THERE'S a wide range of opportunities for face-to-face learning, from classes in your local library, to family learning sessions in community sports centres.

Many adult learning courses take place in further education colleges and learning centres. This may suit you if you prefer working in a classroom and like the idea of studying alongside other adults.

If you're interested in vocational (work-related) learning, many colleges have links with local businesses and can help arrange work experience placements. Most colleges also have a student services department offering advice to learners.

You can choose the times you learn - day or evening - and how long your course lasts.

Opportunities to learn in your community include family centres, community halls or libraries. Training can be linked with or provided by your local college and can lead to a formal qualification if that's what you want.

Sometimes courses are targeted towards specific groups, such as women, fathers or adults of a particular religion.

You can choose from a wide range of subjects. Your local college, or library provides information about community learning.

If you just want to learn over a weekend or a week, you can try a learning holiday.

City & Guilds provide a directory of learning breaks and study tours. Courses are residential and are held at attractive venues throughout the UK. There is a wide range of courses to choose from and subjects include arts and craft, computing and technology, dance and drama, history and archaeology, languages, literature, music.

Most of these courses do not involve getting a qualification, but some can lead to an award.