It used to be said "Join the Navy and see the world" and that is probably still true for some of the energetic, young people looking for an interesting career.

But what if you are not so young, have already got your career path well organised but still have a curious mind and would like to know more about life in a different setting?

Looking at the information sent out by the University of the Third Age (U3A as it is colloquially known) you could do a lot worse than join U3A students in their quest for knowledge about almost anything.

For those of you who do not know, the U3A is open to anyone over the age of 50 who would like to learn about almost anything for fun. That does not mean those taking part do not take their learning seriously but they do also emphasise that learning should be an enjoyable experience.

There are courses for almost anything that appeals to you, from singing for pleasure to a foreign language to writing a book of short stories.

All sorts of people undertake to share their knowledge as tutors for the various courses, provided there is a call for their area of expertise.

Now, there is the chance to get involved with research on a real hands-on basis.

The London U3As already have a very good relationship with museums in the capital and that relationship is being expanded to Sussex and its museums.

The museums are very different from each other and offer a wide range of exhibits to help with research. There will also be the opportunity to gain access to university libraries and reference libraries.

Those wishing to take part will be divided into teams of ten under a museum teacher and will do two-hour stints at the museum of their choice for the six weeks of their course.

At the final session, there will be a presentation of the work to their group. The spread of the areas for study is extensive, with a different range for each museum.

Brighton offers fashion and style, world art and performance among a long list of subjects. There is also The Study Centre, which provides a central point for the South-East Film and Video Archive and the county record office.

Hove Museum offers a lot of material on films as well as the Craft Gallery, which includes the Southern and South-East Arts collection.

The Booth Museum of Natural History is home to a large collection of fossils, rocks and minerals, as well as a butterfly section recognised as being of international merit.

All these displays are well worth a visit in their own right but as a properly organised resource for these courses they are invaluable.

If the thought of doing research in any of these areas appeals to you, write to Sophie Deakin-Smith, 22 Lorne Road, Brighton BN1 4NL, who will point you in the right direction.

If you just want to know more about what is available through U3A, there is an open/enrolment day at All Saints Church Hall, Hove, on Wednesday at 2pm and another one at St George's Crypt, Kemp Town, on Monday, September 1, at 2pm.

It is hoped group leaders will be on hand to answer questions and, judging by the steady growth of members over the past few years, they will be kept pretty busy.

If you can't join the Navy and see the world, why not join U3A and spread your wings that way.

You will meet a number of people who have a lot to offer and, who knows, you may find you have something to offer as well.