u3a members can access a wide range of free online talks, workshops, and courses through their membership. Most sessions are led by fellow members, sharing their expertise, with additional talks from notable speakers and organisations.
All events are bookable via Eventbrite. Please ensure you can attend when booking and cancel if you’re unable to make it so others can participate. Events are exclusively for u3a members. Online events are hosted on Zoom and national u3a has some 'How to Guides' for using Zoom if you are unfamiliar with the platform.
You can see the full range of events here: https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/educational-events#Events. You can also subscribe to receive an email each month notifying you of what's coming up. There are regular monthly events such as Laughter Yoga with Maggie and Mindfulness and Meditation. Here is a selection of some of the others on offer in the coming weeks (click on the link to go to the booking page - note that this will open in a separate tab):
OCTOBER 2026
Mods versus rockers: a 1960s 'moral panic'?
In the early 1960s, most young people defined themselves as either ‘mods’ or ‘rockers’. This talk charts the development of this phenomenon.
Thursday, October 1 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
A history of the world according to sheep
Discover how sheep, wool and the wool trade have shaped British history, built fortunes, influenced society and even helped win wars.
Monday, October 5 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Flight Inspirations Aviation Group: October
Discover how aviation learned to train pilots, from trial and error to structured flying schools in little more than a decade.
Tuesday, October 6 • 10 AM - 12 PM
First light: the formation of the first stars, blackholes, and galaxies
Professor Stephen Wilkins takes us to space, describing the surprises of our universe being uncovered by the James Webb Space Telescope.
Tuesday, October 6 • 11 AM - 12:15 PM
Darkness on the edge of town: Bruce Springsteen and the American dream
Explore how Bruce Springsteen turned personal alienation into a musical mission to expose the gap between the American dream and reality.
Thursday, October 8 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
On the threshold of a dream: music, imagination and the late 60s-early 70s
Explore an exciting era of musical change, from the psychedelic sounds of the late 1960s to the rise and evolution of progressive rock.
Friday, October 9 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Introducing AI and AI in Scotland
Explore the world of AI: what it is, where it’s found, how u3a members use it, and Scotland’s leading role in AI.
Monday, October 12 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Your guide to feeling connected in a digital world
Build confidence online and discover simple, safe ways to stay connected, make friends and communicate with others using technology.
Tuesday, October 13 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Keeping warm and cutting energy bills: Practical advice and support
This session provides practical, easy‑to‑understand advice on managing energy costs and staying warm at home
Wednesday 21 October • 2 PM - 3 PM
Delivered to your door – the complexities of efficient parcel delivery
John of u3a Let's Talk Tech explores how supply chains, predictive algorithms, and boots-on-the-ground operations enable parcel delivery.
Wednesday, October 21 • 1 PM - 2:30 PM
David Hockney as I knew him
The world of David Hockney, a bright star of British art - a talk by Peter Webb.
Thursday, October 22 • 11 AM - 12 PM
The US constitution vs. unitary executive power
How is presidential power reshaping US democracy? Explore Project 2025, executive authority and the 2026 midterm elections.
Thursday, October 22 • 2 PM - 4 PM
Secrets of the Human Brain: Behaviour and Personality
This talk explores the way that parts of the brain influence behaviour and thinking.
Monday, October 26 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Art deco days
Discover the glamour and innovation of 1930s Scotland through its striking Art Deco architecture, design and culture.
Thursday, October 29 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
The history of pirate radio
Nick Bailey, Bingham u3a member, will be giving an illustrated talk about his time on board the original pirate ship Radio Caroline.
Friday, October 30 • 10 AM - 11 AM
NOVEMBER 2026
Preparing for an AI world
Discover what AI can do for you in this practical four-week course, from your first chatbot conversation to images, prompting and AI safety.
Monday, November 2-Monday, November 23 • 2 PM-4 PM
Cryptic crosswords for beginners: six-session course (Nov/Dec 2026)
Join Henry Howarth, u3a Subject Adviser for Cryptic Crosswords, for a six-session course on how to solve cryptic crosswords.
Tuesday, November 3-Tuesday, December 8 • 2 PM-3:30
Soulsville USA series - The History and Legacy of Stax Records
Join Lee Wellbrook to explore the rise, sound, struggles and legacy of Stax Records.
Thursday, November 5 • 10 AM - 11 AM
Melancholy as a creative force: Joni Mitchell's Blue album
Explore how Joni Mitchell’s Blue transforms melancholy into a creative force, opening a path to self-awareness and self-possession.
Friday, November 6 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Staying Safe Online - A u3a Presentation with Q&A
Keeping you safe in an electronic age: A repeat talk by Barry Linton of Thorpe Bay u3a.
Friday, November 6 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Exploring World Faiths: faith and interfaith
Explore how interfaith encounters can shape our beliefs, deepen understanding and change the way we see other faiths.
Monday, November 9 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Shaping fashion: the Elizabethan bodice, buckram and busks
Discover how 16th-century bodices were constructed, shaped and stiffened using historical materials and ingenious techniques.
Friday, November 13 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Last updated 1 October 2026