Department of adult and continuing education

DACE has been at the forefront of adult education and lifelong learning in Scotland for over 50 years. It uniquely combines the provision of adult learning opportunities to citizens of West Scotland with scholarship and research. Its unapologetic philosophy is to enhance the learning opportunities of all adults in Greater Glasgow, especially those marginalised in terms of previous education attainment.

DACE provides a full range of programmes for adults from Access (preparation to University studies), Open Programmes for people who may or may not have prior qualifications, undergraduate studies (BA Community Development and Certificate in Higher Education) and postgraduate (e.g. MSc in Teaching Adults). Its professional programme includes a Certificate in Counselling Skills, community development and adult education courses, the training arm of the Scottish Training in Alcohol and Drug Addiction (STRADA) and the base for the Children’s Hearings Training Unit.

DACE interacts proactively with its local communities, providing programmes in regions surrounding Glasgow. In addition, it is fully conscious of the importance of international links and activities such as European Commission contracts and consolidating networks in Europe (such as the Swedish Folkuniversitetet).

DACE is engaged in significant research in the areas of:
• Widening access and participation of adults in higher education
• Adult literacy and numeracy
• Historical studies of adult learning in Scotland and the UK
• Life course development and learning (e.g. older adults’ learning)
• International development and education
• University adult education (local and international)
• Popular education
• Post-compulsory education, such as FE/HE articulation.

DACE’s research profile is supplemented by the work of the Centre for Research and Development in Adult and Lifelong Learning (CRADALL). In February 2008 Professor Michael Osborne took over leadership of this important research instrument for the Faculty of Education which has the development of an active, critical citizenship as one of its primary objectives.

In addition to research and teaching, DACE staff constitute a valuable source of information on lifelong learning issues and engage with Government on selected issues (e.g. The Scottish Futures Forum). DACE is deeply conscious of its social justice heritage and endeavours to engage with groups in disadvantaged parts of Glasgow.