University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education

The University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)[1] is a department of the University of Cambridge that provides continuing education programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, ranging from undergraduate certificates to master’s degrees[2].

Institute of Continuing Education
The Institute's headquarters at Madingley Hall
The Institute's headquarters at Madingley Hall
Established1873
FounderJames Stuart
AffiliationUniversity of Cambridge
DirectorJames Gazzard
Students6,000
Location,
England

52°13′29″N 0°02′15″E / 52.2248°N 0.0374°E / 52.2248; 0.0374
Websitewww.ice.cam.ac.uk

The institute has its origins in a series of lectures given by James Stuart in 1867. It is based at Madingley Hall in Cambridgeshire.

ICE was the world's first university-led continuing education department, starting in October 1873.[3][4]

History

edit
 
Madingley Hall (1824).

The Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) was founded as the Local Lectures Syndicate in 1873 by the University of Cambridge engineer James Stuart.[5][6] It has also been previously known as the Board of Extra-Mural Studies (BEMS) and the Board for Continuing Education.

In 1867, the suffragist Anne Clough and the North of England Council for Promoting the Higher Education of Women commissioned James Stuart to deliver a course of lectures in five English cities in direct response to the growing need for educational opportunity for girls and women.[7][8] These lecturers marked the beginning of the university extension movement, which aimed to provide tertiary teaching for those unable to go to university.[9] Extension centres, guided by Cambridge academics, in cities such as Exeter and Sheffield were central to the formation of new university colleges and led to the expansion of universities in cities across England in the late 1800s.[10]

The University of Cambridge sanctioned the university extension movement in 1873, when it offered its first course commencing in Derby on 8 October.[11] In the same year, the university appointed the Local Lectures Syndicate, which included James Stuart, as well as Brooke Westcott, Joseph Lightfoot, and Henry Sidgwick.[12] In 1924, the Local Lectures Syndicate became the autonomous Board of Extra-Mural Studies (BEMS)[13] and it found a new permanent home a few years when it moved to the newly built Stuart House in Mill Lane, Cambridge in 1927.[14] The board was based at Stuart House until 1975, when it moved to Madingley Hall in Cambridgeshire.[4]

 
Madingley Hall viewed from the gardens.

In August 1991, the Board of Extra-Mural Studies (BEMS) was renamed as The Board for Continuing Education.[15] The institute received its current name on 1 January 2001.[16]

Directors

edit
 
Madingley Hall lake.
Name Period
James Stuart and Reverend V.H. Stanton (Joint Secretaries) 1873-1876[17]
Reverend G. F. Browne 1876-1891[17]
Arthur Berry 1891-1894[17]
R.D. Roberts 1894-1902[17]
Reverend D.H.S Cranage 1902-1928[17]
Geoffrey Hickson 1928-1967[17]
John Andrew 1967-1977[17]
Leslie Wayper[18] 1977-1980[19]
Michael Allen 1980-1990[20]
Susan Rawlings (interim director) 1990-1990[21]
Michael Richardson[22] 1990-2003[23]
Susan Rawlings (interim director) 2003-2004[21]
Richard Taylor 2004-2009[24]
Rebecca Lingwood 2009-2015[25]
Sir Michael Gregory (interim director) 2015-2016[26]
James Gazzard 2016–present[27]

Location and buildings

edit

The institute's headquarters are in the village of Madingley, Cambridgeshire. It is housed in Madingley Hall, about four miles west of the Cambridge city limits.[28] Madingley Hall was built in the 1540s and was later rented by Queen Victoria for the young Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) while he was a student at Cambridge.[4][28][29] The Hall incorporates 14 classrooms, 62 study bedrooms and full catering.[30]

From left to right: Madingley Hall, East front; The grounds of Madingley Hall; Madingley Hall, South front

Academic overview

edit

ICE offers residential, online, weekend, summer, and part-time courses, as well as public lectures. The duration of study varies, from one and two-day courses, through two-year part-time master's degrees, and courses are often taken for personal interest or for professional development. Students can study towards University of Cambridge qualifications, such as undergraduate sub-degrees and postgraduate qualifications, including a Master of Studies qualification which allows students to matriculate through a Cambridge college.[4][5]

The institute employs a group of academic directors across its major discipline areas, a number of these academics are also university teaching officers and some hold college affiliations. The institute's teaching is also accomplished by a panel of about 300 tutors located in the Cambridge area and elsewhere.[4][31]

Undergraduate certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas

edit
 
Madingley Hall.

