The University of the Third Age originated in France in 1972 and has spread around the world.  It came to the UK in 1982.

It is a university in the older, original sense of people coming together for the pleasure of learning and sharing knowledge.  There are no examinations and the only qualification for joining is a desire to learn and/or teach with others who have similar interests.

Kingston University of the Third Age caters for retired or semi-retired people and it is run as a voluntary, self-help organisation.  It was formed in 1991 and has a membership of 755.  Kingston U3A is one of some 742 autonomous U3As in the UK.

Members form groups to learn or to take part in activities such as languages, history, art appreciation, classical music and jazz.   There are also discussion groups and groups playing bridge, scrabble and mah jong.  Group meetings are friendly and informal and usually take place in a member's home.  Most are held in the daytime at weekly, fortnightly or monthly intervals.

Visits to places of interest are arranged.  There are walks in London and the countryside and holidays abroad.  Look at the following web pages to learn more.