Is there a way to do degee level study without paying so much?

[LegendaryReady]

I'd like to be better educated in a more rounded way. My Alevels were all science and my degree is in finance. There's a really big gap in the arts. I know nothing about history or literature for example.

I don't "need" a degree, I'm at a time in my life where a career progression has been and gone, but I'd like to be better educated iyswim.

I looked at doing something via the Open University, but it seems an awful lot of money just for fun.

Maybe I just need a reading list? But I think I also need some help to understand stuff with insight iyswim

Most universities offer lifelong learning here in Ireland, I would imagine same is true for UK? Search for lifelong learning, extramural courses, short & evening courses in your local unis. And yes, auditing modules is usually not too expensive but I think it can be hard to find the right module (quite a lot are targeted to a specific student audience who have done x or y module already). I also like FutureLearn. Any seminar series with bigger museums are usually great too.

Birkbeck evening courses? They are not cheap e.g. 2k for 5 half days and assessment. But are they worth doing?

Just read! I have 3 degrees ( I still hate studying despite academic career). If you want history crack open the history books. documentaries, museums ect. The same for any subject really. I'm in science but I read articles in whatever area I am currently writing about.
If it's literally for your own pleasure you do not need to go to university, everything is accessible from a computer. X

Most universities offer lifelong learning here in Ireland, I would imagine same is true for UK?

They offer a range of certificates and diplomas by which you can accumulate points and ultimately achieve a degree when you've got enough points. But they're not cheap, so if OP just wants to learn without having to write essays and work towards a qualification, it may not be the route for her.

Many Open University students sell their course text books after they graduate, search Facebook groups, get a complete course set.
The OU text books are really excellent and can be followed easily even if you are not 'on the course' - they are designed for self-study.

If your circumstances allow, OP, you might also consider a summer school for next year. Many universities run them, and you stay in university accommodation with meals included. The social side can also be fun, as you're all together on campus or in college, with opportunities to meet like-minded people and make new friends.

Or if you do just want a reading list, most universities have theirs online these days. Just Google the subject + reading list.