This seems a logical question to ask, but the position is not so simple. The records show clearly that the number of courses and activities increases in direct proportion to the number of members – ie the more members we have, the more courses we can provide. This has been the case for many years now and we are very grateful to those who take up the challenge of running a course or activity. We are always seeking people who would like to come forward and share their knowledge and interests with others. Restricting the number of members would therefore not improve the overall chance of having a wider choice.

Every member’s list of choices is worked out by a computer algorithm and everyone is treated equally (no favourites!). As a result of this process, the number of people getting their first choice varies between 95% and 97.5%. We recognise that this is little comfort to those who do not succeed in getting their first choice, but it is nevertheless a good record which has held consistently for several years.
There are some strategies which help – so for example if a course is very popular, you will need to make it your first choice. Some tutors mention this in their course description. Some other courses are restricted in number for various reasons and they are more more difficult to accommodate all those who apply. The small percentage of members who do not get a place is normally related to a small number of courses which are very popular, but have limited capacity.

You can always contact the Office if you want further information to help you make your choices.

Please refer also to the FAQs on the Courses section of the website and the details provided by course leaders relating to each course.

We have in the past held a limited number of one off or very short courses which were well received on the whole, but the number of members who attended was relatively small in proportion to the whole membership. Setting up these courses took a disproportionate amount of time for the staff in terms of the work involved, especially as there is a lot going on at that time of year in preparation for getting the programme together and sending it out to members. We therefore decided to let some of the teaching spaces to a language school for some of those weeks. This has been a successful arrangement which has provided a much needed additional income to U3AC and – also contributes to keeping the Member subscription lower than otherwise.

In comparison with other local providers of Adult Education, we think that the annual subscription does provide good VFM. Research indicates that taking up just one local course in say a language for two terms, would be as much as, or more than, our annual subscription, which provides several course options and other benefits such as the Wednesday Lectures, the Norah Boyce Lectures and the social area in the Bridge Street offices which is much valued by many members.
We review the subscription every year.