Join

  Join

Explore is open to all adults and joining is really straightforward.  No previous knowledge or qualifications are needed – just enthusiasm and an interest in learning new things.  Our Newcastle city centre base provides a lively environment where students can exchange views and socialise, whilst our remote learning options offer increased accessibility and flexibility for busy learners.

Keep reading below for more information, or if you're ready to join  just complete our membership form and arrange payment. Please do get in touch if you have questions.


 (If you're a new joiner please let us know so we know to look out for you.)


How Explore works

Here's a little more information about how Explore works but you can also read more on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Where do the classes take place?

Our sessions are normally held Face-to-Face in Newcastle City Centre and remotely via Zoom. Our face-to-face sessions  are generally held at Brunswick Methodist Church (near Monument) and occasionally also use Newcastle Arts Centre and the Lit & Phil.

Do I need to book for an Explore class?

Usually not, but we do occasionally ask members to book for some Face-to-Face sessions in advance in order to manage capacity or materials. 

Who are the tutors?

Highly regarded specialists, many of whom teach at Newcastle’s two universities, the Open University and other institutions around the country. You can read more about some of our regular speakers HERE

Explore lifelong learning 2021 Brunswick adult education
A lecture at Explore's current venue in Newcastle city centre
Explore lifelong learning 2016 history class adult education
Explore history class with tutor Maria Goulding (right)

Who runs the Explore programme?

The Joseph Cowen Lifelong Learning Centre is a not-for-profit Charitable Incorporated Organisation with an elected board of trustees. The Explore programme started its tenth year as an independent organisation in October 2023.

Try before you buy!

We hold occasional public events where you can find out more about Explore. They are a really good way to find out more at the start of a season, but if you've missed our taster events don't worry - you are welcome to try a free taster session at any time so just get in touch.


Book your FREE taster now! Find out more here


Get in touch with the office via the Contact page to arrange your free taster.



Our members say :

It's a real godsend on a bad day! Lectures encourage me to go places, read books, find out about things, go to museums and exhibitions which are always much more interesting. I could go on!

Like so many of the members, we applaud the wide variety of material on offer and enjoy delving into areas that take us out of our comfort zone.

Excellent.  I can only attend in Autumn and Summer terms and rarely more than 1 day a week, but still well worth the cost. 

It’s an amazing resource; the level of scholarship of the lecturers is exemplary and the friendliness of staff and students alike is a very pleasant aspect of Explore. I have made many friends in my time there. 

 I particularly value the wide range of topics and the impressive teaching skills of the tutors. I would be bereft without it.

I love being a member of Explore.

It's just been great to be back. I've so appreciated how much everyone involved have worked to get the show back on the road. It's been great. Thank you so much.

The great thing about Zoom is that it is possible to attend more sessions, when travelling in for face to face is not possible due to time constraints or other commitments. 

Explore has opened a new world for me [but due to health issues I] thank you for the Zoom opportunities.

Thank you all for everything you do to ensure members of Explore are able to enjoy lectures either face to face, via Zoom or blended following this difficult pandemic. This has made the sessions even more accessible [and] more enjoyable all round. I greatly value the opportunity to either attend face to face or via Zoom depending on my diary commitments. Thank you.


Joining Explore

How much does it cost to join?

We offer various options (termly, annual & 'Early Bird' reduced fees)  to both new and existing members so more people can enjoy the excellent value of Explore membership!


Annual membership fees:

Early Bird Full Year Membership ………………………… £285

(*join before the 30th September 2023) 

New & Current Member Termly Offer** ……………………… £105 Season 1

………………………      £105 Season 2

………………………      £105 Season 3

Membership for Full Year (after 30th September 2023) …… £315

Explore lifelong learning 2017 Early Bird adult education

Membership form and Payment (online and offline options)


If you're ready to join  just complete our membership form and arrange payment. Please do get in touch if you have questions.


 (If you're a new joiner please let us know so we can look out for you, especially if you are arranging a payment so we can confirm receipt.)


You can use the details on the reverse of the form to arrange a bank transfer or contact us to arrange a card payment.

Paying by instalments

 

Explore has established a link with the NEFirst Credit Union to enable members to pay their fees by instalments.  (Explore is not an agent for NEFirst Credit Union and receives no commission from them.)

 

 

The representative APR (annual percentage rate) was 40% when recently checked.  So for example, if you borrow £240 repayable in weekly instalments over 6 months it would cost approximately £10.12 per week. This would be a total of £262.99 at that APR. (Please note, this information is illustrative only based on the Unions online calculator - more precise details should be obtained from NEFirst Credit Union directly.)


To take this option, you will need to JOIN the union and APPLY for a Credit Union loan.  You can download the forms using the buttons on the right. Full details are available directly from the credit union. 

Help with fees

Is there a reduced cost option for potential members with limited means? 

If you would like to join Explore but would be prevented from doing so by financial difficulties, you are encouraged to apply to the S.Y. Killingley Memorial Trust for assistance. 

Click on the button to find out more about the trust. 

S. Y. Killingly Memorial Trust
Explore lifelong learning 2016 Siew-Yue Killingley adult education (copyright Donald Dixon)

  Siew-Yue Killingley 

© Donald Dixon

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