About Explore

Jospeh Cowen Centre 2017 Explore full logo adult education

Patrons : John Grundy, Lee Hall and Michael Chaplin

About Explore


  • Explore is a lively, ambitious programme of talks, workshops and visits open to anyone with an appetite for learning. Our purpose is to stimulate curiosity, expand minds and enrich lives. 
  • We run over 450 classes a year, led by highly regarded senior lecturers, writers and practising artists. 
  • Our diverse programme includes art history, practical art, archaeology, astronomy, classics, politics, literature, history, mathematics, music, philosophy, science and more. 
  • Our 2016-7 curriculum has so far covered topics as diverse as banned books, the Russian Revolution, Icelandic sagas, Dante's Inferno, relativity and Alfred the Great.
  • We are open throughout the day and early evening, Monday to Saturday.

Explore Membership

Explore is open to all adults. No previous knowledge or qualifications are needed – just enthusiasm and an interest in learning new things.  Our Newcastle city centre base provides a lively environment where students can exchange views and socialise. 
Jospeh Cowen Centre 2017 group adult education
  • Lifelong learning is fundamental to our endless curiosity to know and share knowledge. The Explore programme is unique, enriching, life-giving.” Max Adams, Writer, Royal Literary Fund Consultant Fellow, Explore Tutor
  • “We must look after our minds as well as our bodies. Explore encourages me to accept new information and gently pushes my brain back into thinking mode.“ Harry Rose, Explore member
  • "Explore is the backbone of my week – it amuses, intrigues, challenges and inspires - a thoroughly sociable way to broaden my horizons.” Angela Young, Explore member
  • “I need structure, stimulation and social contact during the week. Explore provides all three in a distinctive and attractive setting.” Maria Goulding, Explore tutor and member 

Contact Explore

The best way to contact us is by email whilst our team are working remotely.
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