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: Germany between the World Wars - Part 1

At the end of the First World War, Germany underwent dramatic change. The Kaiser abdicated, and the country emerged from a period of autocratic rule to embark on a bold and (on paper) very progressive experiment in republican democracy. At the same time, the victorious allies of the Great War imposed a punitive peace treaty on Germany at Versailles, reflecting their belief that Germany has caused the war and should pay the price. These changes, together with other factors such as the worldwide economic situation between the wars ushered in a period of social, political and financial turbulence in which Hitler and the Nazis would eventually rise to power.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018059
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to 拢22.20

History: English canals- An Introduction

As built, canals linked towns and cities with the remote corners of the English countryside. Built largely to carry coal to fuel the Industrial Revelation, they are used today for pleasure purposes. Canals offer the opportunity to improve health and wellbeing, whether walking along the towpath or travelling along in a barge. Come and join this illustrated course where you as will discover how the canal system was built and its contribution to our industrial and social history, by tracing its expansion, slow decline and renaissance. During this course you will discover that there are different types of canals, various methods used to raise and lower barges to different levels and review the role of James Brindley who was a canal pioneer. This course is suitable for learners with little or some knowledge of the subject.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Turner
Course code:
Q00016930
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢33.30

History: History of Writing

Explore the captivating journey of writing, from ancient petrographs and petroglyphs on rocks to cutting-edge electronic communication systems. This course invites both beginners and those with prior knowledge who share an interest in history and writing. Over six weeks, taught online, engage in presentations and discussions, with convenient access to materials even after each session.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00009335
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢40.80

History: Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Kings: The Origins of the Wars of the Roses

The course examines the origins of the bitter struggle for the Crown of England in the mid-fifteenth century. It also considers the impact of events in France on England, the collapse of England鈥檚 continental possessions, the end of the Hundred Years' War, and its impact on events at home. It looks at the rivalries within the nobility and whether the civil war that resulted was inevitable. It was a time characterized by dynastic instability and political chaos. The shifting of leadership and loyalties within the noble houses, as well as the numerous claims to the throne, created a sense of uncertainty and mistrust among the ruling elite which fuelled the violence and bloodshed that historians call the Wars of the Roses.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00018740
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢51.80

WEA Membership

For just 拢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鈥 annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
拢15

History: History of Writing

Discover the fascinating history of writing with our History: History of Writing course. Learn about the development of writing systems and their impact on human civilization. Ideal for history enthusiasts and students of linguistics.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00017359
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

History: The Middle East 1860 onwards

This is a 7 week lecture style course. The Middle East is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. The term may have originated in the 1850s in the British India Office. However, it became more widely known when American naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan used the term in 1902 to designate the area between Arabia and India. Themes to be discussed will include : Long term Great Power involvement; Economic factors; Internal religious differences; Internal political rivalries; and Population movements. By the end of the course, you will be able to : Understand the factors which led to the present situation: Assess the position of individual states in the area; Discuss the attitudes of neighbouring states; Understand the differing positions of the Great Powers; and Assess the ongoing problems.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Aubrey Newman
Course code:
Q00017668
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to 拢38.85

History: Queer History - An Introduction

This short course will take you through a whistlestop tour of places ranging from Victorian Britain to ancient Greece to give a snapshot of just a few of the attitudes to sex, sexuality and gender that have existed across centuries and cultures. We will see how such issues relate to power, politics and religion and how they are affected by social change. You will be able to explore the lives and ideas of queer people in past centuries through diaries, newspaper reports and court records. Throughout the course, we will explore what it means to 鈥渜ueer鈥 history 鈥 and how a queer approach to history can affect our attitudes today.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 11/11/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Symon Hill
Course code:
Q00017285
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢37.00

Carbon Literacy

To attend this partnership course, you will have to register via EVENTBRITE Carbon Literacy 鈥 November 2024 ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-literacy-november-2024-tickets-880716124637?aff=odcleoeventsincollection&keep_tld=1 as well as via WEA. You will have to make a payment via EVENTBRITE and cannot proceed with the course if you have not done both. Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of humankind鈥檚 everyday actions. This course is designed specifically for charities and social enterprises working in public leisure and culture and gives you the knowledge and tools available to take impactful climate action.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Thu 21/11/2024
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00015296
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Care 2: Try relaxation techniques for stress management

All our Care2 courses are completely free for unpaid carers (or those who have previously been carers). You do not need to receive a carer's allowance to qualify. If you are unsure, please contact our call centre advisors who will be able to assist you. Modern society is often fast - paced causing many of us to feel overwhelmed and stressed, learning to relax is an effective tool to support stress management. This course is suitable for anyone - if you want to learn how to really relax, this course is ideal for you, and you are encouraged to join. You will learn to recognise how simple relaxation techniques can help you to relieve your own symptoms of stress. You will be guided through the practice of calming breathing techniques and gentle movements that ease tension in the body. Each session will end with a guided Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation practice) that will encourage deep rest of both mind and body.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 21/11/2024 -
Thu 28/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018563
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

History: 鈥楬appy Christmas鈥 鈥 celebrating the big day through the ages

Join us to find out more about how people celebrated the 鈥榖ig day鈥 in the past. This course will explore the history of Christmas celebrations, focusing on three distinct periods: Medieval and Tudor Christmases, Victorian Christmases, and Christmas in the last 50 years. Learners will find out more about the cultural, social, and religious influences that have shaped Christmas traditions over the centuries. We will have a comprehensive look using documents, films and contemporary sources at how Christmas traditions have evolved over time, influenced by religious, cultural, social, and economic changes.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 28/11/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017452
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢22.20