Weaving the 'Seamless Web': Why higher education and further education need to 'merge' if lifelong learning is to become a reality

This paper offers evidence that universities need to create ever greater links with further education if lifelong learning is ever to become a reality. Adult learners and potential adult learners are intimidated by the mystique of the 'university' (in its cultural metaphorical sense) but would be more inclined to return to learning if the said learning could take place in the more 'friendly' confines of a further education college. Thus the trend of FE colleges offering 'higher' education courses with validation by universities is one which should be encouraged and pursued to an even greater extent than it already is.