U3A Brisbane
U3A is the University of the Third Age, which is the age of active retirement, coming after the age of working life and home making. University is a loose term - there are no academic requirements for membership and no exams.
U3A is a worldwide self-help organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and wellbeing. Keeping the brain active, doing interesting things and making new friends are essential for helping older people to maximise their chances of independence, and this is what U3A does very effectively. U3A is making a very substantial contribution to society by helping its members to remain healthy and active for longer.
U3A Brisbane is one of many similar U3A organisations in Australia. Formed in 1986, we are a totally volunteer organisation, and provide leisure and educational courses to local seniors. We have over 3000 members and offer more than 200 educational courses each term, all of these at low cost. Most classes are in-person, but we also offer online classes.
Our City Campus classes are held at our own premises at 97 Creek Street Brisbane, and in leased rooms nearby at 232 Adelaide St Brisbane, just a short walk from bus, train or ferry. Other City Precinct classes are held at various locations in the CBD.
We also have classes in surrounding suburbs and districts - in Logan, Southside, Northside, Westside and Wynnum.
See the Class Search page for information on all current classes, or download our current term's Class Schedule in PDF form. Our Site Map provides links to all pages on our website.
Join Our Learning Community
To attend our classes, you must first become a member. Membership is for a calendar year and costs $45 per annum. You can then enrol in classes via the Class Search page. District (suburban) classes are generally free of charge, but our City Campus classes require an upfront fee for the term. There are 4 terms per year based on Qld school terms. For more information see our How to Join page.
Current Classes
Class Schedule for Term 2 2025 is now active and enrolments are open. Term 1 has finished and Term 2 commences on Tuesday 22 April.
To join a new class, enrol through the Class Search page by clicking on the Enrol button, or contact the tutor directly. If you book online you may assume your enrolment is accepted unless the tutor advises otherwise.
If you were enrolled in a Term 1 class that you wish to continue attending in Term 2, you can use the Member Dashboard to re-enrol.
2025 Term dates:
| Term | From | To | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tue 28-Jan | Fri 4-Apr | 10 |
| 2 | Tue 22-Apr | Fri 27-Jun | 10 |
| 3 | Mon 14-Jul | Fri 19-Sep | 10 |
| 4 | Tue 7-Oct | Fri 12-Dec | 10 |
Anzac Day: Friday 25 April
Labour Day: Monday 5 May
Upcoming Special Presentations
Keynote Presentation: Drumming for Life
Presenter: Dr Mary Broughton
Venue: Online meeting (Zoom)
Promoting communication, social connection and mind-body capabilities through active learning and participation in music.
Across the lifespan, it is crucial to keep your mind and body active, and be socially connected to maintain good health and wellbeing. An expanding body of research suggests that active participation in music activities can support you to achieve these goals. Even more exciting is that it is never too late to start. Even in a matter of weeks you’ll see changes to your brain, behaviour and social connections, as well as experiencing the joy of developing musical knowledge and skills.
In her presentation Dr Mary Broughton will outline the context of current knowledge on the impact of active learning and participation in music for individuals and groups. She will also focus on what is special about drumming and percussion — striking things with the body or sticks — music and movement activities.
About the Speaker
Dr Mary Broughton is UQ’s School of Music’s Senior Lecturer in Music Psychology, which involves the scientific study of human thought, feeling and behaviour in relation to music. Mary’s research focuses on human responses to, and interactions with, music performance. As a percussionist, Mary has performed with orchestras such as the Queensland Symphony and West Australian Symphony Orchestras, and has performed nationally and internationally as a chamber and solo musician. Mary established and currently leads the psychology of music program area at the University of Queensland’s School of Music.
Current Bookings: 53 (Maximum: 100)
Register for this Event
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation, U3A Brisbane (the inner city area is traditionally known as Meanjin) would like to acknowledge the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connection to land, sea and community. U3A extends this acknowledgement to all Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
