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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Creative Writing for Intermediate Learners

Enhance your creative writing skills with our Creative Writing for Intermediate Learners course. Learn techniques for writing fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. Ideal for writers with some experience looking to refine their craft.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Thu 27/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
James Clarke
Course code:
Q00016282
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £33.30

Film & Media: Costume on Film

The course aims to introduce learners to the idea of how the role of the cinematic costume designer can be crucial in making or breaking a whole film. Costumes can evoke bygone eras, tell us hidden truths about characters, make outlandish otherworldly futures believable, and so much more. With a wealth of clips and background material.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Christopher Budd
Course code:
Q00019121
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: Nordic Art: From the Vikings to Edvard Munch

This course will focus on a geographical area that may be intriguing for many of us: the North of Europe. Lately, in films and TV series, novels, and design, the Nordic touch has been quite popular. What about the visual arts? If you would like to know more about the history of Nordic art, this course is for you! In this course, you will learn about artists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. We will cover Viking objects, Norwegian stave churches, Danish and Swedish medieval church frescoes, Finish national romantic painting and the Skagen painters. We will also study the art and craft of the Sami people.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019202
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Art Appreciation: Colour in Art: Pigments, Symbolism and Colour Theory

In this course, we will focus on a key component of art: colour. We will seek to understand what colours are made of, how they were chosen, and how they work altogether in a composition, and what they mean for the viewers. As we study examples from Ancient Egypt to contemporary art, this fascinating subject will take us beyond traditional art history. We will sometimes invoke chemistry, economy, and psychology as we study the colours of works of art. As a result of this course, you will gain keys to understand and appreciate the colours of any work of art.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019204
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

British Literature in the 1950s

In this course we will discuss and analyse the following authors and their works. These are: Look Back in Anger - John Osborne. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie - Muriel Spark. The Vet's Daughter - Barbara Comyns. A Voice Through A Cloud - Denton Welch. A Kind of Loving - Stan Barstow. These texts are an eclectic blend of plays, novels and the autobiographical in the case of Denton Welch, an eccentric and now largely forgotten. There will be great scope for discussion and the voicing of opinions, and you will be encouraged to develop your own theories and interpretations in a supportive atmosphere.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017886
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

British Nature Writing in the Twentieth Century

During this course we will explore the course of British Nature writing from the late nineteenth century until the early years of the twenty-first century. Our writers will include W.H. Hudson, Kenneth Grahame, Richard Mabey, Mark Cocker, Roger Deakin, Robert Macfarlane, Nan Shephard, Kathleen Jamie and a host of others. We will discover how the concerns and agendas of British Nature Writing have evolved over time towards the present and the rise of the Deep Ecology Movement and its writings. There will be ample scope for discussion and close reading of the chosen texts, and opportunity to analyse what, in some instances are, controversial ideas.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017888
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Literature: Writers of the Second World War

Literature: Writers of the Second World War is designed to introduce individuals to the literature that depicts the experiences and impact of the Second World War. This course covers key authors and works from the period, exploring their themes, contexts, and significance in literary history. Participants will read and analyse selected texts, learning about the historical and cultural backgrounds that influenced these works. The course includes lectures, discussions, and reading assignments that encourage critical thinking and deeper understanding of Second World War literature. By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive knowledge of the literature of the Second World War and its significance in the broader context of literary history. This course is ideal for literature enthusiasts and history buffs looking to explore the literature of the Second World War.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017894
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Art Appreciation: British Modern Art from the Newlyn School to the Festival of Britain

In this course, we will focus on a century of artistic creation in Britain. From the artists in Cornwall to the war artists during the Second World War, we will study a varied mix of artists and art movements. We will proceed chronologically, but will keep in mind several transversal themes, especially that of the dialogue with artistic centres abroad, such as Paris and New York. Doing so, we will wonder whether modern British art followed a similar path as elsewhere or if some singular traits can be identified.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 07/04/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00017980
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

Film & Media: Channel Four Films Revisited

A friendly and accessible exploration of five cinematic works made under the banner of Channel Four Films now known as Film 4. What are the founding principles? How do they differ from ‘rival’ BBC Films. Is what we expect from a Film 4 film now different from what may’ve been expected from an earlier Channel 4 Film? We have fun whilst gaining knowledge and understanding of Channel 4 Film and cinema in general. What are the running features? Promoting knowledge, understanding and confidence regarding film and cinema in general, whilst also highlighting specialist language and terminology, advancing literacy, communication skills and confidence in delivering informed feedback.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Stephen Joseph Theatre (Scarborough)
Westborough
Scarborough
YO11 1JW
Tutor:
George Cromack
Course code:
Q00020268
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Film and Media: 5 Wonders from Alfred Hitchcock

A friendly and accessible exploration of five cinematic works from Alfred Hitchcock – this time taking time to (re)visit an often overlooked but equally compelling selection from the ‘master of suspense’ - promoting knowledge, understanding and appreciation and confidence regarding film and cinema, also literacy skills, critical thinking and well-being in general. We examine, have fun and discuss a selection of his works, considering running themes and techniques whilst also highlighting specialist language and terminology, advancing literacy, communication skills and confidence in delivering informed feedback.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
George Cromack
Course code:
Q00020079
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00