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. 

Skip to course

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.

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

Creative Writing: Short Story Workshop

Step into the world of storytelling with our Creative Writing Short Story Workshop! Led by experienced tutors, this dynamic space offers feedback on your previous week's work and engaging in-class exercises to fuel your creativity. Craft captivating short stories that resonate with readers, whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting. Join us for an immersive journey where your imagination knows no bounds!

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 03/05/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Len Pentin
Course code:
Q00014724
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Creative Writing: Creativity Techniques for Creative Writers

Embark on a journey of boundless creativity with our Creative Techniques for creative writers course! Whether you're a novice or seasoned wordsmith, join us for two engaging hours aimed at enhancing your ability to generate ideas for your writing projects. Perfect for Short Story Writers, Playwrights, Scriptwriters, Poets, and Songwriters, this course introduces a variety of techniques each week to spark inspiration and fuel your imagination. We'll provide you with the tools to effortlessly breathe life into your creative endeavours. Step into our friendly and relaxed atmosphere and unlock the endless possibilities of your writing potential!

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 03/05/2024 -
Fri 14/06/2024
Times:
9:45am - 11:45am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Len Pentin
Course code:
Q00014822
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Care 2: Find Out About The Weird and Wonderful World of Wilkie Collins

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for, find out about Wilkie Collins and learn about aspects of his life from the comfort of your own home. This online course is packed with discussions and exploration of Wilkie Collins and his work.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 08/05/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00011039
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Intermediate Spanish

Build up your knowledge of everyday Spanish and gain confidence communicating on your next trip. These intermediate Spanish lessons will boost your language skills so you feel comfortable communicating in everyday situations. Order food and drink, ask for directions, and understand basic instructions. After this intermediate Spanish language course, you'll feel confident expressing yourself in Spanish.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 12/06/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ruth Odurand
Course code:
Q00013877
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £44.40

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:
WEA Membership

Literature: Reading and Enjoying Great Writers

Calling all readers who have always wanted to read classic literary fiction, but don’t have time. We will probe, praise, parody, and generally know a lot more about great books. The course will remove the fear factor for participants who may have been hesitant to attack thick volumes of great literature. The sessions will enable students to decide what they like, and what writers they are less in tune with. Sessions that will be fun, intriguing, and informative. We will explore fascinating questions, such as: • What is Realism? • What is Magical Realism? • Why did Mantel win two Booker prizes? This course welcomes all those who are curious and enjoy reading.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 15/05/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Vanwy Arif
Course code:
Q00014369
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Creative Writing: Two sides to every story: braided stories

If you’ve promised yourself one day you’ll start writing, these are the classes for you! This workshop will introduce you to techniques to bring a city alive in your stories, either fictional or non fiction, long or short form writing. This workshop consists of a blend of activities: writing exercises to practice your craft; close reading of extracts from published inspirational writers and teaching points on creative writing techniques. There is an opportunity to share your fresh words in small groups and receive gentle, appreciative feedback. All classes are open to writers of all genres and level. They are stand-alone: book for one or come for all! Q00014466 - Writing the City - Wednesday 17th April Q00014467 - Writing Love - Wednesday 25th April Q00014474 - Writing Travel Stories - Wednesday 1st May 2024 10am-12pm

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 08/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Torode
Course code:
Q00014475
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Care 2 Find Out About Before Bridgerton : The World of Georgette Heyer and Her Legacy

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for. All romantic fiction owers a debt to Georgette Hayer, join me in the comfort of your own home to find out about her life, her work and her influences.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Wed 29/05/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00014598
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Art Appreciation: Local Artists Colchester Part 2

This 5-week course delves into the works of five local artists, featuring Cedric Morris, Aline Gowen, Roderic Barrett, Richard Beford, and Mildred Blakiston. Each week explores key art concepts including, colour and composition through samples of their work. You will engage in group discussions, take notes, and recall information. By the end of the course, you will be able to notice significant local artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among local artists, deconstruct essential components of artworks, and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/05/2024 -
Fri 14/06/2024
Times:
10:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00015386
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Art Appreciation: The Architecture of Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor

We will investigate the extraordinary range of architecture produced by Christopher Wren, and see how his principal assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor went on to develop his own remarkable designs for churches in London, country houses and the universities. We will set out how, following the Restoration, Wren, as a mathematician, became the pre-eminent English architect of his time. Hawksmoor and John Vanburgh developed Wren’s architectural style into what became known as the “English Baroque “- we will consider the key features of this style and show how it related to Baroque in mainland Europe. This day school will combine short lectures with discussion sessions, backed up by colour-illustrated notes.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 11/05/2024 -
Sat 11/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Keith Hasted
Course code:
Q00013788
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £36.00

Art Appreciation: The Art of the Romanovs

The Art of the Romanovs focuses on the artistic achievements of the Romanov dynasty from its founding in 1613 until its demise during the Russian Revolution in 1917. A study of the portraits of Romanovs which adorned their Summer and Winter palaces in St. Petersburg founded by Peter the Great to the impressive art collection of Catherine the Great housed in Hermitage, and the exquisite Faberge Easter eggs exchanged between Romanov family members now scattered around the world. Imperial palaces, paintings, jewellery, for 300 years the Romanovs had it all, and then the last Tsar Nicholas II lost it all.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 11/05/2024 -
Tue 11/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00014488
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40