Delve into history

Explore the events of the past, and how they’ve shaped the world we live in today. Immerse yourself in different eras, marvel at historic achievements, and examine how different things could have been.  

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All of our courses are designed to help develop your skills in historical research and analysis, encouraging you to look beyond the surface of key historical moments. From the history of King Arthur to World War I and II, you’ll develop a better understanding of key historic customs, beliefs, and ways of life.   

Whether you consider yourself a history buff with decades of experience, or someone just starting out that wants to learn more, you can choose from a wide selection of topics.   

Attend a WEA history course near you  

A variety of our history courses are taught in-person or are delivered online - it all depends on what suits your needs best. From the comfort of your own home to a space in your local community. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is vastly experienced.   

The support you’ll receive on our history courses  

They'll help you develop an understanding that goes beyond just what's on the surface, all within a friendly and encouraging environment that ensures you attend each session with the excitement to learn.   

It’s our learning experience that sets us apart too, with many of those attending our courses going on to achieve incredible things. You’ll learn at a pace that’s comfortable for you too, with a friendly supportive tutor on hand to answer any questions you might have. 

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History: An Introduction to Social and Behavioural Psychology.

Theories of social psychology are used to explain how humans, largely considered to be social beings, are affected by social interactions, social deprivation, or changes to their usual societal roles and norms. What happens when our beliefs and values are challenged? What is the impact on our behaviour when we are given power over others, or we are rendered seemingly powerless in a specific situation? Social psychology originated in the late nineteenth century (Goethals, 2007), with ground-breaking experimentation taking place throughout the twentieth century, aimed at informing our understanding of human behaviour. We will explore the work of ten psychologists and their most notable social experiments. This course assumes no prior knowledge.
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Course Information

Dates:
Sat 20/07/2024 -
Sat 20/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Norwich Millennium Library (Norwich)
Millennium Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1AW
Tutor:
Kerry Heathcote
Course code:
Q00015252
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

History: Great British Tea Party

This 3-hour workshop is an amazing session that will teach about the history around the’ Great British Tea party’. The "Great British Tea Party" course is a fun, interactive way to learn about British culture and meet new people. You will leave with a better understanding of why tea parties are special and how to enjoy them properly. This course will help learners take part in formal learning through a fun filled workshop which can be a stepping stone to work. Learners often need several steps including learning before they are ready to embark on a more formal employment journey. Learners can also volunteer with the WEA or other organisations and can access other learning opportunities with the WEA or other institutions.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 22/07/2024 -
Mon 22/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Somerstown Central Community Hub (Souths
Rivers Street
Somerstown
Southsea
PO5 4EY
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00018278
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

History: King Arthur, the history and the myth

This course delves into the myths, legends, and historical theories surrounding Britain's beloved King Arthur, exploring his family, friends, and foes. It aims to distinguish between fact and fiction, recognizing the influence of biases in historical accounts and the speculative nature of much of the Arthurian narrative. Arthur's role as a tool for propaganda is examined, drawing on diverse sources including ancient writings, literature, fiction, and film, supplemented by a brief exploration of archaeology. Offering participants insight into the enduring appeal and manipulation of Arthurian legend throughout history.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 23/07/2024 -
Tue 23/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00017511
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.00

Archaeology: World Archaeology: Extraordinary Excavations

On discovering Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, Howard Carter described seeing 'Wonderful things' within this site in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. A century ago, these excavations were ‘hot off the press’ news. During this session we will consider the excavations by Carter, and also other intriguing excavations from different parts of the world that have enhanced our understanding of the past. Find out about some of the most famous archaeological excavations from around the world in this day course, we will discuss what made these sites so important and consider some of the methods used by the archaeologists working on the site.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 24/07/2024 -
Wed 24/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jo Shoebridge
Course code:
Q00017953
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.50

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.

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: History of English

This course is for anyone with an interest in history and the English Language. It will introduce you to four historical varieties of English and trace the development of English from a cluster of Germanic dialects to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The course is open to beginners or people who may have studied the history of English before. It will take place online, over the course of six weeks and presentations and discussions will be readily available after each session.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 09/10/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00009333
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £40.80

History: Oh No, not another election!' - A history of struggle for votes for all

Many of us are unenthusiastic in the run up and aftermath of a General Election and a sizeable minority of us do not vote at all. But at the beginning of the 19th century only a tiny majority of men had the right to vote. Our liberties as they stand were not handed down benevolently by the government, but were hard won by individuals and groups of people like the Chartists, Individual and group protesters, Trade Unionists and Suffragists/Suffragettes. What was the impact of these protests and the reaction of the authorities? Join us to find out more
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017450
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: The history of Britain through the lives of 10 women

This 10-week course offers a unique exploration of British history by examining the lives and contributions of ten remarkable women who left indelible marks on society, culture, and politics. From ancient warriors to pioneering scientists and influential writers, each woman represents a distinct era in British history, shedding light on the struggles, achievements, and societal changes of their times. Throughout the course, we will delve into the lives of these extraordinary women, analysing their impact on British society and their enduring legacies. By studying their stories, learners will gain a deeper understanding of key historical events, social movements, and cultural shifts that have shaped the fabric of Britain.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017451
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: American War of Independence

Knavery seems to be so much the striking feature of its inhabitants that it may not in the end be an evil that they will become aliens to this kingdom,’ declared King George III of Britain. Britain’s ministers - particularly George III - have often been blamed for the loss of the thirteen American colonies. But how fair is this or was France primarily responsible for American independence? Covering the main causes and most important clashes of the conflict, the course reviews how the war developed, its controversies and the immediate consequences for America, Britain and France
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Nottingham Mechanics (Nottingham)
3 North Sherwood Street
Nottingham
NG1 4EZ
Tutor:
Mark Barnard
Course code:
Q00016045
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

History: The Big Questions (Part 1)

One of the most fascinating aspects of the history of ideas is learning how ideas have a life of their own, influencing society and culture through successive generations in different ways. In this 6-week course we’ll focus on a different important and influential question each week. We cover philosophy, literature, science and history. We’ll read and discuss selected extracts which will be circulated beforehand. The course covers a sweep of over 2000 years, from the ancient Greeks to modern times
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 15/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017266
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £72.00

History: Britain in World War 2 & Post War Britain

To provide an overview of the social impact of World War 2 in relation to the Battle of Britain and the Blitz The course will also highlight the new global balance of power after the War in relation to the upsurge of America and the USSR as being the new power brokers in the Post-War world as evidenced by the new ‘Iron Curtain’ The second half of the course will feature the post war Labour government establishing a Welfare State and focussing on post war reconstruction as well as the early years of the reign of Elizabeth II in the 1950s
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paul Levy
Course code:
Q00017643
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80