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: Italian Trecento Painting (Giotto and Duccio)

Join us for a close look at the work of Giotto, Duccio and other painters, who worked at the vanguard of developments in Italian painting over the course of the fourteenth century, helping make possible the emergence of the 'Renaissance' style that followed later. The course will focus on the cultural centres of Florence and Siena in particular, to explore some of the ways in which the painted image was put to new uses, and found itself in new and complex dialogue with the early modern culture in which it was made and viewed. This course is for all learners: no prior knowledge or experience assumed.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 21/03/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Guppy's Enterprise Club (York)
17 Nunnery Lane
York
YO23 1AB
Tutor:
Peter Finch-Sieg
Course code:
Q00012893
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £94.50

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Plants Politics and Economics

Plants have over history had a significant cultural, economic and political impact. In this course we will look at five different plants and see how the development and use of them has influenced economic and political development. We depend on plants to provide basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and even health care, but they are also important raw materials for a broad range of industrial processes. Historically it could be argued that the development of plants has had a more significant impact on society and economic development than most wars and revolutions. The use, and some would say, exploitation of plants provides us with a window on the economic development of society over time. Everyone is invited to join this fascinating course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 01/02/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St John the Baptist Church Meeting Room
55 Main Road
Danbury
CM3 4NG
Tutor:
Andrew Beharrell
Course code:
Q00012955
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: Classical Mythology and its Symbolism

Are you fascinated by myths and mythology? Then this is the course for you! On this 10-week, online course you will read from, explore and enjoy selections from an array of the great texts that belong to the body of work and traditions of the Classical world. You will discuss the fascination that mythology continues to have over the modern mind, thinking about how and why these works and stories still resonate and have related to us for so long, as well as setting them against their own time and seeking to understand their original purpose. In doing so we will evaluate genre, style and form, as well as considering authorship and the culture through appraising the backgrounds and situations of each text and particular writers whilst also looking into modern art and culture that draws on these myths for influence; all texts will be read in English translation and it is hoped that you will take the analytic skills you gain on this course back into your community or your workplace. No experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm!

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/01/2024 -
Fri 22/03/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Tutor:
Simon Haworth
Course code:
Q00012608
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: 20th Century Conflicts

The Twentieth Century was a time of violent struggle between and within nations. Battles were fought, decisions were taken and outcomes arrived at which left legacies for later generations to address. Some of those conflicts remain unresolved today. We will examine four such legacies: the three-way struggle between China, Japan and Russia in the Far East; the origins of the Palestinian Issue; the Breakup of Yugoslavia; and the background to the current conflict in Ukraine. The emphasis will be on the strategy, politics and economics of each conflict. This is not primarily a course of military history though we will touch on the fighting where it helps to understand the issues. We will spend two sessions on each of the four topics. No prior knowledge is required. A reading list will be available and copies of the slides and speakers notes will be made available after completion of each topic.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/01/2024 -
Fri 15/03/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Bourne Hall (Epsom)
Spring Street
Ewell
Epsom
KT17 1UF
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00013202
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

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,
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Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Volcanoes - The What, Where and Why

What is a volcano and why do you only find them in certain parts of the world? We will look at many case studies of well known volcanoes. Vesuvius and Etna will feature as will the Canaries and others. Why are there ancient volcanoes in Britain and when did they become extinct? These questions will be answered during this course as well as learning how to identify different volcanic rocks and minerals, and interpreting volcanoes from their shape. The course very hands-on and uses real rocks and minerals with their case studies.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 13/01/2024 -
Sat 13/01/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Cornerstone (Wokingham)
Norreys Avenue
Wokingham
RG40 1UE
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00012185
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £36.00

History: Hever Castle - An English Home 1270-1903

Hever Castle - an English Home

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 13/01/2024 -
Sat 13/01/2024
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:
Q00009366
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Grimsby - Before the Bulldozer

Our interest in the past probably escalates the older we get. For many Grimbarians the day the Bull Ring and the Market Place were demolished, was for them, a criminal act in the town’s history. Many look back on the time before the destruction with fond memories. In this Saturday course we will explore the town before and after demolition with a look at some of the buildings and businesses lost, why it happened and the effect it had on the town landscape.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 13/01/2024 -
Sat 13/01/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Minster (Grimsby)
St James Square
Grimsby
DN31 1EP
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00009389
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.00

Care 2 Visit Paycocke House, Coggeshall

This course is for carers, former carers and the cared for, please join us to take a virtual visit to Paycocke House and find out about the people who have made it what we see today.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/01/2024 -
Mon 15/01/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Book Nook
19 West Street
Tollesbury
CM9 8RJ
Tutor:
Claire Parker
Course code:
Q00012735
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

History: Understanding The Holocaust

The Holocaust is one of the defining events of the twentieth century. So why did it happen? Was the Holocaust something which Hitler had planned or was it an improvised phenomenon made possible by a ferocious, conventional armed conflict? Join the class as we discuss in great detail the reasons as to why this harrowing event ever took place. How much did the Germans really know or understand about the fate of the Jews? Come along and join the class to find out more.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/01/2024 -
Tue 16/01/2024
Times:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00010580
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Introduction to Green Issues

Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution…the list seems endless. It can be difficult to keep up with news about the environment, nonetheless understand what is occurring. This interactive, discussion-based course is for anyone looking to understand more about the environment and sustainability. This course will cover issues such as population size, biodiversity, fossil fuels, climate change, pollution, and land use, both within the United Kingdom and abroad. Topics will be covered in the context of sustainability, to find solutions to environmental issues that can benefit society and our economy.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/01/2024 -
Mon 19/02/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Tutor:
Audrey Reid
Course code:
Q00012591
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30