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Brno University of Technology (BUT) is once again opening its doors to all those who wish to actively develop their knowledge and interests even in retirement. The University of the Third Age (U3A), operating within the Institute of Lifelong Learning at BUT, offers dozens of courses for seniors who want to learn something new, better understand the modern world, and stay in touch with new technologies and younger generations.Age doesn't matter. Education at BUT broadens horizons even for seniors. | Author: U3A ArchiveEven at a mature age, it's possible to explore, learn, and grow. The U3A courses at BUT are designed to introduce seniors to new knowledge, technologies, and cultural topics. Teaching takes place in a pleasant and supportive environment and is led by experienced lecturers, including associate professors and professors. Emphasis is placed on clear explanations, the use of audiovisual aids, and a personal approach to each participant. “Top professors from the university’s teaching staff lecture in these courses, and I can confirm that participants are always enthusiastic, as they gain a broad overview and understand many aspects of the world around them,” adds Lenka Shromáždilová, Head of U3A at BUT.
Education contributes to improving the quality of life for seniors, supports mental activity, strengthens intergenerational dialogue, and helps keep up with the times. Unlike bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, this type of study is not focused on obtaining degrees or professional advancement, but rather on the joy of learning, actively spending free time, and enhancing mental well-being. “This can also be seen in the broader context of searching for and finding meaning in every life situation and stage, and across generations it becomes clear that life satisfaction is closely linked to a sense of purpose. U3A can serve as an active affirmation of the future—a new, positive, and healthy source in everyday life, within a community of others and in touch with the present, which is reflected in the growing interest,” explains psychologist Vlaďka Šmídková.U3A courses at BUT bring new knowledge to seniors, introduce them to technologies and cultural topics, and create space for sharing experiences and building friendships. | Author: U3A ArchiveA wide range of courses – from technology to the arts
The popularity of universities of the third age continues to grow across the country. The U3A at BUT offers a wide range of educational courses for seniors, with long-standing high interest. Most applicants enroll in courses focused on history and the arts. “The majority of our participants are women, which reflects the high demand for courses such as Czech and European Architecture, Czech and Moravian Noble Families, Famous Collections and Works of Art, and Renaissance Art. Participants also requested a continuation of the course Ancient Mythology and its Manifestations in Visual Arts. There is enormous interest in the Brno Underground courses with Ing. Aleš Svoboda, which are the first to be fully booked,” says Lenka Shromáždilová.
Every year, a popular series titled Significant Personalities is also launched. As a technically oriented university, BUT also offers several courses focused on engineering and modern technologies. Among them, the course Technology in a Nutshell stands out, providing participants with an overview of disciplines across all BUT faculties. Other popular courses include the History and Future of Science and Technology, Home Electronics, and Artificial Intelligence and Fake News, which help seniors better understand the world around them.The U3A BUT Photo Club is a long-standing favorite. Its members exhibit their photographs every year at the Brno Town Hall on Dominikánské Square. | Author: U3A Photo ClubCommunication, photography, chemistry, and sport
In addition to traditional lecture series, participants can choose from courses focused on personal development—Current Events in the World Around Us, Finding Peace in a Turbulent World 1 and its follow-up course Applying Useful Principles in Everyday Life 2, or The 12 Causes of Differences in Opinions and Views. The course Chemistry in Everyday Life is also very popular.
Photography also plays an important role in U3A. “The U3A BUT Photo Club is one of our highlights—it successfully participates in competitions, and its members exhibit their photographs every year at the Brno Town Hall on Dominikánské náměstí. The exhibition is always formally opened by the Mayor of Brno along with university representatives,” describes Lenka Shromáždilová.
In addition to developing knowledge and creative interests, seniors can also engage in physical activity—through the U3A program “Seniors in Shape,” offered by the BUT Center for Sports Activities. This is a two-year course that is very popular, and after completing it, participants can continue on to the Senior Academy.The aim of the U3A Seniors in Shape program is to positively influence the ageing process both mentally and physically, to promote a healthy lifestyle among older adults, and to support active living in later life. | Author: CESA ArchiveWhen and how to register?
Currently, prospective students can choose from several dozen courses—but be quick, they fill up fast. For U3A courses that still have availability, you can register online through the website https://www.cvp.vut.cz/aktualni-nabidka-kurzu-u3v until the end of the summer. Registration for the U3A sport program “Seniors in Shape” will reopen next year.
All U3V courses are open to people of retirement age, as well as disability pensioners or early retirees interested in continuing their education. The only requirement is a minimum of secondary school education.
A place where learning is a joy
Courses take place in the building on Kounicova Street 67a or directly at the BUT faculties. Participants meet regularly, share experiences and insights, and often leave not only with new knowledge but also new friendships.
The University of the Third Age at BUT is proof that the desire to learn knows no age limits. It offers a meaningful way to spend free time, along with inspiration and motivation for lifelong development—all within the environment of one of the leading technical universities in the Czech Republic.
And because BUT thinks of all generations, registration is also open for the popular children’s academy BUT Junior I. This leisure-time project introduces pupils from upper primary schools and lower grades of multi-year grammar schools to the world of technology, science, and university life—in a fun and interactive way.