University of the Third Age (u3a) is a UK-wide non-profit movement of learning cooperatives designed primarily for older people, those who are no longer in full-time employment or raising a family. The u3a movement began in the UK in 1982 and has grown rapidly. There are now over 1,000 local u3a groups across the UK, with national membership numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
The organization is made up of independent local u3a groups and are run by volunteers and membership is open to anyone not currently in full-time work (there is no fixed lower age limit).
Members gather in local groups to explore educational, creative, and leisure interests in an informal environment. Rather than formal instruction with exams or qualifications, u3a emphasizes peer-to-peer learning, where every member can both learn and teach. Activities vary widely, ranging from arts, history, languages and science, to walking, drama, crafts, and social outings.
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u3a in Kennet. (2022). u3a brand guidelines 2022. https://u3ainkennet.org.uk/docs/u3a-brand-guidelines-2022.pdf
u3a St Ives. (n.d.). About u3a. https://www.u3astives.co.uk/about-u3a/
The Third Age Trust. (n.d.). About u3a. https://www.u3a.org.uk/