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: Intermediate- The Viking Age

This course follows on from 'The British Dark Ages' of the autumn term but is also very much open to learners who have not completed the previous course. The Vikings were the terror of western Europe in the 9th Century and remain one of the most striking, fascinating and enduring topics in history. We will examine how Anglo-Saxon England almost collapsed under the weight of the Viking threat; making a detailed exploration of the life and times of Anglo-Saxon England and the other realms of the British Isles as the Mercian hegemony was lost and as they faced the merciless onslaught of the Vikings.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 26/03/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00012847
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
1 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: Spain - Kingdom, Republic, Dictatorship and Back Again 1900-1982

This course traces the huge events of the 20th century in Spain including the impacts of two world wars and the return of Spain to centre stage in world history with the Spanish Civil War of the late 1930s. We also look at Spain’s experience of the Second World War and the rule of Franco stretching in to the 1970s. Finally we consider how Spain dealt with the transition to democracy up to 1982.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 19/03/2024
Times:
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00012165
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £66.60

Archaeology: The Later Medieval Archaeology of England & Wales

This course of ten sessions looking at the archaeology of England and Wales from the arrival of the Normans to the Reformation. The topics covered will include the Norman conquest and castles, manorial estates, town life and industry, church and monastery and the archaeology of trade and with such a large subject coverege, it is hoped the course will spark further learning outside the course in the learners' communities and perhaps to lead to better understanding of their communities and their place in it.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 19/03/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Tutor:
Michael Nevell
Course code:
Q00010935
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

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

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

Pre-Entry English: English Language: The Origins of the English Language

This course is an exploration of the development of the English language over time. You will consider the diversity, origins and history of English words through seven lenses: the Anglo-Saxons; the Vikings; Biblical language; the Bards of England; Naval slang; Pronunciation, dialect and accent; and World English. Along the way you will discover the surprising story of English via all sorts of rude, legal and astonishing words and you will debate the place of English in the world today. No previous knowledge or experience of studying linguistics is necessary. Everyone is welcome to join this fascinating course!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 20/02/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
URC Lounge, Brookmans Park
Oaklands Avenue
Brookmans Park
AL9 7UJ
Tutor:
Rebecca Eliahoo Charles
Course code:
Q00012869
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Gardening Practical: Spring Gardening at Parkstone

This course is for clients of Parkstone Connect Centre, and leads them on to the next steps of gardening. The course will continue learning and embedding skills involved in all aspects of gardening, so the skills learned can be applied to work within and outside the centre

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 27/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Ruth Odurand
Course code:
Q00011523
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £176.40

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:
5 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

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