Our u3a

The u3a (formerly known as the University of the Third Age) is a national movement aimed at people who are no longer in full-time employment and who believe in lifelong learning. The UK has over 450,000 members, with several million worldwide.

Our Petersfield u3a started in 1995.

We don't have paid tutors. Our focus is on peer-led learning. Our members volunteer their life skills and acquired knowledge to facilitate 'interest groups'. A member may be a learner in one interest group and a leader in another.

Members take part in as many interest groups as they wish. We cover over 60 subjects (see Our Groups), adding new ones yearly. Groups mostly have between 5 and 12 members, but there is no rule, and they meet in public venues like the Community Centre and the Physic Garden Room as well as in members' homes.

We also hold four monthly meetings, typically featuring outside speakers, which are open to all members. These cover Arts and Heritage, General Interest, Health Matters, and Science and Technology. There is also a Welcome meeting, held every two months, which is informal and includes tea and coffee. See What`s On for the latest programme.

Like many u3as, we are a registered charity (No. 1060354). Members are elected annually to a management committee, which acts as our Trustees. Meet the current team: Management Committee 2025/26

All members are expected to actively contribute to ensuring that our u3a continues to meet its objectives.