A university degree without fees

Press Release For immediate release A university degree without fees This autumn, residents of Brighton & Hove will be invited to study to degree level without paying a penny in tuition fees. For the past three years, Free University Brighton, a free, community-­‐run education project, has been providing and promoting free education in the City, generally in the form of short courses, talks and practical workshops. But from October locals will have the opportunity to participate in long-­‐term academic pursuits. The courses will be a genuine alternative to the ones offered by British universities although to an equal standard. There will be no requirement to have previous qualifications and sessions will be structured so that those who have jobs or who care for families will still be able to participate. The approach will be student-­‐centred and collaborative, with learning jointly directed by teachers and students. Luke Martell, an academic who will teach on the course said: “I got involved in the free degree because this is what universities should be about, education that’s accessible to all, not about making money. Universities used to be sites of critical inquiry but are now market-­‐driven businesses where courses are determined by consumer demand.” Ali Ghanimi set up the Free University after the Coalition Government trebled tuition fees to £9000 and introduced above-­‐inflation interest rates on student loans for the first time. She said: “I set up the Free University as I was concerned about the cuts and creeping privatisation of education. I feel strongly that everyone should have the experience and opportunities of a higher education without getting into massive debt.” The average level of student debt now exceeds £44,000, with almost half of graduates paying back more than they borrowed. Research by the Institute of Fiscal Studies shows that most students will be paying back loans into their 40s and 50s, leaving people vulnerable at a time when their family costs are at a peak. Ali said: “Our key aim is to provide education that’s accessible, fun and builds confidence. Although anyone can participate, we are particularly keen to recruit people who haven’t had the experience of university.” Those who take part will explore real world issues through a range of disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, economics, history and criminology. The courses will start in October 2015 but there will be a taster session on Saturday 4 July from 12pm-­‐4pm at the Bevendean Community Pub for those who want to see what’s involved and find out more. For more details go to the website: www.freeuniversitybrighton.org Editor’s notes: 1. For more information email: contact@freeuniversitybrighton.org 2. Free University Brighton organises and promotes free educational events in and around Brighton & Hove. Our aim is to create an alternative education system that benefits us all, whatever our financial means. We ask local people to share their knowledge and skills and we create accessible learning events by turning public spaces into ‘classrooms’. We promote these events through the free university website and social media. Find us at www.freeuniversitybrighton.org 3. The course will be a full academic year (three terms of 8 weeks) starting in October 2015. Subjects covered in year 1 will include the following modules: Crime, Equality & Justice; A Critique of Political Economy; Media, Communication & Propaganda; An Introduction to Philosophy, Knowing (Epistemology) & Doing (Ethics); Alternative Societies; The International Relations of the Middle East, and Latin America: Revolution, Repression and Social Change. 4. The taster session will take place at the Bevy (Bevendean Community Pub), 50 Hillside, Moulsecoomb on Saturday 4 July from 12-­‐4pm.