Learning while the sun shines

The long mild summer evenings are traditionally a popular time for people to enrol in nightcourses. It's no surprise therefore that Nightcourses.com has experienced a 15% increase in part time course queries on the same period last year.

The National Education Database is Ireland's largest online directory of courses and is searchable by several functions, including keyword, location, qualification, level (e.g. third level, further ed, postgraduate), and college.

'With the long evenings, the summer sees thousands starting a nightcourse,' says Managing Director of Learning Ireland, Kevin Branigan. 'People are looking for value for money opportunities to get out of the house, and with the ongoing recession prohibiting traditional venues such as the restaurant and pub, more and more are looking to part time classes. They offer not only enjoyment, intellecual stimulation, exercise and social activity, but also a great opportunity to develop or change your career.'

Particularly popular courses in the summer include subjects such as gardening, cooking, and all manner of sports and fitness programmes.