ICE's undergraduate courses cover over 30 subjects[32] and all courses are accredited via the United Kingdom's Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).[28] The undergraduate award-bearing courses are studied part-time over an academic year.  A certificate is a FHEQ level 4 award, a diploma is a FHEQ level 5 award and an advanced diploma is a FHEQ level 6 award.[33] ICE offers undergraduate certificates, diplomas and an undergraduate research-based advanced diploma, which lasts two years and it's equivalent to the completion of the third year of full-time undergraduate study at a BA level. Both the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Research in the Arts/Sciences and the Advanced Diploma in Economics (from the Faculty of Economics) are considered as equivalent to a second bachelor’s degree and they enable students to apply for postgraduate studies such as master's degree or Postgraduate Diploma.[34][35][36][37][38][39]

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas

edit

ICE's one-year part-time postgraduate (FHEQ level 7) courses give students the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification in the arts, sciences or professional disciplines.[40]

Part-time master's degrees

edit
 
Madingley village sign, Cambridgeshire.

Master of Studies (MSt) degrees at ICE are usually undertaken over two years.[41] The abbreviation MSt is used at the University of Cambridge (and the University of Oxford) to designate a 180-credit FHEQ level 7 Master's degree studied on a part-time basis (MPhil is used for equivalent courses studied on a full-time basis).[42] ICE delivers a range of MSt courses in fields including Clinical Medicine, Medical Education, Artificial Intelligence and Creative Writing.[43] ICE also acts as the Admitting Body for MSts offered by other University departments.[31]

In the 2018–19 academic year, ICE led the introduction of Apprenticeships at Cambridge University to offer skill-based apprentice courses, giving students the opportunity to earn a postgraduate qualification in a select range of professional fields.[44]

In 2020, ICE offered two new vocational master's degree courses: a master's degree in writing for performance, covering theatre, performance poetry, film, TV, radio and stand-up comedy, and the UK's first ever master's degree in the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The latter qualification is designed for technology makers and other professionals who wish to ensure their products cause no harm or augment bias and injustice such as sexism.[45][46]

Short courses

edit

Between 2014 and 2019, ICE supported The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust to deliver the Queen's Young Leaders Programme. QYLP enabled young people from across the Commonwealth to further develop a range of community projects.[47]

In September 2019, ICE launched a new series of short courses called ‘Super Tuesdays,’ which provided a three-hour introduction to a specific topic for adults of all ages, with no previous qualifications necessary.[48]

 
Madingley Hall in summer.

International summer programme

edit

The University of Cambridge International Summer Programme provides an intensive one-to six-week learning experience with over 200 courses across eleven programmes. The programme attracts over 60 nationalities from ages 18 to over 80.[49]

International pre-master's programme

edit

The Cambridge International Pre-Master's Programme is a nine-month full-time programme for students who want to prepare for study at master's degree level at an English speaking university. The course aims to develop students’ abilities in research methods and practices and understanding of emerging themes in business management or engineering.[50][51]

Students

edit
 
Madingley Hall in winter.

Throughout the 2019–20 academic year, 6,057 adult students enrolled on courses at ICE and a further 2,151 adults attended both virtual and in-person events.[31]

In the summer of 2020, ICE announced it was launching a £1 million bursary programme to help adults hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the programme, the institute offered 1,000 bursaries, each worth £1,000, to go towards tuition fees for more than 30 part-time courses.[52] To support postgraduate students who studied during the COVID-19 pandemic, ICE launched another bursary scheme in February 2021. The bursary provides 100 University of Cambridge students a contribution of £2,100 towards the cost of a selection of ICE undergraduate certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.[53]

Student life

edit

Students studying for a qualification that is at least one academic year in length (starting with Undergraduate Certificates) receive a student card for full access to the Cambridge University Library[54] and other University of Cambridge facilities.[55]

Students completing award-bearing courses – including undergraduate and postgraduate Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, and Master’s degrees – at ICE enjoy University of Cambridge alumni status and associated benefits.[56]

