Delve into history

Explore the events of the past, and how they’ve shaped the world we live in today. Immerse yourself in different eras, marvel at historic achievements, and examine how different things could have been.  

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All of our courses are designed to help develop your skills in historical research and analysis, encouraging you to look beyond the surface of key historical moments. From the history of King Arthur to World War I and II, you’ll develop a better understanding of key historic customs, beliefs, and ways of life.   

Whether you consider yourself a history buff with decades of experience, or someone just starting out that wants to learn more, you can choose from a wide selection of topics.   

Attend a WEA history course near you  

A variety of our history courses are taught in-person or are delivered online - it all depends on what suits your needs best. From the comfort of your own home to a space in your local community. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is vastly experienced.   

The support you’ll receive on our history courses  

They'll help you develop an understanding that goes beyond just what's on the surface, all within a friendly and encouraging environment that ensures you attend each session with the excitement to learn.   

It’s our learning experience that sets us apart too, with many of those attending our courses going on to achieve incredible things. You’ll learn at a pace that’s comfortable for you too, with a friendly supportive tutor on hand to answer any questions you might have. 

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History: China, Korea and Japan from Ming to the Qing

In this course we will explore the cultural and political identities of China, Korea and Japan as well as their relationships with a specific emphasis on the way that ideas, practices and material culture – like tea drinking and porcelain – travelled across the region. We will gain a better understanding of the political and cultural relationship between China, Korea and Japan during a crucial period in their histories.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 06/02/2024
Times:
10:45am - 12:45pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Tonbridge Methodist Church (Tonbridge)
Higham Lane
Tonbridge
TN10 4JG
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00009758
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: Georgian York and the wider world

This course looks at some key themes in Georgian history, from politics and electoral reform to trade and slavery, the role of the church and the social life and entertainments people enjoyed. We will use the local and social history of York to illustrate the impact and context of national and international events, such as the colonial wars, the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, including the arrival of the railways.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 20/03/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St Olave's Church Hall (York)
Marygate Lane
York
YO30 7BJ
Tutor:
Katherine Croft
Course code:
Q00012654
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: The War of the Roses

The thirty-year period up to 1500 is a crucial time in the history of this country with ramifications that are still felt in our own times. We consider the reigns of Edward IV, Richard III and Henry VII and consider how these things came to pass as well as discussing how the Wars have been seen through history.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 20/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00012067
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

History: Five Famous Trials from British History

On this course we will study the people, issues and outcomes in five famous trials from British history, with a view to understanding their political, social and legal significance. The trials to be studied will be those of: Edwin Dyett in 1917 Ronald Light in 1920 Harold Loughans from 1944 to 1963 Lord Montagu in 1954 And of those accused of the 1993 murder of Stephen Lawrence, from 1996 to 2012.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 07/02/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Billingshurst Community and Conference C
Roman Way
Billingshurst
RH14 9QW
Tutor:
Peter Blood
Course code:
Q00009383
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

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: Intermediate - The Golden Age of Persia

This online course is a progression from the autumn course "The Golden Age of Persia". However, new learners are warmly welcomed. How did the Persian Empire become not just a match for the Roman world, but even surpass it? The aim of this course is to conduct a study of the grandeur of that age. We will explore how Sasanian Persia dealt with the threat of the White Huns as well as the rivalry with Rome in the 5th Century. We will also examine the evolving character of Iranian society and its relationship with Armenia.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 27/03/2024
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00012855
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: British Post War History - From VE Day to the Falklands

The Britain of 1945 is out of living memory of almost everyone, but is the world that our parents, grandparents and great grandparents lived through. Britain emerged from the second world war victorious, but bankrupt. The next decades saw tremendous social changes for all. How did it feel for the people living through it? We will be looking at sources from the time, to be able to put ourselves in their shoes and consider how it felt to live in austerity Britain. We will also be looking at the economic and social changes later in the period, the increased prosperity in the 50’s and 60’s, and the response to social changes at the time. Join the class to find out more.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 20/03/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00012103
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Care 2: Visit Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Come along and explore beautiful Chatsworth House, all from the comfort of your home! You will find out about this historic building and explore its rich history. This is a course for carers, former carers and the cared for, and is great chance to learn something new and be a part of an interesting discussion.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 11/01/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00011069
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available

History: Byzantium - was it the Bulwark of Christianity?

This Intermediate course is a progression from the Beginners course of the autumn term. However, new learners are also warmly welcomed as we delve into this fascinating period of history. How did the Roman Empire survive the great challenge it faced during the late 7th and early 8th centuries and yet arise ultimately stronger? This course will examine how the Roman Empire survived the greatest onslaught of the Ulmayyad caliphate to capture Constantinople. We will then examine how the Roman state continued to adapt and evolve despite a series of internal crises within the state from the 690s.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 28/03/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00012848
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: Local Diarists 18th – 20th Century

Funny, sad, angry, informative diaries are always a revealing and thought provoking window into the lives of our ancestors. This course peeps through that window. Join the class as we discover the intricate details of the past. What was it like to live in those times and how is life different for us today? This course is for anyone who has a passion for history and the lives people led back then.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 21/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Emsworth Community Centre (Emsworth)
Church Path
Emsworth
PO10 7DP
Tutor:
Jennifer Goldsmith
Course code:
Q00010140
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: The Dawn of Western Civilisation

A study of the ancient Greek civilisation & its roots, and how it contributed to Western Civilisation as a whole.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 21/03/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00012184
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50