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. 

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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.

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Art Appreciation-'Art History and Sketching Tour: Southampton City Art gallery'.

This course will take place in Southampton City Art Gallery, which has the most extensive collection of art in the region. The collection covers six centuries of European Art in a stunning 1930’s building, part of the civic complex, and Southampton’s cultural quarter. The course will begin with a tour of art on display, featuring highlights in an interactive discussion. The Gallery is fully accessible, with lightweight portable seats; participants will be encouraged to select a few artworks to sketch – suitable for complete beginners as tuition on this will be given during the session. Be inspired by this world class collection on our doorstep and meet likeminded people in a stimulating setting

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 15/06/2024 -
Sat 15/06/2024
Times:
10:15am - 1:15pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Southampton City Art Gallery - Education
Civic Centre
Commercial Road
Southampton
SO14 7LP
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00014824
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Film & Media: Why the Western film genre endures

This one-day session offers an insightful exploration into the evolution and enduring appeal of the Western genre. Through a variety of compelling examples, participants will delve into the dynamic transformations and enduring themes that have shaped Western storytelling. From its historical roots to contemporary adaptations, the course highlights how the Western genre continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Through discussions and analyses, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the genre's evolution and its ongoing resonance in modern storytelling.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 18/06/2024 -
Tue 18/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Norwich Millennium Library (Norwich)
Millennium Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1AW
Tutor:
James Clarke
Course code:
Q00015019
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

Literature: Nature Writers

In this one-day session, we'll delve into the captivating realm of nature writing, exploring the works of various poets and prose writers who have beautifully depicted the natural world. Through a selection of diverse examples, participants will uncover the intricate tapestry of human-nature connections, from tranquil landscapes to the sublime forces of wilderness. Engaging discussions and analyses will highlight the unique perspectives and styles of writers who have sought to capture the essence of nature through their craft. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or simply curious about the power of literary expression, join us for a day of inspiration and discovery amidst the wonders of the natural world

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/06/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Norwich Millennium Library (Norwich)
Millennium Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1AW
Tutor:
James Clarke
Course code:
Q00015037
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

Art Appreciation: Egyptian Treasures of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (In-Person Gallery Tour)

This course is an in-person gallery tour exploring the ancient Egyptian collection of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. In 2 hours we will tour both famous pieces including the Scorpion Macehead and Taharqa Shrine, alongside many lesser known gems of the Egyptian collection. On arrival please come to the main museum entrance on Beaumont Street. We will meet to the left of the front door in Gallery 21 by the sculptures where there is seating. If you are late please proceed directly to the Egyptian Gallery also on the Ground Floor at the other end of Room 21.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/06/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Poing: Left Of Gallery 21 Door
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St
Oxford
Oxford
OX1 2PH
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00015234
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

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

Film & Media: Second Look Latin American Cinema

Part 2 of a brief introduction to the rich cinema of Latin America. It gives you an opportunity to explore the rich film industries of Latin America whose influence on world cinema is bigger than you may have thought despite decades of political turmoil, in some cases heavy censorship, and the influence of its Northern neighbour, Hollywood. This half-day course will focus on the international resurgence of Latin American Cinema since the 1990s, including New Mexican Cinema, the works of Latin American auteurs like active in the US and Europe like Walter Salles and Alfonso Cuarón.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 20/06/2024
Times:
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ruth Mulandi
Course code:
Q00014290
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Creative Writing: Poetry for Wellbeing

If you would like to learn how to use creative writing to support your wellbeing and are interested in developing skills to express your thoughts and feelings, then this friendly and supportive course is perfect for you. Creative writing is an effective and rewarding way to develop your self-expression and a great way to make space and time for personal reflection. It can enable you to re-connect with both your creativity and learning. It has been shown that exploring creativity with words can help us gain insight and perspective on our lives and can build confidence and stimulate problem solving. During this friendly and supportive course, you will learn some different approaches, prompts and techniques to write poetry for wellbeing.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 20/06/2024
Times:
10:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
ClayTAWC Ltd (St. Austell)
Fore Street
St. Dennis
St. Austell
PL26 8AF
Tutor:
Heather White
Course code:
Q00014577
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Art Appreciation: The Art and Artists of World War One

In this course, we will explore the visual culture in Europe during World War One. From official war art, to soldiers’ sketchbooks, from world-famous artists to anonymous draughtsmen, we will study and discuss a broad range of attitudes to war. We will study many British artists, but also German, French, Italian, and American ones. We will study great works of art, learn a lot about the history of the war from a British and Western perspective, and discuss the role of art and artists during wartime, as well as in the aftermath of a war.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00015071
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: Art of the 19th and 20th Centuries

Modern Art’ arouses strong feelings - like it or loathe it! Explore Constable and Turner, understand the Pre- Raphaelites and the Impressionists. Trace the development of ‘Modern Art’ from the beginnings with Cezanne, through the revolutions of Picasso and Mondrian, to the British artists such as Tracy Emin and Antony Gormley. Discuss whether ‘found art’ such as Duchamp’s ‘Fountain’ or Tracy Emin’s ‘My Bed’ are really art at all. Examine the importance of modern art galleries. Understand the contexts and the development which have influenced art in the twentieth century.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00015237
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: The National Gallery: History and Highlights (online)

In 2024, the National Gallery celebrates the 200th anniversary of its foundation. This is a great occasion to come back on the gallery’s fascinating history, from 1824 to 2024, and discover some of the collection’s highlights. Why was the National Gallery created, and how? What does it mean to be “the nation’s painting collection”? How do acquisitions happen? What are the visitors’ favourite paintings? How are the paintings preserve? We will answer these questions and more over this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00015344
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: Art and About: Exploring the Southbank

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! Exploring the Southbank area, this is a heritage guided walk on Thursday 20th June, meeting at 11am by the ticket barriers of Blackfriars station south side of the river Thames, and ending near Waterloo station. Come and explore the Southbank area famously known for its culture and tourism. Once one of London's most polluted neighbourhoods, we will explore how it has evolved into a tree lined riverside neighbourhood that is loved today and attracts millions of visitors.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/06/2024 -
Fri 21/06/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Blackfriars Station
Southside
Southside
London
SE1 9UD
Tutor:
Selina Rice
Course code:
Q00014741
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.50