Fancy a university education without forking out tens of thousands of pounds in tuition fees?
It’s possible if you live in or near Brighton & Hove.
Free University Brighton (FUB for short) offers degree-level courses in Social Science and Humanities which are completely free.
Nick-named the ‘Freegree’, the course is externally validated in the same way as conventional universities. Students can study a range of subjects including Criminology, Sociology, Gender Studies and Philosophy. After running successfully for two years FUB is about to take in more students.
FUB’s founder, Ali Ghanimi said: “Anyone can study this course, you don’t need ‘A’ levels, just an open mind and a willingness to learn. We’ve designed the course so that people who work, care for others or have other commitments can participate. Our key aim is to provide education that’s accessible, fun, builds confidence and empowers people to improve their lives”.
Ghanimi set up Free University Brighton after the Coalition Government trebled tuition fees and introduced above-inflation interest rates on student loans. The move sparked student protests and occupations around the country but also a new wave of free, community-led education initiatives.
The courses are free thanks to a group of university lecturers who teach voluntarily. Many do so because they believe in FUB’s ethos that education should be accessible to all and for the benefit of society. Universities used to be sites of critical inquiry but are now market-driven businesses where courses are determined by what brings in the most money.
Feedback has been positive.
One student said: “It has been my life-long dream to study at university level but finances prevented that. FUB has given me this opportunity. It has broadened my thinking and opened up my mind to other views and possibilities!”
Another said: “It is challenging on so many levels, and an absolutely wonderful experience!”
To find out more, click here:
Or head along to their Open Day from 12-4pm on Saturday, July 15 at the Learning Centre in the City Clean Depot on Upper Hollingdean Road, Brighton BN1 7GA.