Over the last 25 years university continuing education departments have come under unprecedented threat, with many closing or changing beyond recognition. Yet this has occurred over the same period that their central values of social equity, accessibility and learner engagement are at the heart of the current rhetoric of wider and more inclusive participation in higher education. This book explores the many changes in continuing education from 1981-2006, including case studies of individual departments, and the role of the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning.

This book is timely for two reasons; as the old continuing education tradition disappears, its story should be told, and, equally importantly, the driving principles of the university adult education system have a valuable contribution to make in informing future strategy and policy in higher education lifelong learning.