QUEEN'S University Belfast is offering people the chance to see the 'hidden Belfast' as part of its new Open Learning programme. The walking tours, which offer an insight into the city's heritage, are just some of the 300 courses on offer.
Also included are courses that examine the legacy of the first world war as centenary commemorations get underway - these include: Gott Strafe England: Understanding the Central Powers, 1914-1918 and Technowar: Technology and World War I.
For those looking to indulge their more creative side there are courses in creative writing, music and visual arts including: Exploring Creativity with the Five Senses, A Comprehensive Introduction to Jewellery Making, and Sewing Bee. "At Queen's we are committed to offering our students a lifetime of opportunities and our diverse programme is testimony to that," course director Cathal McManus said. "All of our courses are delivered in a relaxed, informal and accessible manner and are designed to be both informative but also enjoyable."
The autumn term starts the week beginning September 29. Further information can be found at www.qub.ac.uk/ ol
AS THOUSANDS of students start the new term at college or university, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is using the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health.
The agency is launching its revamped booklet Mind Your Head: A student guide to mental health.
The booklet is full of practical tips and information on managing stress and achieving and maintaining positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. It also contains a comprehensive list of helpful local organisations and websites. The booklet targets first year students at university and further and higher education colleges.
Madeline Heaney, the PHA's lead on mental health and suicide prevention, said starting university or college was an exciting time, sometimes meaning a move away from home and taking on new responsibilities. "Settling into a new place, making new friends and going out are all good fun but they can also add to feelings of stress. A certain amount of stress is normal but it is really important that students look after their mental health," she said.
The guide is available from student unions across Northern Ireland and at http://bit.ly/ phastudentguide