Like all Cambridge University students, ICE students are entitled to free entry to the University Botanic Gardens on presentation of their University card.[55] ICE students are also entitled to a 20% discount on books published by Cambridge University Press, which can be purchased at The Cambridge University Press Bookshop.[54]

Notable people

edit

Academics

edit
 
J. A. Hobson attended courses in political economy offered by the Cambridge board of Extra-Mural Studies.[67]

Alumni

edit

Supervision by university

edit

The work of ICE is governed by the general board of the University of Cambridge, through a management committee and the institute's lecturers used to be appointed by the university.[5] All award-bearing courses receive a University of Cambridge qualification, which are part of the UK's Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).[72]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ Davison, Tim (16 July 2015). "Madingley Hall". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  2. ^ Ireland, Paul (5 August 2016). "Qualifications and awards". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Cambridge education institute marks 150 years with bursaries". 20 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e Care, Adam (24 October 2014). "You're never too old for a Cambridge education". Cambridge News. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015.
  5. ^ a b c Barlow, Adrian. Extramural: Literature and Lifelong Learning, pp. 18-19. (Lutterworth Press 2012).
  6. ^ Beyeler, Marc (15 May 2015). "Institute of Continuing Education to sponsor Team of the Year prize at News' Junior Sports Award". Cambridge News. Archived from the original on 24 July 2015.
  7. ^ "Clough, Anne Jemima (1820–1892), college head and promoter of women's education". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. 2004. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/5710. Retrieved 5 February 2021. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  8. ^ Cunningham, Peter (2009). Beyond the Lecture Hall: Universities and community engagement rom the middle ages to the present day. University of Cambridge. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-9560861-2-9.
  9. ^ Lawrie, Alexandra (2014), Lawrie, Alexandra (ed.), "The University Extension Movement", The Beginnings of University English: Extramural Study, 1885–1910, London: Palgrave Macmillan UK, pp. 56–85, doi:10.1057/9781137309112_4, ISBN 978-1-137-30911-2, retrieved 23 February 2021
  10. ^ "History and heritage | About us | The University of Sheffield". www.sheffield.ac.uk. 14 December 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  11. ^ Jarvis, Peter. Adult Education and Lifelong Learning: Theory and Practice, p. 318 (Routledge 2004).
  12. ^ Welch, Edwin (1974). The Peripatetic University. England: Cambridge University Press. p. 43. ISBN 9780521201520.
  13. ^ Barlow, Adrian (2012). Extramural: Literature and Lifelong Learning. The Lutterworth Press. p. 27. ISBN 978-0-7188-9279-1.
  14. ^ "The boardroom at Stuart House (BL28812) Archive Item - The Bedford Lemere Collection | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  15. ^ "Extra-Mural Studies". www.lib.cam.ac.uk. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  16. ^ "Annual Report of the Board of Continuing Education, re-constituted as the Institute of Continuing Education, 2001-02". Cambridge University Reporter. Archived from the original on 10 December 2015.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g "The Peripatetic University | British history: general interest". Cambridge University Press. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  18. ^ "Leslie Wayper October 8, 1912-March 15, 2006". The Times. 28 April 2006. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  19. ^ "Leslie Wayper". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  20. ^ "Remembering Michael Richardson". UALL. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Finished copy of annual review". Issuu. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  22. ^ Nisbet, Helen (18 December 2020). "Michael Richardson obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  23. ^ "Tribute to Michael Richardson | CR&DALL | Centre for Research & Development in Adult and Lifelong Learning (CR&DALL) at the University of Glasgow". cradall.org. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  24. ^ "Bloomsbury - Richard Taylor - Richard Taylor". www.bloomsbury.com. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  25. ^ "New Director delighted to return to Cambridge | Cambridge Network". www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  26. ^ "Professor Sir Mike Gregory CBE FREng". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  27. ^ "Dr James Gazzard - Networks of evidence and expertise for public policy". www.csap.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  28. ^ a b c Henderson, C.W. Open the Gates to the Ivy League: A Plan B for Getting into the Top Colleges, p. 87 (Penguin 2013).
