Love to learn with the WEA

Our languages and culture courses span the length and breadth of England and Scotland, with the option to study online or in person at a time that suits you. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language and immerse yourself in another country, or you simply wish to indulge in your love and fascination of film, we have the course for you. 

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Our creative writing courses will nourish your inner writer, providing you with a platform to develop your love of poetry, non-fiction or script development. If literature courses are more your kind of thing, then you’re in luck too, as there are a wide range of topics to choose from.  

Literary greats and great periods in history

Our language courses offer you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely new culture, developing your skills so that you can speak confidently in countries right across the world. German, Italian and Greek are just a few examples of the language courses we have to offer, with many others taking place throughout the year.  

As you’d expect, literary greats such as Agatha Christie and Shakespeare feature regularly. There’s also the option to examine other time periods in English literature too, helping you develop your critical reading and analysis skills - perfect whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in the subject.  

If you prefer history then you’ve got a choice too, from courses on subjects you’d expect such as the first world war, or art history and studying the works of iconic painters such as Salvador Dali. 

Support and guidance

Whatever course you choose, you'll learn in a supportive environment where the class sizes are small, ensuring you get the attention you deserve, with an experienced and qualified tutor on-hand to guide you through your learning too.  

A lot of our cultural learning is delivered by our branch network: learn more here.

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Beginners Spanish

Do you want to learn Spanish? ¡Vamos! Let’s go! Study Spanish for beginners to learn the essentials to get by in Spain. These basic Spanish courses will immerse you into the vibrant cultures of Spanish-speaking countries while you daydream about your next trip. In this basic Spanish language course, you’ll learn essential grammar and vocabulary to start communicating right away. It’s ideal if you want to dip your toe into the language.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 29/04/2024 -
Mon 17/06/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ruth Odurand
Course code:
Q00013876
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Level 1 English: Creative writing (Level 1) (Portsmouth)

This course is for adult learners whose first language is not English. It is an ESOL course for learners with a good level of English, working around Level 1 or higher. On this course you will practise and build on all skills of English, including reading, listening and speaking, but the focus will be on writing. Before you can enrol on this course, you’ll do a skills check. This is for us to make sure you get on the right course for your level. Please note that you’ll need an internet connection to study this course so you can access our digital learning platform, Canvas.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 29/04/2024 -
Wed 12/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Landport Community Centre (Portsmouth)
Charles Street
Portsmouth
PO1 1JD
Tutor:
Joanna Browning-Seyfi
Course code:
Q00014061
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Art Appreciation: Explore the pioneering art of the British artist Dame Laura Knight

Join us to explore the vast spectrum of work by Laura Knight, pioneer woman artist who pushed all the boundaries she encountered. Throughout her life and career she pursued her creative path with determination and independence which resulted in a prolific output of paintings demonstrating the rapport she developed with her subjects. Laura Knight depicted coastal communities in North Yorkshire & Cornwall, the ballet & circus, gypsy community with informal observations full of insight and compassion for her subjects. additionally her War paintings and landscapes provide further exploration of her vast repertoire. the course material will comprehensively cover aspects of all these themes. This course is for learners who have a strong interest in Art with experience of previous study and a particular interest in this artist and discovering her work.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 30/04/2024 -
Tue 11/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rachel Holland-Hargreaves
Course code:
Q00014165
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Intermediate Spanish

Build up your knowledge of everyday Spanish and gain confidence communicating on your next trip. These intermediate Spanish lessons will boost your language skills so you feel comfortable communicating in everyday situations. Order food and drink, ask for directions, and understand basic instructions. After this intermediate Spanish language course, you'll feel confident expressing yourself in Spanish.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 05/06/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ruth Odurand
Course code:
Q00013877
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £44.40

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

Creative Writing: Writing Travel Stories

If you’ve promised yourself one day you’ll start writing, these are the classes for you! This workshop will introduce you to techniques to bring a city alive in your stories, either fictional or non fiction, long or short form writing. This workshop consists of a blend of activities: writing exercises to practice your craft; close reading of extracts from published inspirational writers and teaching points on creative writing techniques. There is an opportunity to share your fresh words in small groups and receive gentle, appreciative feedback. All classes are open to writers of all genres and level. They are stand-alone: book for one or come for all! Q00014466 - Writing the City - Wednesday 17th April Q00014467 - Writing Love - Wednesday 25th April Q00014475 - Two sides to every story: braided stories - Wednesday 8th May 2024 10am-12pm

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 01/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Torode
Course code:
Q00014474
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Art Appreciation: American Art c1800-1914

In this course, we will discuss a range of works produced by American artists during the period from around 1800, when the United States was still a relatively new nation, to about 1914, by when it was established as a global economic superpower. We will explore how art engaged with social developments and historical events over this period of rapid expansion. This will be an opportunity to consider the work of some artists (such as J A M Whistler, Mary Cassatt, and John Singer Sargent) familiar to European audiences, and others (such as Thomas Cole, Frederick Church, Thomas Eakins, and George Bellows) who are much lauded in America but less well-known in Britain.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 05/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Prasannajit De Silva
Course code:
Q00014842
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Creative Writing: You Can Write It - Creative Writing For All

This course is designed to explore creative writing and to encourage self expression. Students will take part in weekly writing exercises and look at writing from a critical point of view. The course aims to promote confidence in our own work and improve our writing skills. We will share our work and embrace positive criticism in order to enhance our own writing.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/05/2024 -
Wed 12/06/2024
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
St Peters and Pauls Millennium Hall (Pon
Millennium Hall
Barnsley Road, South Elmsall
Pontefract
WF9 2BJ
Tutor:
Carrie Hanson
Course code:
Q00015272
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60

Art Appreciation: The National Gallery - History and Highlights

In 2024, the National Gallery celebrates the 200th anniversary of its foundation. This is a great occasion to come back on the gallery’s fascinating history, from 1824 to 2024, and discover some of the collection’s highlights. Why was the National Gallery created, and how? What does it mean to be “the nation’s painting collection”? How do acquisitions happen? What are the visitors’ favourite paintings? How are the paintings preserve? We will answer these questions and more over this four-week course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/05/2024 -
Thu 23/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00014670
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £40.00

Creative Writing: Writing Your First Novel

This course is a follow on to the previous ‘Writing Your First Novel: Next Level’ course, but suitable for newly enrolling students with experience writing fiction. 'Writing your first Novel: Advanced' is all about the deeper craft of creative writing—those elements that will make your work really stand out when you are making your first steps into the world of writing, regardless of whether you are planning on submitting your work, or if you are just writing for fun. Giving you the opportunity to develop an effective creative writing practice, and further personal development, especially if you want to get that first novel out of your head and onto paper.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/05/2024 -
Thu 27/06/2024
Times:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Craig Rickard
Course code:
Q00009233
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £59.20

Creative Writing: Short Story Workshop

Step into the world of storytelling with our Creative Writing Short Story Workshop! Led by experienced tutors, this dynamic space offers feedback on your previous week's work and engaging in-class exercises to fuel your creativity. Craft captivating short stories that resonate with readers, whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting. Join us for an immersive journey where your imagination knows no bounds!

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 03/05/2024 -
Fri 19/07/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Len Pentin
Course code:
Q00014724
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00