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鈥檙e 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鈥檚 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鈥檒l be immersed in the study of the human mind. With options to learn about memory and identity, you鈥檒l get the chance to explore and debate some of the most famous psychological experiments.  

There鈥檚 also Sociology too, a subject that focuses on human behaviour, interaction, and relationships. If you鈥檇 like to explore some of the biggest questions in life, then our philosophy courses are for you. Small class sizes mean that you鈥檒l 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鈥檒l 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: Cookery through the ages

Discover the changes in our food with time: how it was cooked, how it was eaten, where it came from, and how it affected our society and language, from the early Stone Age to this century, with an emphasis on British history. Find out which of our table manners date back to the Middle Ages, and how some of the most up-to-date and expensive restaurants are re-inventing Stone Age techniques; what advice from the fourteenth century still holds good today, and which most certainly does not. Each session will include some adapted recipes that you may (or may not) wish to try for yourself.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 25/02/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00019282
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢59.20

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 台湾swag involved in all aspects of gardening, so the 台湾swag learned can be applied to work within and outside the centre

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00011523
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢176.40

History: Role of political cartoons in the 20th century

Join us for this course which will review historical events, from long ago up until recent years and link them with how newspaper and magazine cartoons reflected attitudes and controversies of that time. This beginner course will primarily focus on the historical context and political impacts of their cartoons rather than the artistic techniques but through that analysis students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of political cartoons in the 20th century.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 22/01/2025
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St Lukes Church Hall (Tiptree)
66 Church Road
Tiptree
CO5 0SU
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018064
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢25.20

History, Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor

Explore the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte with our History: Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor course. Learn about his rise to power, military campaigns, and impact on European history. Ideal for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about one of history's most influential figures.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 19/03/2025
Times:
11:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Barking Enterprise Centre CIC (Barking)
50 Cambridge Road
Barking
IG11 8FG
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00017375
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢100.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
拢15

Journey along the Silk Road

Embark on a fascinating journey through time and space as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of the Silk Road. This 10-week course offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most significant trade routes in history, tracing its origins, evolution, and enduring legacy. From the bustling marketplaces of ancient cities to the cross-cultural exchanges that shaped empires, we will delve into the rich tapestry of cultures, economies, and ideas that flourished along this ancient network of trade routes. 路 This course will offer a rich interdisciplinary exploration of the Silk Road, drawing on historical texts, archaeological evidence, visual media, and discussion to deepen understanding of its pivotal influence in world history.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 20/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017571
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢100.00

History: The Empire and it's Legacy, both home and abroad

The British Empire played a major role in shaping the modern world and the lives of millions of people both at home and overseas. How did it come about?

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Emsworth Community Centre (Emsworth)
Church Path
Emsworth
PO10 7DP
Tutor:
Jennifer Goldsmith
Course code:
Q00016941
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢74.00

History: Fascism and the Troubled 1930s

The course will examine the origins of Fascism and National Socialism against the backdrop of post war turmoil in Italy and Germany. We will see how the emergence of Stalin as supreme leader in the USSR led to a radicalisation of the economy and political terror. We will consider the effects of the economic crisis in the democratic countries, USA, Britain and France. Finally, we will consider how the radicalisation of economies and politics impacted on international relations culminating in the outbreak of a second European war in 1939. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 13/02/2025
Times:
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00019800
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢22.20

Nature, Ecology and Permaculture: Introduction to Environmental Science and Sustainability

By the end of the course, the participant will have an understanding of the meanings of basic environmental terms; have a rudimentary awareness of the importance and benefits of sustainable development; have a straightforward understanding of Environmental Management Systems and how they work, have sufficient knowledge to identify and understand issues with pollution and waste; be aware of Environmental Emergency Procedures and be able to individually reduce their impact on the environment as best they can.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 28/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Plymouth Central Library (Plymouth)
Central Library
167 to 171 Armada Way
Plymouth
PL1 1HZ
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00019259
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢88.20

Philosophy: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

Western philosophy begins with the ancient Greeks in the 6th century BCE. This course considers some of the key elements in the thought of the three greatest philosophers of the ancient Greek period: Socrates; Plato; and Aristotle. It considers Socrates on questions of ethics It then considers Plato on the soul and its immortality in the Phaedo and, in particular, on the perfectly just city-state in the Republic. Finally, it considers Aristotle on among other things language and logic in the Organon and on change and cause in the Physics and on 鈥渉appiness鈥 in the Nichomachean Ethics. No prior specialist knowledge is required to attend this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Karim Esmail
Course code:
Q00018330
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
拢42.00

History: China 1912 to 1992 鈥 Empire to Republic

This second of two courses on modern Chinese history concentrates on the history of China from 1912 to 1992 a time marked by profound transformations, including the fall of the imperial system, the rise of the First Republic, the Warlord Era, the establishment of the People鈥檚 Republic of China, and major upheavals of war, rebellion, revolution and geopolitical alignment. We trace the political social, cultural and economic development of China in the 20th Century. We consider the events, ideas and personalities that shaped this extraordinary national story. Throughout, we draw parallels with our own time and how we got here.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Petts Wood Memorial Hall (Petts Wood)
200 Petts Wood Road
Petts Wood
BR5 1LA
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017563
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢100.00