It's never too late to start studying. Or too early. At UWB, everybody is welcome to learn

Whether you want to gain a new qualification, explore subjects such as quantum computing or archaeology, or finally fulfil a long-held dream of earning a university degree, UWB has something to offer. There are dozens of courses open to the public. Applications open in August and September.

The University of West Bohemia in Pilsen welcomes not only prospective degree students, but also people who left the classroom years ago or have yet to enter it. “Today, people often change careers several times during their lives, expand their skills, or finally learn things they never had the opportunity to study before. We also offer programmes for primary and secondary school pupils, giving them a chance to experience what studying at UWB is like,” said Jan Topinka, Head of Lifelong Learning at the UWB.

The option closest to a traditional university experience is non-degree study. Participants can enrol in individual courses from the university’s regular curriculum, attend the same lectures as degree students, and complete the same coursework and examinations. This winter semester, they can choose from around 80 subjects covering areas such as psychology, art history, languages, law, programming, and mathematics. “By the end of July, we had already received 40 applications,” Jan Topinka added.

Many of the university’s faculties also offer lifelong learning courses with a stronger practical focus. Designed by academic staff for professionals, these courses respond directly to the needs of the workplace. The Faculty of Education provides qualification programmes for current and aspiring teachers, while the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers courses in areas such as technical drawing and energy systems. Some courses also award a microcredential - an internationally recognised certificate accompanied by academic credits that can be applied towards future studies. This winter semester, microcredentials are available in courses including Physical Foundations of Quantum Computing, Methods of Documentation in Archaeology, and Heritage Management.

Children can also begin their university journey at UWB this autumn. The Faculty of Education’s Children's University and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering’s Children's Technical University introduce primary school pupils to science and university life through regular afternoon classes. For secondary school students, the UniTEEN programme offers an opportunity to experience university before submitting an application. The programme takes place during the summer semester.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) offers retirees and people with a severe disability the opportunity to attend individual courses alongside their peers or complete a two- to three-year programme culminating in a formal graduation ceremony. “In addition to new knowledge, U3A provides a space for social interaction and active leisure, which our participants value most. In recent years, we have received more than 2,500 applications annually,” said Markéta Brůžková from the University of the Third Age at the University of West Bohemia.

Applications for non-degree study and lifelong learning courses are now open. The University of the Third Age will begin accepting online registrations for its first courses on 21 August, while enrolment for the Children's Universities will open in the first half of September. Full details of all courses, application deadlines, and admission requirements are available on the University of West Bohemia's website.