OXFORD’S SECRET TREASURE: LIFELONG LEARNING AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT

‘I was scared to apply,’ says Charles Bush, reflecting on his decision to pivot away from a career as a professional basketball player and pursue his passion for creative writing with Oxford Lifelong Learning. ‘All my life I had been told that young Black men from West Philadelphia rarely get the chance to attend the likes of Oxford or become published authors. But I also knew that despite the odds, I had to try. If for no other reason than at Oxford, I would be around some of the best writers and literary minds in the world.’

Described by Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey as the University’s ‘secret treasure’, Oxford Lifelong Learning has been quietly but powerfully transforming lives for nearly 150 years. Reaching over 16,000 students annually – almost double the number accepted onto undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University each year – today, this is not just a hidden gem.

Recently renamed and with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition, Oxford Lifelong Learning (previously the Department for Continuing Education) is stepping into the spotlight as a core part of the University’s mission, offering global access to Oxford’s world-class teaching and resources for learners of all ages and backgrounds.

‘We are the oldest continuing lifelong learning department in the country, but you probably didn’t know it existed. It’s an extraordinary secret treasure that you should be very proud your university has’ – Professor Irene Tracey

Watch the Vice-Chancellor talk about the surprising beginnings of Oxford Lifelong Learning, and how it remains central to Oxford’s vision for the future:

Oxford University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Irene Tracey, speaking at a Christ Church 500th Anniversary Lecture at the Royal Society.

A global classroom

At the heart of Oxford Lifelong Learning is a belief that education changes lives, and a mission to inspire people around the world through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research. With around 1,000 courses offered annually – from short and online options to professional development programmes, summer schools, and even undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications – Oxford Lifelong Learning welcomes a uniquely diverse student body.

Those 16,000 part-time learners hail from over 100 countries and range from recent school-leavers to mid-career professionals and active retirees. Many join online, making Oxford’s world-class education accessible without the need to relocate or press pause on work or family commitments.

Staff and students work together to foster a vibrant learning community attentive to the importance of sustainability and social justice. And with each student supported to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the wider world, it is no surprise that Oxford Lifelong Learning is one of the University’s primary means of global reach and impact.

Stories that inspire 

Behind the numbers are many powerful personal stories. Three years after completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Higher Education – a flexible, part-time award – aspiring writer Charles Bush signed his first book deal.

He describes his time at Oxford Lifelong Learning as ‘one of the most rewarding and angelic experiences’ of his life. ‘It may be challenging, but I promise you, if you persevere, you will never experience anything more gratifying nor rewarding than completing a programme at Oxford. The only word I can think of that can even begin to sum up such a feeling is… magical.'

Charles’ experience is not a one-off. Many students discover Oxford Lifelong Learning while navigating career changes, personal development journeys or retirement. The courses cover everything from archaeology and art history to sustainability, data science and management – offering something for every passion and profession. 

An array of positive benefits

It is becoming increasingly important to view education not as a one-time milestone, but as a continuous thread to be woven through life. Many students use the courses at Oxford to reskill or upskill for professional reasons, but learning for health, wellbeing and enjoyment is also a strong driver.

Dr Jan Cox has been teaching history of art at Oxford Lifelong Learning for almost 15 years, sharing his interest in 19th-century Nordic art and British art of the 20th century with people from all around the world. ‘I have a great love of lifelong learning,’ he says, ‘probably because I started my academic career so late in life. I’m a convert!’ 

He likens the pursuit of learning as we age to driving: ‘You don’t just stop when you’ve passed your test… to keep learning is so important, it’s good for the brain and it adds to the quality of life.’ He points to growing evidence that intellectual enrichment throughout life can support mental resilience and protect against age-related cognitive decline. ‘It has so many positive benefits,’ he beams. 

Dr Cox says that he has taught students who enrolled with an interest and left with a passion. ‘I had someone who came to one of my Oxford summer schools and then went off to do an undergraduate degree… the remarkable thing was that they were 77 at the time.’ And Dr Cox is adamant that he learns from each lesson he teaches too: ‘I really want to encourage discussion in my classes and try to get people to see things that perhaps I haven’t seen myself.

‘Oxford Lifelong Learning offers a huge breadth of knowledge – and knowledge is power’ – Dr Jan Cox

Keeping the love of learning alive

Oxford Lifelong Learning is the University at its finest: welcoming curious minds from around the world, offering an incredible depth and breadth of scholarship, and driving global impact through education.

For alumni, it provides an opportunity to reconnect with Oxford, deepen expertise, discover a new passion or simply experience the joy of learning again.

So, if you’re intrigued by the idea of taking a course or simply inspired by the scale and mission of this ‘secret treasure’, we invite you to explore Oxford Lifelong Learning in more depth – and to share it with friends, family and colleagues who might benefit too.