People in South Wales are becoming hungry for knowledge - about everything from criminology and psychology to information technology. Last year, nearly twice as many signed up to be part-time students, according to the Community University of the Valleys - East (CUV-East), which is part of the University of Wales, Newport.

"We believe the increase is due to the fact we now offer more courses, in both new and existing venues," said project co-ordinator Jeremy Gass. "In Blaenau Gwent, for example, courses are being offered in computer repair at the RTB social club in Ebbw Vale. In Caerphilly, courses are available in Bargoed, Caerphilly, Rhymney and Risca for the first time.

He added, "CUV - East reflects our mission as a community university and its commitment to widening participation. The project is based on the principle that disadvantaged communities have an entitlement to higher-level learning opportunities."

In addition to criminology and psychology, courses include sociology, English, art history and information technology. The modules are all accredited at first-year degree level and can count towards either the Certificate of Higher Education Combined Open Studies or the Higher National Certificate in Computing.

Further details of the Autumn programme can be found by visiting the CUV-East website http://cuveast.newport.ac.uk or by ringing 01495 722973.