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’re 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’s 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’ll be immersed in the study of the human mind. With options to learn about memory and identity, you’ll get the chance to explore and debate some of the most famous psychological experiments.  

There’s also Sociology too, a subject that focuses on human behaviour, interaction, and relationships. If you’d like to explore some of the biggest questions in life, then our philosophy courses are for you. Small class sizes mean that you’ll 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’ll 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 Wars - Part 2

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 14/01/2025 -
Tue 04/02/2025
Times:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019166
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

History: A History of Architecture – How to See and Interpret Buildings

In this – mostly European – survey, we will study some iconic buildings that came to define their respective periods in terms of ideas, styles, and techniques. A broad chronological progression will take us from the Gizeh Pyramid and Parthenon to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Through this course, you will develop your ability to see and understand a building’s architectural features. For each example, you will study the way it is built, its style, and the relation between the building's form and it's purpose,or function

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00017978
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Carbon Literacy

To attend this partnership course, you will have to register via EVENTBRITE Carbon Literacy – January 2025 ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-literacy-january-2025-tickets-880716716407?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’s 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 16/01/2025 -
Thu 23/01/2025
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00015297
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Care 2 : Guided Relaxation to support Mental Wellbeing

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. Leading a busy life leaves little room for calm and relaxation. This can make it hard for us to wind down and enjoy the present. But finding these moments of calm is essential for our emotional well-being and mental health. This short course will support you to improve your mental well-being through guided relaxation practice. You will develop your ability to calm the mind by learning to physically relax your body using body scanning and mindful movement. You will learn to calm the mind through breathing practices and mindfulness practice. You will learn to encourage deep rest of mind and body through guided Yoga Nidra practice and soothing visualisation.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 16/01/2025 -
Thu 30/01/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Bailey
Course code:
Q00018567
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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:
£15

History: How the Vote was Won - Campaigns for Democracy in Britain

An opportunity to explore the fascinating stories of movements and individuals who worked to achieve the right to vote in Britian. Our subjects range from Puritan soldiers in the 17th century to Welsh republicans in the 19th and women mill workers in the early 20th. We will meet Levellers, Chartists, Suffragists and Suffragettes as well as lesser-known groups. As we encounter campaigners divided over tactics, politics and ethics, we will see how the right to vote overlapped with other controversies and ask why advances and setbacks happened when they did.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 27/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Symon Hill
Course code:
Q00018050
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £59.20

History: Cliff railways in England and Wales

One of the reminders of Victorian ingenuity at the seaside, and some inland towns is the much-loved cliff railway. Discover the history of the Cliff Railways in England and Wales, with an introduction of their origins and development and the communities they served. Built in often dramatic locations with spectacular views, they offer the excitement of a precipitous journey down a steep incline. Come and join this illustrated course as we follow the story of these passenger carrying railways, from 1875 to the present day. This course is suitable for those with both little and some knowledge of the subject. To note down key points, it is suggested that you bring a notebook.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/03/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Turner
Course code:
Q00016934
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

Carbon Literacy – March 2025

To attend this partnership course, you will have to register via EVENTBRITE Carbon Literacy – March 2025 ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-literacy-march-2025-tickets-880718050397?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’s 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 06/03/2025 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00015299
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

History: Journey along The Silk Road – a 6-week history of Exploration, Trade, Culture and Exchange

This course is re-run of the Spring term course: Embark on a fascinating journey through time and space as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of the Silk Road. This 6-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. 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:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018509
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £48.00

Psychology: Perspectives on Mental Health Part 2 (online)

We will explore the meaning and our experience of mental distress from four very different viewpoints; the Biological or medical model, various psychological approaches, the societal perspective and a spiritual one. Each has something to offer, none has the whole story. This is an introductory level course, so no previous knowledge is assumed. It is suitable for those on a recovery journey, for those seeking to use their own experience to help others or for those simply curious about mental health. It follows on from part 1 but it is not essential to have completed that to do this course. Teaching is a mix of short presentations of key ideas, challenging open questions and lots of open discussion in small groups online.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 28/05/2025
Times:
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kevin Walker
Course code:
Q00019524
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£44.40

History: Advanced History: The Cross & the Crescent - The Crusades

The term will begin with an analysis of the condition of the remaining Christian Principalities of the Holy Land and the challenges they would face in the wake of the failure of the Second Crusade. In particular a continued study will be made of the growth and achievement of the Zengid dynasty, and how that would contribute to the further endangerment of Outremer. We will also look at the continued efforts of the Kingdom of Jerusalem to strengthen its own position within the region, and why those efforts would ultimately lead to further failure at the Battle of Hattin.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 28/04/2025 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016038
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80