U3A Origins and History

The U3A aims to encourage men and women no longer in full-time gainful employment to join together in educational creative/leisure activities. The concept of a place of learning for older and mature citizens, with more leisure time at their hands, was born in France in 1972, followed by the creation of the International Association of U3As (AIUTA). The idea spread throughout the world.

The first British Universities of the Third Age were formed in 1982, under the aegis of the THIRD AGE TRUST, which became an associate member of AIUTA. There are now more than 550 local U3A groups throughout the UK, with a growing membership currently numbering more than 150,000 men and women. Local U3A groups are autonomous self-help organizations, whose individual activities are planned and undertaken according to their members' wishes.

All administrative and study group activities in each local U3A are carried out on a completely voluntary and unpaid basis. Committee members are elected annually by local members at their AGM. Although called a University, no academic qualifications are required or given. Those who teach are also those who learn and all are members the University of the Third Age.

We are an educational organization with charitable status, where men and women from all walks of life, no longer in full-time gainful employment, generally from their mid-50s upwards, meet like-minded members to expand their knowledge, share interests or acquire new skills. Members with a lifetime of experience, expertise or know-how in professions, occupations or through hobbies are encouraged to form study or activity groups to share their knowledge with fellow members.

A mutual interest in learning leads to new friendships based on an expanded social experience. Many study groups meet in members' own homes, adding an important social dimension.