The Senior Studies Institute (SSI) is part of the University of Strathclyde's Centre for Lifelong Learning, and provides an extensive range of educational opportunities aimed at older adults.
The Institute was established in 1991 to meet the increasing demand from older people for learning which matched their interests, aptitudes and needs. From small beginnings, the Institute has grown to become a centre of excellence for the provision of lifelong learning for older people, with more than 3,000 students each year participating in SSI programmes. The Senior Studies Institute is unique in Scotland, and has become internationally recognized for the quality of its educational programme and its expanding role in advising policy makers and business on age focused issues.
The development of the Institute has played an important part in the University of Strathclyde's mission to advance a knowledge society by providing high-quality education opportunities to all students, regardless of background, inspiring them to develop to the full their abilities.
Lifelong Learning:
Encouraging continuing personal growth and intellectual development of older learners through a wide ranging programme of daytime classes, seminars and other learning opportunities.
Useful Learning:
Providing opportunities for older people to use their learning and life skills in a range of socially valuable contexts as family members, citizens, volunteers, in employment or enterprise. This includes developing learning opportunities in areas which are not traditionally viewed as the domain of adult education, but which are appropriate to SSI learners.
Widening access:
Access to other university courses and expanding opportunities in the community. This is being achieved by working with social partners in recruiting learners from currently less represented communities of place and interest, and in expanding the role of other University faculties in supporting learners, as a bridge to advanced learning.
Initiating and supporting research:
Into later life issues and disseminating knowledge about the human resource value of the older population. SSI plays an important role in the development of Scottish research networks and is an important contributor to policy at European level.
For further details, please contact:
Brian McKechnie
Senior Studies Institute, Programmes Manager
Telephone: 0141 548 2492
E-mail: brian.mckechnie@strath.ac.uk