Global History of U3A

The term “third age” denotes the age of retirement, following the first age of childhood and schooling and the second age of vocational employment.

The first U3A was established in Toulouse, France, in 1972, to improve the quality of life for older people by giving them access – at moderate fees – to non-credit courses in the humanities and natural sciences at the established degree granting universities. The idea spread rapidly in France and then to other countries of continental Europe. An International Association of U3As was established in 1975.

In 1981 the idea was introduced to Britain by a group based at the University of Cambridge. As Britain had, since early in the century, provided adult education at a moderate fee through the co-operation of the Universities and the Workers’ Educational Association, the Cambridge group adopted the idea of a self-help university – a kind of intellectual democracy – in which there would be no distinction between the teachers and those taught. All members would be encouraged to participate, either by teaching, learning, or assisting with planning and administration. This self-help approach reduces the need for dependence on outside resources. No entry qualifications are required, and no awards are given.