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 and Permaculture: Introduction to Environmental Science and Sustainability

By the end of the course, the participant will have an understanding of the meanings of basic environmental terms; have a rudimentary awareness of the importance and benefits of sustainable development; have a straightforward understanding of Environmental Management Systems and how they work, have sufficient knowledge to identify and understand issues with pollution and waste; be aware of Environmental Emergency Procedures and be able to individually reduce their impact on the environment as best they can.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 28/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Plymouth Central Library (Plymouth)
Central Library
167 to 171 Armada Way
Plymouth
PL1 1HZ
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00019259
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20

Philosophy: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

Western philosophy begins with the ancient Greeks in the 6th century BCE. This course considers some of the key elements in the thought of the three greatest philosophers of the ancient Greek period: Socrates; Plato; and Aristotle. It considers Socrates on questions of ethics It then considers Plato on the soul and its immortality in the Phaedo and, in particular, on the perfectly just city-state in the Republic. Finally, it considers Aristotle on among other things language and logic in the Organon and on change and cause in the Physics and on “happiness” in the Nichomachean Ethics. No prior specialist knowledge is required to attend this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Karim Esmail
Course code:
Q00018330
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£42.00

History: China 1912 to 1992 – Empire to Republic

This second of two courses on modern Chinese history concentrates on the history of China from 1912 to 1992 a time marked by profound transformations, including the fall of the imperial system, the rise of the First Republic, the Warlord Era, the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, and major upheavals of war, rebellion, revolution and geopolitical alignment. We trace the political social, cultural and economic development of China in the 20th Century. We consider the events, ideas and personalities that shaped this extraordinary national story. Throughout, we draw parallels with our own time and how we got here.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Petts Wood Memorial Hall (Petts Wood)
200 Petts Wood Road
Petts Wood
BR5 1LA
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017563
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

History: The Ottoman Empire - Fall 1876-1922

Explore the history of the Ottoman Empire with our History: The Ottoman Empire - Fall 1876-1922 course. Learn about the key events and figures that led to the decline and fall of the empire. Ideal for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the Ottoman Empire.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017662
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £74.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Literature: The story of the detective story

The detective story is one of the most popular literary genres, as well as one that has produced some classic novels. Each week we focus on a short detective story or novel, reading and discussing key passages. The selected novels are in chronological order, from the 19th century to modern times. We begin with Edgar Allen Poe and Conan Doyle, and end with Sophie Hannah. We’ll be able to share and debate interpretations, sharpen our critical and appreciative faculties, understand what detective fiction can tell us about the society and culture that produced it, and, hopefully, be inspired to read other works by the writers featured on the course. The course is funded by the Greater London Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Methodist Church Hall (Beckenham)
Bromley Road
Beckenham
BR3 5JE
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00020027
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: The reigns of King Richard & King John

The course focuses on two contrasting Kings of England; one is considered the greatest of all monarchs, and the other the worst King to sit on the throne.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 17/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020663
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: The reigns of King Richard & King John.

An introduction to the conflict that dominated the middle years of the 15th century and shaped the future of England for generations to come.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 17/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020102
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: Germany between the Wars - Part 2

At the end of the First World War, Germany underwent dramatic change. The Kaiser abdicated, and the country emerged from a period of autocratic rule to embark on a bold and (on paper) very progressive experiment in republican democracy. At the same time, the victorious allies of the Great War imposed a punitive peace treaty on Germany at Versailles, reflecting their belief that Germany has caused the war and should pay the price. These changes, together with other factors such as the worldwide economic situation between the wars ushered in a period of social, political and financial turbulence in which Hitler and the Nazis would eventually rise to power.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 04/02/2025
Times:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019166
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £22.20

History: Essex in 10 Objects

Essex museums are full of wonderful and sometimes surprising objects. This course takes a selection of objects looked after in museums all over the county and uses them as sources for learning about everyday life in Essex in the past. Covering a range of themes and times the course will also give you some ideas for places to visit in your own time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 11/03/2025
Times:
2:15pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Maldon Friends' Meeting House (Maldon)
Butt Lane
Maldon
CM9 5HD
Tutor:
Claire Parker
Course code:
Q00019281
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Film & Media: 125 Years of British Cinema and The Women Who Built The Film Industry

The course aims to introduce learners to the long history of British film, its unique institutions, and how its story crosses over with both that of Hollywood and of the European film industries closer to home. We’ll take a deep dive into each major historical period of the industry in the context of its times and wider social change, from the earliest cinematic experiments to the present day. With a wealth of clips and background material.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Royston Town Hall (Royston)
Melbourn Street
Royston
SG8 7BS
Tutor:
Christopher Budd
Course code:
Q00019483
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00