EDUCATION could hold the key to what people wish for at the start of every new year.

According to national training provider Lifetime, 61 per cent of Britons wish for a magic wand to begin January in a new career.

The University of Bolton is running “January Start” courses to put people on the path to a new work-life future.

It is one of only a few universities to offer a January start and by enrolling now, students will also beat the fee increase in September.

Bursaries and scholarship awards are on offer to help students cover costs.

Courses available include parttime undergraduate degrees, postgraduate courses short course and professional development programmes to help people carve out new careers or enhance the one they have.

Courses include everything from accountancy to psychology.

UK student recruitment manager, Laura Carruthers said: “The Christmas break is the time many people sit down and think about their future — if they want to make a change now, then a January start course could be the solution.

“Part-time study is an excellent way to earn as you learn—our team is living proof. Many of us in this department have juggled part-time learning and full-time work, it is achievable.” Head of careers and employability service, Julie Bateman, said changing careers was not unusual.

A recent survey by Prospects, the UK’s official graduate careers organisation, revealed about seven out of 10 people change career at least once during their lifetime and one in six people change careers three times.

Advisers from the University’s Careers and Employability Service are able to advise potential students on the most appropriate course to help with a career change or how best to improve prospects in a current position. Vanessa Casaru, careers and employability adviser at the university: “Being dissatisfied with your post doesn't necessarily mean you need to move on; think about the career opportunities within your existing organisation.

“All courses, as well as resulting in a qualification, include employability skills development.”

Anna White returned to university to enhance her career prospects as a photographer and embarked on a post-graduate degree in photography.

She is now the recipient of a Humphrey Spender scholarship, inspired by the world-famous Mass Observation project, to create her own exhibition.

Miss White, aged 27, said: “I wanted to do documentary photography, which the lecturer Ian Beesley at the university was known for.

“I did a Masters part-time and it has made it easier for me to do what I am doing, I would not be doing the Spender project because that is awarded by the university to graduates.”

Details of January Start courses and are on the university website at bolton.ac.uk