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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Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: An introduction to environmental awareness and green skills

Join our 9-week Toxin-Free Living Course designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to create your own natural skincare products. Each week, we’ll explore essential topics, from understanding harmful ingredients to crafting DIY solutions. You’ll learn about essential oils,, and personal care items, while engaging in hands-on activities to make your own products. By the end of the course, you’ll have a personalized toxin-free living plan, equipping you to lead a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Embrace the journey to wellness and discover the joy of creating safe, effective alternatives!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/10/2025 -
Tue 02/12/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00023869
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £160.00

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Transport and Environments

Transport is needed to get people and goods from A to B, to meet basic needs but also to have social contact and enjoy leisure activities. But the way transport systems (and society more generally) are currently organised contributes significantly to damaging climate change, air pollution, and ecological and landscape decline. This affects humans but also other species. This course gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with some of the available evidence so that you can increase your confidence in handling complex information. We will consider suggestions for redesigning transport systems (and aspects of society more generally) so that environmental damage is significantly reduced, giving you the opportunity to – informed by what you have learnt on the course – engage constructively in debates about transport in your community. Topics covered will include whether electric cars are part of the solution, the potential of ’15 minute’ neighbourhoods, and how to reduce flying.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 21/10/2025 -
Tue 25/11/2025
Times:
4:45pm - 6:45pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bettina Lange
Course code:
Q00022547
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£96.00

Architecture: Architecture and Glass: Stained Glass in the English Cathedrals - Medieval to Modern

Part of the stunning experience in entering a cathedral is the impact of the colour and images in the glass. Early glass, such as that of the twelfth century in Canterbury cathedral, was in place even before stone window tracery was introduced. We will see how medieval glass developed toward the ultimate of York Minster's Great East Window in the fifteenth century. The work of designers and workshops producing glass in the nineteenth century was crucial to the replacement of glass lost to iconoclasts, and we will go on to examine how modern glass has played its part - both in the medieval cathedrals and in the new cathedrals of the modern age.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/11/2025 -
Tue 02/12/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
The Cornerstone (Wokingham)
Norreys Avenue
Wokingham
RG40 1UE
Tutor:
Keith Hasted
Course code:
Q00022286
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£80.00

History: Disease & History

Disease has been part from mankind's story almost from the start. Its impact upon individuals and societies has had consequences of which we are all too often we are unaware. Sometimes like the Black Death millions are struck down and the whole tilt o.f a society's development is shifted. At other times the death or incapacity of a key individual or group alters the chain of events. In this course we will consider a range of diseases across the span of the years that illustrate that disease has a far greater effect upon man's 'story than we routinely recognise.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/11/2025 -
Tue 02/12/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Scout & Guide HQ (Hatfield Peverel)
Church Road
Hatfield Peverel
CM3 2LB
Tutor:
Roger Cooke
Course code:
Q00022384
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00