ADULTS who want to continue with their education are being asked to consider Open University courses.

The OU is offering a range of opportunities to those who want to get back into studying from degree and diploma courses to programmes designed as gentle introductions back to study.

Musrat Rafiq a former pupil of Muslim Girls School in Bolton wanted to continue her education but did not want to travel out of town. She is now a year away from gaining an OU degree in Psychology.

She said: "I only knew the OU through TV programmes, so I rang up for a prospectus and talked to an adviser who explained how it all works, and discussed options about the Psychology degree which I was interested in.

"My parents have been very supportive and encouraged me to continue my education and I found that the OU suited me best."

Personal contact and support for all OU courses are provided through locally based tutors or telephone tutors and a network of local study centres.

Information about studying with the OU is available from the Regional Centre on 0161 998 7007 or 0161 998 7478 or at www.open.ac.uk