University of the Third Age, Plymouth

U3A members have access to a variety of educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment. This prevents isolation and delivers enormous health and wellbeing benefits and we promote the benefits of membership to retiring University staff.

Through our partnership with the Plymouth U3A we provide access to lectures, tours, events and facilities, and deliver bespoke presentations to members, including talks from academic experts, and representatives from key University partners, such as the National Marine Aquarium. Our students support U3A members with the use of new technology and social media.

In turn our U3A partners add value to both the student and staff experience at Plymouth, by:

  • supporting international students with their English language skills, through the Languages CafĂ© and intercultural exchanges
  • helping both home and international students who are new to Plymouth
  • providing career mentoring for students and participating in activities designed to enhance student employability
  • receiving and critiquing student presentations
  • taking part in research projects, from dry eye research and statistical literacy, to perceptions of the legal system and investigating the effects of ageing upon motor co-ordination and antibiotic resistance.

Get involved

The Plymouth U3A governance structure includes a dedicated University liaison officer and specialist subject coordinators who unlock opportunities in subjects, such as arts and culture, health and wellbeing, science and technology, and languages. Regular communications and monthly steering group meetings ensure further development of this mutually beneficial partnership. 

Plymouth U3A meet the second Monday of every month and there is a ten minute slot for the University available at each meeting, which can be used for University staff and students to address the audience.

For general enquiries and for queries about partnership opportunities please email uniliaison@plymouthu3a.org.uk.

Find out more at the U3A in Plymouth website.

 

Computer training sessions

BSc (Hons) Computer Science student Andrew Barnes worked alongside School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics academic staff in delivering computer training sessions for U3A members.
The U3A received practical advice and guidance from managing files, folders and photographs through to being safe online.
Andrew Barnes
 

Plymouth U3A have enjoyed using our unique walking guide 'Moor to Sea Without the Car' which was created by University of Plymouth students in partnership with Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth and Devon & Cornwall Rail partnership. 

"This book is very good and provides a great basis for walking planning. Our group has done a circular walk from Bere Alston station and next we are planning to walk the Tamar Valley Trail from Bere Ferrers." - John Deacon, Plymouth U3A Group Leader

<p>Plymouth U3A using our DSRTP walking book 'Moor to Sea Without the Car'&nbsp;</p>
 

U3A public open day

University of Plymouth was privileged to host the Plymouth U3A public open day on campus from 2011 to 2014, showcasing U3A special interest groups.

There are also opportunities for the community to engage in a wide range of in-person or online University activities - see our events calendar for forthcoming events that might be of interest.


U3A members on campus

U3A behind the scenes campus tours

Plymouth U3A members enjoy the opportunity to take a look at what goes on at University of Plymouth, getting to see behind the scenes. This includes the Immersive Vision Theatre (pictured), Marine Building and The House etc.
Whilst on campus, members often enjoy presentations by academic experts and early career researchers at the forefront of new research and technology.
Immersive Vision Theatre