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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History: The First World War (Part 1)

The First World War is thought to be the most written-about war in history, and yet to many of us it can seem utterly beyond comprehension – its geographic scope, its length, the lack of clearly defined war aims, the seemingly endless offensives and the terrible casualty bill all conspire to make this seem an impenetrable and at times futile conflict. And yet real issues were at stake, which mattered to many of those who fought, on both sides.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 30/04/2024 -
Tue 21/05/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00015009
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

History: Smuggling in Essex- the Romance and Reality

How do the popular representations of smuggling in novels, songs, poems, paintings and film match up to the reality of the trade on the Essex coast in the 18th century? We will look at some of the enduring romantic depictions alongside official records and reports to consider the reality of life for people up and down the Essex coast whether engaged in smuggling or the fight against it.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 22/05/2024
Times:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Billericay Reading Rooms (Billericay)
73 High Street
Billericay
CM12 9AS
Tutor:
Claire Parker
Course code:
Q00013750
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £33.60

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 01/05/2024 -
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

History: Trent to Mersey In the wake of narrow boat ‘Cressy’

In 1939 Tom and Angela Rolt set out to explore the canals of England in the narrow boat ‘Cressy’. The account of their cruise was a book called Narrow Boat and this inspired the national movement to preserve and cherish our inland waterways. Eighty years later Alastair Clark set out on a bike to follow the part of their voyage which followed the Trent and Mersey canal.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 01/05/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Arnold Library (Nottingham)
Front Street
Arnold
Nottingham
NG5 7EE
Tutor:
Alastair Clark
Course code:
Q00014662
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

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),
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Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

History: King Arthur, the history and the myth

This course delves into the myths, legends, and historical theories surrounding Britain's beloved King Arthur, exploring his family, friends, and foes. It aims to distinguish between fact and fiction, recognizing the influence of biases in historical accounts and the speculative nature of much of the Arthurian narrative. Arthur's role as a tool for propaganda is examined, drawing on diverse sources including ancient writings, literature, fiction, and film, supplemented by a brief exploration of archaeology. Offering participants insight into the enduring appeal and manipulation of Arthurian legend throughout history.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 01/05/2024
Times:
11:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Forum (Norwich)
Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1TF
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00015243
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Care 2 Make a Nice Cup of Tea – The History of Tea and Tea Drinking

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for. Join me to find out about history of tea and tea drinking, we'll find out where we got our love of tea and the traditions that surround it. Tea has helped to shape our social traditions , support the rise of the British Empire and contributed to the mighty momentum of the industrial revolution

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 01/05/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00014599
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

A Workers’ History Event: Unlocking the past and shaping the future!

Being at this iconic venue – The National Union of Mineworkers - which is filled with union history we will be delivering a day full of interactive learning which will look at how the heritage of the union movement can shape the future. The WEA Trade Union Branch aims to deliver a range of learning opportunities which will progress onto other learning opportunities with including our bespoke follow on WEA Trade Unions Branch Lecture Series. Join us as discover what is history, learn and sing about the past, present and future of trade unionism.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/05/2024 -
Thu 02/05/2024
Location:
NUM (National Union of Mineworkers)
2 Huddersfield Road
Barnsley
Yorkshire & Humber
S70 2LS
Course code:
P00000073
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Essex Rock- Geology Beneath the Landscape

This geology-based course will centre on the dynamic processes involved in the creation of different rocks and how the planet constantly recycles these. We will discuss: the organic recycling interface of soil; human use of geology with examples in surrounding buildings, notably church walls which reveal local geology; the meaning of landscape in this dynamic scene.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/05/2024 -
Thu 16/05/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St John the Baptist Church Meeting Room
55 Main Road
Danbury
CM3 4NG
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00014237
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £28.50

Gardening Practical: Caring for Plants and Trees 2

This welcoming and friendly three day course is open to all- beginners or improvers Another wonderful opportunity to spend time in nature exploring techniques for caring for plants and trees. The course is fortunate to be hosted at the award winning Bosavern Community Farm in St Just and delivered by an experienced and professional tutor. The course will explore the significant role of trees in regenerating ecologies and will explore practical techniques in growing food ecologically.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 21/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Bosavern Community Farm (St Just)
St Just
St Just
TR19 7RD
Tutor:
Jodie Tellam
Course code:
Q00013515
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40