanding of the fact that I have family and other responsibilities outside of the university setting. I would recommend this degree to anyone who wants to attend university as I have now completed the course and have come away with a great sense of achievement."

Naomi Alsop is another student currently on the 2+2 Social Studies degree course, but the circumstances that attracted her to the course were quite different.

She said: "When I first went to a University of Warwick open day I was very nervous, but as soon as I met the people at the University I was reassured."

"I explained my circumstances - I'd had an illness since the age of 12 and so I had very few qualifications - and they responded by pointing me towards the 2+2 degree course. They talked me through the process of applying and explained what I could expect should I get a place. That high level of support on the open day continued after the course began."

The 2+2 degree programme is a full-time course with lectures taking place between the hours of 9.00am to 3:30pm. Although you may find that only 15 hours per week are scheduled as formal teaching time, independent study is also important.

Naomi said: "Now, at the end of my second year, as I look forward to the next two years at Warwick itself, I'm amazed by the progress I've made. I feel prepared to take my place alongside the other students at Warwick. When I finish I'll have a degree from Warwick University, something I could never have imagined 3 years ago."

The closing date for applications is 12 September. For more information on how to apply, visit the Centre for Lifelong Learning website.