  29. ^ Care, Adam (23 April 2015). "More than 380 species discovered at Cambridge University's Madingley Hall". Cambridge News. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  30. ^ "Madingley Hall | Meetings | Reviews". meetingsclub. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  31. ^ a b c "Annual Report 2019–2020" (PDF). University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  32. ^ Davison, Tim (19 May 2016). "Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  33. ^ "SEEC Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education" (PDF). SEEC. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  34. ^ Davison, Tim (19 May 2016). "Undergraduate Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  35. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  36. ^ "Lectures and Talks". Hughes Hall. Archived from the original on 15 June 2015. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  37. ^ Ireland, Paul (5 August 2016). "Qualifications and awards". Institute of Continuing Education. University of Cambridge. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  38. ^ "Advanced Diploma in Economics". Faculty of Economics. University of Cambridge. Archived from the original on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2017.
  39. ^ "Advanced Diploma in Economics | Faculty of Economics".
  40. ^ Davison, Tim (19 May 2016). "Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  41. ^ Davison, Tim (19 May 2016). "Part-time Master's Degrees". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  42. ^ "What's the difference between an MSc and an MSt? — Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment (IDBE)". www.idbe.arct.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  43. ^ Davison, Tim (19 May 2016). "Part-time Master's Degrees". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  44. ^ "Cambridge University to offer apprenticeship training". BBC News. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  45. ^ "Cambridge University launches master's degree in responsible use of AI". The Independent. 6 December 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  46. ^ "Cambridge University launches Master's degree in the responsible use of AI". Scientific Computing World. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  47. ^ "Leading Change: A bespoke leadership course designed for changemakers just like you". www.queenscommonwealthtrust.org. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  48. ^ "A new programme called Super Tuesdays is set to start at Cambridge University's Institute of Continuing Education". Cambridge Independent. 12 September 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  49. ^ "University of Cambridge International Summer Programmes | University Info | 14 Short Courses in English - ShortCoursesPortal.com". www.shortcoursesportal.com. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  50. ^ "International Pre-Master's Programme at University of Cambridge on FindAMasters.com". www.FindAMasters.com. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  51. ^ Hatley, Josh (9 July 2019). "International Pre-Master's Programme". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  52. ^ "University starts education bursary to help those hit by pandemic". ITV News. 11 June 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  53. ^ "Institute of Continuing Education introduces new bursary for postgraduates". Varsity Online. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  54. ^ a b "Student Handbook 2021–22" (PDF). The Institute of Continuing Education.
  55. ^ a b Ireland, Paul (13 October 2016). "Facilities for students on award-bearing courses". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  56. ^ Brooker, Ella (14 November 2024). "Breaking: Cambridge alumni status extended to ICE students". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  57. ^ Welch, Edwin (1973). The Peripatetic University: Cambridge Local Lectures 1873-1973. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 120. ISBN 0521201527.
  58. ^ "The Cambridge". assets.cambridge.org. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  59. ^ "Brendan mac Nemainn (d. 565/73)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. 2004. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/3320. ISBN 9780198614111. Retrieved 26 February 2021. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  60. ^ "Dr Rosemary Horrox". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  61. ^ "George Mallory | James Boswell .info". www.jamesboswell.info. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  62. ^ "Chris Smith | People | Naked Scientists". www.thenakedscientists.com. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  63. ^ "Natasha Pulley". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  64. ^ Forster, E. M. (1993). Interviews and Recollections. St. Martin's Press. p. 3. ISBN 978-0-312-07961-1.
  65. ^ "George Mallory | James Boswell .info". www.jamesboswell.info. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  66. ^ Welch, Edwin (1973). The Peripatetic University: Cambridge Local Lectures 1873-1973. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 120. ISBN 0521201527.
  67. ^ Schneider, Michael (1996). J. A. Hobson. Macmillan. p. 3. ISBN 9781349247523.
  68. ^ Schneider, Michael (1996). J. A. Hobson (PDF). La Trobe University, Melbourne. p. 135.
  69. ^ "| Cambridge Network". www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  70. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (14 September 2020). "A.F. Steadman Fantasy Novel Series 'Skandar And The Unicorn Thief' Lands 7-Figure Book & Movie Deals With Simon & Schuster And Sony Pictures". Deadline. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  71. ^ "Sarah Sultoon". RCW Literary Agency. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  72. ^ Ireland, Paul (5 August 2016). "Academic credits (CATS points)". www.ice.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
edit