Designed with mature students in mind, Professional Studies is for you if you are wanting to study a wide range of topics relevant to your life experiences and gain a University degree grounded in the skills that employers value in professional roles today.This unique and interdisciplinary course, taught by the University's Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC), is particularly relevant if you can bring prior work and life experience to your studies. There'll be opportunities for you to gain further experience, learning from and undertaking research for local organisations and employers, as well as investigating areas of your own interest.The course explores key contemporary issues relevant to a wide range of professional roles such as globalisation, diversity, health, creativity, leadership and technology. It also offers a set of modules to help develop your own professional identity, while learning about the world of work. You'll gain the exciting opportunity to personalise your degree based on your own experience, skills and interests by choosing a third of your degree from our specialised pathways, or from a wide range of discovery modules.The course content is developed to help you further your adaptability and effectiveness in the fast-changing world of work. It encompasses professional and project strands which focus on skills relevant to a wide range of careers.The course provides a breadth of experience and can be studied either part-time or full-time.Join our online taster courseOur short online course on FutureLearn will familiarise you with topics you might explore in this part-time degree.Deepen your understanding of SEND and the ways to support young and mature students with Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and dyslexia.Become an advocate for learners with special educational needs.Join our short online course Inclusive Education: Exploring SEND Practice and Strategies is a free course to help you to understand and support diverse learners.Additional highlightsYou'll be taught by staff who have expertise in interdisciplinary research, community development and with recognised higher education teaching qualifications, specialising in interactive and inclusive teaching.We invite guest speakers from local organisations and maintain contact with our graduates so that you can benefit from learning about their personal and professional development experience since completing the degree.You'll also have the unique opportunity to take part in the ‘research in the community’ project, which involves undertaking research for local organisations who have identified a research need.For a third of the degree, you'll be able to choose your own modules, from specialisms within the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC), or from the rich and wide-ranging choice of discovery modules from across the University of Leeds. You can also extend your degree by undertaking a work placement year or by studying abroad.Lifelong Learning Centre supportThe course allows you to fit study alongside your work and family commitments. You’ll be taught by friendly and supportive staff, experienced in working with adult learners and with substantial professional experience. You’ll also become a part of the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) community.We know that many mature and part-time students face unique challenges, including balancing academic study with family and employment commitments. Whatever your concerns or questions, the Lifelong Learning Centre offers free specialist guidance, advice and support to mature and part-time students, from pre-application through to graduation and beyond.Specialist facilitiesAs well as having access to the four specialist research and student libraries on campus, you'll be able to undertake work and meet with fellow students in the Lifelong Learning Centre's Learning Resource Area. As an LLC student, you’ll have access t