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: Politics and Football in the 20th Century

It is often said that sport and politics should be kept separate. From the Olympic Games to football’s World Cup, particularly in recent years, it is obvious that this statement is little more than myth. In these three sessions, we aim to explore the deep, intertwined relationship between sports and politics, looking at the role it plays in building the nation and national identity, and the ways in which it propagates the ideas of the state. By looking at a variety of historical examples, these sessions aim to provide a better understanding of sport and its role in everyday life.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Jubilee Hall Loddon (Loddon)
George Lane
Loddon
NR14 6NB
Tutor:
Nicky Turner
Course code:
Q00020843
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Health Wellbeing and the Environment

This course on health wellbeing and the environment will deliver that there is an acceptance that anyone can make changes in their life to enjoy an environmentally friendly and healthier lifestyle whilst protecting the planet. Taking constructive action is something everyone can take part in, and it does not have to hurt your finances or your way of life. Living in a more sustainable way can make your life more enjoyable, fulfilling, and environmentally suitable. It can also prepare you for climate change lifestyle transformations.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/03/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00021324
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

History: The Wars of the Roses: an introduction

An introduction to the violent conflict that dominated the middle years of the 15th century and shaped the future of England for generations to come.A period that Shakespeare described as a time of political intrigue, personal ambition, and moral corruption.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/03/2025 -
Wed 30/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020103
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: 350th Anniversary of the Royal Observatory

This Saturday Lecture traces the creation and development of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich through its long and eventful existence. We consider why the Observatory came into existence, what contributions it has made both in terms of scientific knowledge and in the history of our island nation and why it continues to hold a fascination for people. We will explore the advances in navigation, cartography and timekeeping made under the Observatory’s direction and consider some of the great personalities associated with it, John Flamsteed and John Harrison among them. Finally, we will consider the Observatory as it appears in Cultural History and reflect on its current incarnation.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017696
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Women, Queenship and Power in Medieval England

In this talk, we will explore attitudes towards women in the Middle Ages, especially to women as rulers. In the Middle Ages, just one woman – the Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I – inherited a claim to the English throne. Yet, on her father’s death, her cousin, Stephen, seized control of England, so that Matilda was never crowned as queen. For many medieval people, the idea of a woman ruling in her own right was foreign to contemporary minds. We will look at why this was and why queens consort, such as Matilda of Boulogne, King Stephen’s wife, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Henry II’s wife, represented more acceptable (if still occasionally controversial) figures of female political power.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Minster (Grimsby)
St James Square
Grimsby
DN31 1EP
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017922
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Food Sustainability - Improve health and reduce waste

This course on food sustainability, improve health and reduce waste will deliver that there is an acceptance that anyone can make changes in their life to enjoy an environmentally friendly and healthier lifestyle whilst protecting the planet. Taking constructive action is something everyone can take part in, and it does not have to hurt your finances or your way of life. Living in a more food sustainable way can make your life more enjoyable, fulfilling, and environmentally suitable. It can also prepare you for climate change lifestyle transformations.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/04/2025 -
Mon 07/04/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00021327
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Toxic free living

Join our 6 week Toxin-Free Living Course designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to create your own natural household products. Each week, we’ll explore essential topics, from understanding harmful ingredients to crafting DIY solutions. You’ll learn about essential oils, and household cleaning 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:
Wed 09/04/2025 -
Wed 28/05/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00021199
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Greener practices in the garden 

This course on greener practices in the garden will deliver that there is an acceptance that anyone can make changes in their life to enjoy an environmentally friendly and healthier lifestyle whilst protecting the planet. Taking constructive action is something everyone can take part in, and it does not have to hurt your finances or your way of life. Living in a more food sustainable way can make your life more enjoyable, fulfilling, and environmentally suitable. It can also prepare you for climate change lifestyle transformations.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 14/04/2025 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00021329
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: An introduction to Water and Plastic Pollution in the Environment

We will discuss the main sources of water pollution and the types of water pollution. We will list the major sources of water pollutants; describe the effects on water due to organic materials, plant nutrients and toxic, physical, and biological pollutants; list the main diseases caused by microorganisms that can be carried by water.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 18/04/2025 -
Fri 25/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Neetside Community Centre (Bude)
The Crescent
Bude
EX23 8LB
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00017797
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Philosophy: The History of Ideas. The Big Questions Part 2

One of the most fascinating aspects of the history of ideas is learning how ideas have a life of their own, influencing society and culture through successive generations in different ways. In this 6-week course we’ll focus on a different important and influential question each week. We cover philosophy, literature, science and history. We’ll read and discuss selected extracts which will be circulated beforehand. The course covers a sweep of over 2000 years, from the ancient Greeks to modern times.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017976
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £72.00