WEA courses

Edvard Munch’s The Scream is one of the most iconic images in modern art—but it represents only a fraction of the Norwegian artist’s powerful and provocative work. This session explores Munch’s life and career, from his early struggles and personal tragedies to his innovative approaches to painting and printmaking. We’ll look closely at his portraits and self-portraits, symbolist landscapes, and haunting graphic works. As we do so, we’ll trace how he gave visual form to themes of love, anxiety, illness, and death. Join us to discover the depth and complexity of an artist who helped shape the modern imagination—far beyond The Scream.

This micro course is designed for those who want to explore how to turn their creativity into a business. The course will outline the very basics of what you need to know in order to set up, and start running, a successful arts and crafts business whether creating and selling unique artwork, unique home décor, or jewellery. The course covers how to identify and define your niche within the arts and crafts sector; the basics of pricing products to ensure profitability; key steps to setting up an online shop or selling at local markets; simple marketing techniques to attract customers, including using social media. This course is perfect for beginners and requires no prior business knowledge. By the end of the session, you will have a clear understanding of the first steps needed to launch their arts and crafts venture and make your creative passions profitable.

Spend an enjoyable afternoon in these award winning formal and peaceful gardens and capture in your sketchbooks scenes of unusual plants and plenty of vibrant summery colour. Whether you’re drawn to the classic architecture of early Victorian terraced houses peeking through the foliage or want to focus on close-ups of flowering trees and vibrant flowerbeds, there's something to stimulate every budding artist and sketcher. Be inspired by gardens and the peaceful environment, birds in the trees, and away from the bustle of the city. No matter your experience level, come along for a joyful, relaxed afternoon of art in nature.

This micro course is designed for learners who want to improve their ability to critically evaluate information in today’s digital world. With the rise of social media and online news, it’s more important than ever to be able to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. The course will cover the basics of media literacy, including how to identify reliable information and recognize biased or misleading content. On completion of this course learners will be awarded the digital badge: Fact Checking in the Digital Age. This badge celebrates those who apply critical thinking and digital literacy skills to navigate the vast landscape of online information, separating facts from falsehoods. Recipients of this badge are committed to maintaining the integrity of digital spaces by promoting accuracy, reliability, and responsible information sharing practices.

Develop a Portrait in Chalk Pastels will enable you to gain skills in drawing a head and shoulders in proportion, looking at line, tone and perspective. Instruction will be given in the application of chalk pastels, and you will gain a comprehensive understanding of colour mixing in this medium. Finish this workshop with a portrait of your own choice of subject, with a convincing likeness, in your own style. Suitable for beginners and improvers.

If you’re interested in learning more about mental health issues, this level 1 course can teach you the foundational concepts. You’ll get a view into the nature of mental health work and the issues that face people struggling with it. Level 1 health and social care courses about mental health can teach you the basic principles of mental health care. If you enjoy this course you can continue your learning in this area. Mental health awareness training can help you understand if this area of work interests you.

In this hands on practical course , learners will be introduced to the key themes of permaculture design ; develop an understanding of ethics and principles of permaculture design ; observe natural systems and take action to enhance them and understand the importance of ecological systems in food production, including soil and plant life.

This micro course is designed for community learners who want to improve their job application success by learning how to tailor their CVs for different roles. In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to each job you apply for, and this course will provide the practical skills to do just that. Throughout the session, learners will explore the key components of a CV, including personal statements, work experience, skills, and qualifications. The course will teach learners how to adapt each section of their CV to match the job description, ensuring they present themselves as the ideal candidate. Learners will also learn about using keywords from job adverts to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and how to format their CVs to make a lasting impression. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to customise their CVs confidently for each job application, improving their chances of securing interviews. This course is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their job application strategy and stand out to potential employers.

This micro course is aimed at individuals who are working to actively strengthen bonds within diverse communities, promoting inclusivity, mutual respect, and collaboration. On completion of the course learners will be awarded the digital badge: Community Unity Builder. This badge celebrates those who create environments where different groups can come together, share ideas, and work toward common goals. Recipients of this badge are committed to fostering understanding and cooperation, and they take practical steps to bridge divides within their community.

Promised yourself writing time this summer? Get it in early with this stimulating writing retreat! Over 5 consecutive days, you’ll set an achievable goal, immerse yourself in 45 minutes of writing and get feedback from the tutor and peers when you share. Imagine the amount of work and momentum you’ll build over 5 days.