The University of Exeter, and the Exeter branch of the University of the Third Age (u3a) have recently celebrated ten years of collaboration. Since the signing of Memorandum of Understanding back in 2016, the two institutions have continued to share expertise, combining both organisation’s commitment to accessible and engaging education.
The University of the Third Age is a national movement committed to skills sharing, and fostering a community of knowledge. Boasting more than 400,000 members across the UK, the group is an opportunity for members not in full-time employment to cultivate a community of education, in which everyone has the opportunity to benefit from skills and interests in their locality.
When the Memorandum of Understanding was first formed, ‘mutually beneficial’ was the key to the collaboration’s success. In the past decade, approximately 100 researchers have spoken to Exeter u3a members in a series of talks that ranged from the interconnection between law and AI to medical imaging to the invention of money. Several researchers have formed a personal partnership with u3a colleagues, emphasising the value this relationship and new audience brings to their research. Likewise, u3a members have expressed their support for the programme, highlighting the value of a relaxed and engaging approach, that encourages education irrespective of age.
“Your breadth of lectures has not only expanded my knowledge but also rekindled my joy for learning — something I thought belonged to my younger years.” One attendee reported. “You have treated us not as ‘the older student,’ but simply as a learner, and that respect means more than words can express. Thank you for reminding me that curiosity has no age limit, and for making your own environment a place where I feel valued and inspired.”
The relationship between Exeter u3a and the University has not only provided members with access to talks from University researchers, but has encouraged both groups to closer connect through member participation in research projects. Members have had the opportunity to contribute their own expertise to projects taking place across the University, whether working with Medical School staff, or sharing 20th century history with PhD students.
The Exeter u3a University Liaison Team, Carol McCullough, Trudi Learmouth, and Dave Parsons, with administrative support from Helen Cleasby, work closely with academics to put together events that highlight the University’s varied research specialisms, and bring this knowledge to new audiences.
Congratulations to the team on a successful first decade!