Attending talks or lectures is something many people think only happens when you are at university. Listening to an educational talk given by an expert on the topic is not just for students at university, it is for everyone on their educational path. You can attend these free lectures and talks before attending university, while you’re studying and even after you have graduated. Let’s look at the benefits of doing this.
Benefits before starting university
- Introduces you to university-style lectures so you know what to expect.
- Allows you to find out about different subjects before you choose which subject to take at university.
- It’s valuable for your personal statement when you apply for university.
While at university
- Shows your professors your interest in the subject.
- Gives future employers an idea of your dedication and interest in the field.
- Helps develop independent thinking and critical thinking skills. These skills are what all future employers are looking for in their employees.
- Provides different perspectives and resources which you can use as references in your assignments and essays to support your ideas and theories.
- It’s also an opportunity to learn about completely different subjects from the one you’re studying. Public lectures can give you access to Nobel Laureates, authors, politicians and scientists alike. Notable figures who have given public lectures and talks include Barack Obama, Toni Morrison, Stephen Hawking, and Greta Thunberg.
- You can learn about the latest research and innovation. For example, Albert Einstein presented his paper on general relativity at a public lecture at the University of Manchester in 1921.
- Opportunity to attend a lecture from top-ranking universities around the world.
- Talks and lectures provide you with the chance to network with students and academics.
Types of public lectures and talks on offer
You can access a wide range of in-person, online or hybrid lectures and talks. You can access talks and lectures on a wide range of subjects:
- Architecture
- Arts
- Business
- Climate
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Humanities
- International Relations
- Law
- Politics
- Psychology
There are many more subjects offered by universities in various top destinations: US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Here are just some of them:
- Princeton University, USA
- University of Toronto, Canada
- Imperial College, London
- University of Queensland, Australia
Gresham College has been offering free public lectures for over four hundred years. The college is based in London but offers free lectures to everyone worldwide. Professors who have contributed include:
Education is a powerful tool for societies and individuals. Making lectures freely available to the public allows education to be for all. Your university education need not be limited to the course you’re studying. Free public lectures and talks can broaden your knowledge of a range of subjects. They can help open your mind to endless possibilities for your future while increasing your chances of a successful university application and future employability.
Chat with Couru
