Learning about the world around us

Here at the WEA we offer a huge range of humanities and science courses, with something for everyone.  

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If you’re interested in the natural world, our geography and environment courses are the perfect choice. Our packed curriculum explores some of the biggest issues facing society, such as climate change and the fight against the destruction of some of Earth’s most precious resources. The option to learn in person or online means that our geography courses can whisk you away to a far-flung corner of the globe, all without you ever having to leave your own home. 

Studying a science

If you choose to take one of our psychology courses you’ll be immersed in the study of the human mind. With options to learn about memory and identity, you’ll get the chance to explore and debate some of the most famous psychological experiments.  

There’s also Sociology too, a subject that focuses on human behaviour, interaction, and relationships. If you’d like to explore some of the biggest questions in life, then our philosophy courses are for you. Small class sizes mean that you’ll get to discuss and debate in a supportive environment, all with an experienced tutor on hand.  

Attend a Humanities and Science course near you  

Whether you choose to learn from the comfort of your own home or opted for face-to-face learning at a local community venue, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their subject. Our learning experience sets us apart from other providers, with learners regularly highlighting the difference that an encouraging environment makes. 

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Gardening Practical: Spring Time Organic Gardening Toolkit

An uplifting opportunity to work with natures seasons and reap the benefits of spending time in the great out of doors doing something meaningful and fun! These course will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience in organic food growing and regenerative farming Delivered by our experienced tutor, and hosted at the inspiring Bosavern Community Farm , this course is sure to empower and inspire Suitable for beginner and improvers, and all are welcome to join all three ‘Spring and Summer Toolkits’ courses or just choose some of them.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/05/2024 -
Thu 16/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Bosavern Community Farm (St Just)
St Just
St Just
TR19 7RD
Tutor:
Jodie Tellam
Course code:
Q00013516
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

History: Intermediate- The Viking Age

The Vikings were the terror of western Europe in the 9th Century and remain one of the most striking and enduring topics in history. We will examine how Anglo-Saxon England almost collapsed under the weight of the Viking threat; making a detailed exploration of the life and times of Anglo-Saxon England and the other realms of the British Isles as the former Mercian hegemony was lost and as they faced the onslaught of the Vikings. In particular, we will consider what may have motivated the Norsemen, how they achieved their success, and how the Saxon kingdoms responded to the crisis.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/05/2024 -
Fri 19/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00014240
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

Archaeology: Extraordinary Excavations

Find out about some of the most famous archaeological excavations from around the world in this day course, we will discuss what made these sites so important and consider some of the methods used by the archaeologists working on the site. We will also draw evidence from some excavations that may be not so famous for a variety of reasons but contribute a wealth of evidence to support our understanding of the past. In addition to that, this course will highlight some of the techniques used following the excavation, when examining the artefacts recovered. It will also ensure that you are aware of where it is possible to find further resources linked to what has been studied.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 11/05/2024 -
Sat 11/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jo Shoebridge
Course code:
Q00014732
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.50

Care 2: Visit Harewood House, Yorkshire

This course is for carers, former carers and the cared for. Come along and find out about Harewood House all from the comfort of your own home! On this course, we will take a look at Harewood House and explore its rich history.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/05/2024 -
Mon 13/05/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00014604
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

History: Berlin 1814-1914

An exploration of the history of Berlin in the 19th century from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the First World War. We will also look at how Berlin grew in importance over preceding centuries. The course will cover major changes in the layout of the city and the growth of the railways which allowed industrial expansion, and how the city was "modernised" in other ways, with many new building projects, leading it to be compared to an American city at the end of the century.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/05/2024 -
Mon 03/06/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00012921
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

History: Summer talk “On the Beat in Kings Cross “

Camden Tour Guide Chris Foster has a love of the Kings Cross area with its rich tapestry and memorable characters. He will present a unique virtual guided walk through the Dickensian back streets and alleyways south of Euston Road where he was a ‘Bobby on the Beat’ fifty years ago. This illustrated talk will entertain and inform you with a mix of fascinating historical facts and amusing personal stories and memories. He will celebrate life back in the day and compare then and now. All are welcome to join this fascinating course!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/05/2024 -
Mon 13/05/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
URC Lounge, Brookmans Park
Oaklands Avenue
Brookmans Park
AL9 7UW
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00015166
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £6.00

Gardening Practical: Care to Make a Summer Hanging Basket for the Changing Climate

Are you noticing the changes to our traditional British weather? Do the four seasons still exist in Britain? Climate change is leading to higher summer temperatures and for our gardens to survive, changes are needed, so we can all continue to enjoy the flowers and colours we are used to. Our gardens and our traditional hanging baskets are one of the things we can change without losing the beauty to suit the future climate. This one off session will look at plants for hanging baskets that may be more suitable in the changing climate; whilst still providing colour, contrast and enjoyment for the Summer season.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/05/2024 -
Tue 14/05/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Deborah Young
Course code:
Q00011616
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £5.55

History: Whatever did we used to do for fun? Popular entertainment in the 16th and 17th century

This short course will introduce students to past concepts and perceptions of fun. What did people eat and drink for pleasure, what sports and games were played when people had spare time, and how was both the playing and listening of music enjoyed in sixteenth and seventeen century England? Through examining some primary sources, such as recipe books, maybe even playing a game or two, and reading and listening to ballads, by the end of the two weeks, students will have gained insight into aspects of past concepts of fun and note both the similarities and differences to how ‘fun’ is thought of today.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/05/2024 -
Tue 21/05/2024
Times:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Peterhouse Community Centre
122 Forest Rise
Walthamstow
London
E17 3PW
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00015365
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £20.00

History: Amazons across the ages

This course looks at women warriors and military commanders in history, from the original Amazons to the present day. It’s often been an emotive subject, one way or the other, with the facts obscured by the prejudices of the writers, and what they wanted to be true. We will try to find the facts behind all this, while also examining how the concept was used in propaganda and mythology. Specific periods to examine will include the original Amazons (Scythian horse nomads), the Vikings, the medieval period, the American Civil War, and WW2. Apart from serious literature and archaeology, we will also look at what can be learnt from historical re-enactment (and how it can be misleading!), and how the whole concept has been used in fantasy and historical fiction, and in gaming.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/05/2024 -
Wed 15/05/2024
Times:
11:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Forum (Norwich)
Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1TF
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00015244
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

History: Britain In Ireland - From The Act Of Union To The Irish Free State

This six week online course will look at the history of the Ireland as it gradually established itself as an independent nation state. Beginning with the Act of Union, which brought the country into the United Kingdom for the first time, we’ll examine the history through the tragedy of the Famine and resultant growth in republicanism, the attempts to introduce Home Rule to give Ireland autonomy within the Union, and then outbreak of violence with the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War, whose repercussions are still being felt today.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/05/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00014382
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40