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.  

Skip to courses

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. 

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.

Got it!

Sort by start date

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

Got it!

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

History: The Empire and it's Legacy, both home and abroad

The British Empire played a major role in shaping the modern world and the lives of millions of people both at home and overseas. How did it come about?
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Emsworth Community Centre (Emsworth)
Church Path
Emsworth
PO10 7DP
Tutor:
Jennifer Goldsmith
Course code:
Q00016941
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: Intermediate History : Byzantium - the Great Age

How did the Roman Empire survive the great challenges it faced in the later 8th century? We will examine first of all the impact of the final years of Konstantine V And the implications of his legacy for his dynasty. We will then consider the difficulties faced by Leo IV’s failing imperial authority, before looking in greater detail at the emergence of the independent authority of his mother Eirene. Thereafter, we will consider how she was able to focus enough support and influence, ultimately, to be able to overthrow her own son, end usurp the throne for herself.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016037
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: Journey along the Silk Road

Embark on a fascinating journey through time and space as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of the Silk Road. This 10-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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 19/03/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017585
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £68.00

History: Why Do We Say That?

Join this engaging course that delves into the captivating history and evolution of idioms, expressions, and accents in (British) English. Explore both newer and older accents while uncovering the origins of everyday idioms and literary expressions. The course will also look at slang and secret languages that have evolved over time. This is course is open to beginners and those with prior knowledge of the subject. Taking place online, over the course of six weeks, with access to presentations and discussions even after each session.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 12/02/2025
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00009336
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £40.80

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!

Add to basket

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Role of political cartoons in the 20th century

Join us for this course which will review historical events, from long ago up until recent years and link them with how newspaper and magazine cartoons reflected attitudes and controversies of that time. This beginner course will primarily focus on the historical context and political impacts of their cartoons rather than the artistic techniques but through that analysis students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of political cartoons in the 20th century.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 22/01/2025
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St Lukes Church Hall (Tiptree)
66 Church Road
Tiptree
CO5 0SU
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018064
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: Brexit - A history of our relationship with the EU

This course explores history of Britain's relationship with the European Union, from its inception to the present day. The course will cover key events, policies, and political figures that have shaped this relationship, culminating in the Brexit referendum and its aftermath. We will be looking in a comprehensive way at our attitude to the EU from the earliest days, focusing on the factors which led to our eventual entry and navigate through the complex history of Britain’s relationship with the EU, focusing on key events, policies, and political dynamics leading to Brexit and beyond.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 18/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017660
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: Intermediate History

In this term, we begin by considering the challenges faced by young King Aethelred at the beginning of his reign, particularly his difficulties with the growing Viking threat. We will also look at the rise of a unified Kingdom of Denmark, and examine the motives and factors which created it. We will then analyse the successive policies by which Aethelred attempted to curb the Viking threat, ultimately only to result in his own overthrow. After that, we will then go on to analyse the emergence of King Cnut and his maritime empire, and the nature of Cnut’s rule in England.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016036
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

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

The term will focus on the consolidation of the various Principalities of Outremer in the aftermath of the first crusade. A particularly closer examination will be made of how such embattled regions managed to survive their first precarious years, despite pressure from neighbouring Muslim states. We will also pay close attention to the development and growth of the various governments in those regions, and their ongoing relationships with neighbouring states both Muslim and Christian. Finally, we will consider the circumstances of the Second Crusade and why it failed in its primary objectives, as well as the consequences of its failure.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016034
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: The History of the World in Ceramics with Terry Bloxham

The History of the World in 100 Objects? Terry Bloxham, former curator in the Ceramics & Glass Department of the Victoria & Albert Museum will teach us how it is possible to gain a knowledge of global history from our shared heritage of ceramics by considering the different clay types that have been used in their manufacture, and where these clay types occur naturally in the world, along with the different decorations which adorn the finished ceramics. She will also discuss the ways in which ceramics became shared globally.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 06/01/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018329
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: St. George - The Man and the Legend

Who was St George? Was he real, or just a character in a legend about a dragon and a princess? Was the dragon real - or perhaps symbolic of something else? If George existed, was he even English? When and where did he live? Given that he was made a saint, what is the connection between the man, the legend and the Christian Church? Is the legend just another way to look at the resolution of conflict – the light versus the dark, the triumph of good over evil? In this two-hour session, we will examine some of the evidence about the existence of the man and any basis to the legend with Medievalist Terry Bloxham.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018060
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40