Study Days and Short Courses

Study Days

Study Days provide all members with the opportunity to study a topic thought to be of general interest. In the past days have been arranged on Climate Change, Gardening for Wildlife and many other interesting topics.

Further study days will be listed below when they are arranged.

Study day – Dickens


On Wednesday, 13th November there will be a study day based around Charles Dickens. It will run from 12:30 until 16:30.

Before the day, it would be helpful to be familiar with the plot and themes of Great Expectations.

Dr Geoff Doel, from Canterbury, will talk about Dickens' dark side and some of his links to Kent, followed by a question and answer session.

This will be followed by 3 structured group sessions – one on the life and times of the author, one on the characters in “Great Expectations”, one on themes throughout the book. The book contains farce, sadness and drama. It evokes an earlier age. Yet some things never change.

Unfortunately these were the only times when the Riverside Suite was available. We realise that some of you will have grandparent duties and, therefore, may have to leave before the end.

We will arrange a refreshment break midway through the afternoon.

Please register for this event by emailing studydays@tonbridgeu3a.uk

Numbers are limited to 50 places so please don't delay.

Be sure to let the organisers know, if you are unable to take up your place.


A summary of the discussions at the 'Women - their changing roles and status' study day can be viewed here

A report on the Cyber Crime study day can be viewed here

Study Days by Local u3as

When we are aware of study days that local u3as have opened to our members they are listed here

Short Courses

Many short courses are arranged by the u3a Trust, their relationship with leading organisations, built up over many years, has meant they are in a position to offer selected national events online ensuring that learning is still available to our u3as and their members. This includes events with the National Gallery, Royal Institution, Guildhall Art Gallery, and the British Library (for which there may be a charge).


They are also offering a number of workshops, webinars and interactive sessions delivered by members for members, which are free to join. We will highlight some of these on the National Event page here.  For full details of all National events click here.

Many online events are being delivered via the Zoom video conferencing/webinar platform. They have some ‘How to Guides‘ and are offering ‘Online Tutorials‘  for using Zoom that may assist you if you are not familiar with this tool.

First Aid course 


Tu3a is now able to offer the following course for up to 12 people. All participants must be able to kneel down, and be prepared to be placed into a recovery position, as this will be a practical session. The course will be held at the Riverside Suite in the Angel Centre. The session would be for 2 hours and our instructor, Mary Matson, who is prepared to give up her time for this great cause, will try to cover as much of this list as the participants’ questions will allow: Primary survey (what to do with someone who is unconscious); Recovery CPR and using an AED (defibrillator); Heart attack; Stroke; Bleeding and Shock. A date has yet to be confirmed. If you are interested contact support@tonbridgeu3a.uk If more than 12 people apply they will be placed on a reserve list. 

Register to attend other free online events organised by the Third Age Trust on the National u3a site

These events are for u3a members only.

Not a member? Find out more and join here