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: Advanced History : Before 1066

We will begin by considering the later reign of King Cnut and the problems of the succession which then followed. We will elaborate on the more specific reasons as to why eventually Edward of Wessex was able to stake his claim once more upon his father’s throne. We will go on to consider the challenges posed against Edward and the re-establishment of his dynasty, as well as factors which would finally guarantee an independent Anglo-Saxon monarchy. We will also look at the rivalry with the Godwin family against whom King Edward Would find himself opposed later in his reign
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Dates:
Tue 29/04/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016039
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: The Rise of the Greeks

We will begin by briefly examining the rise of the Persian Empire as a contrasting culture to the continued emergence of the archaic Greek world in the West. We will also then give further consideration to the expansion and evolution of Greek civilization during the 6th century BC including in its poetry and art, and the circumstances of the Ionian Revolt. We will consider how the phenomenon of Tyranny arose; in particular we will focus on the emergence of Peistrastos in Athens, the tyranny of his sons, and their ultimate downfall to be replaced by the first Democracy.
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Dates:
Tue 29/04/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00021780
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History, Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor

Explore the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte with our History: Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor course. Learn about his rise to power, his impact on Europe, and the controversies surrounding his reign. Ideal for history enthusiasts and students of European history.
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Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 11/06/2025
Times:
11:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Barking Enterprise Centre CIC (Barking)
50 Cambridge Road
Barking
IG11 8FG
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00017373
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £70.00

History: The Holocaust

The rise of antisemitism in Europe during the last years of the nineteenth and the first half of the twentieth centuries culminated in the mass destruction of six million men, women, and children merely for being Jewish. Some were shot in the communities where they lived. Others were sent to camps where they were either worked to death or sent directly to gas chambers.
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Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 11/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Aubrey Newman
Course code:
Q00020801
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: The Ukraine - Borderland & battlefield 1800 to the present

We will trace the troubled history of Ukraine from 1800 exploring its political, social, economic and cultural development over five sessions ending with the current war and discussion of possible futures
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Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 28/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00021295
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: Time in a Frame

All happening here as we examine a series of images and their meaning within their historical context ! Experience the peasant life on a medieval manor, share a block with tragic Lady Jane, smell the stench of rotting Streltsy and gaze down (apparently with the world and his wife) at James Wolfe at Quebec ! Glance into the heart of darkness in Spain and follow the bloodstained tricolour in 1830 ! Enjoy an escape into the fresh air of Wallington, the dream-like scenery of rural medieval France and the idyllic landscape of Surrey. Can we do it ? Yes we can !
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Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Stuart Miller
Course code:
Q00021644
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: The History of the English Language

If you’re interested in finding out how the English language developed (and why we don’t all speak German, Danish or French instead of English) this course is for you. We look at the development of the English language through seven different lenses, starting with Old English (Anglo-Saxon) which built on Celtic languages and Latin. We explore the many influences on English including the Vikings through Old Norse, Norman French, Biblical English, Shakespearean English and Global English.
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Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 19/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Eliahoo Charles
Course code:
Q00018033
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

History: Coughs & Sneezes

In this course we will examine the stories of a series of pandemics and epidemics which influenced national or world history in some way. In the process we will review the contexts in which these occurred and also consider issues about the interpretation of evidence and the clash of historical arguments. The main method used will be segmented powerpoint presentations but as always the sessions are intended to be interactive. By agreement there may be some change in the schedule and topics.
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Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stuart Miller
Course code:
Q00021645
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: Byzantium – the Great Age

How did the Roman Empire survive the challenges it faced during the later 9th century? We will examine how the Amorian Dynasty was able to not only maintain its position in power but also to attempt to restore territories that had been previously compromised or lost across the Roman world; these policies would be met with varying degrees of success. We will also examine the new building programme within Constantinople, and in particular at the Boukoleion Palace. In the meantime, the second period of iconoclasm would continue to cause further dissatisfaction until its final resolution with the actions of Empress Theodora.
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Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
11:15am - 1:15pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00021781
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: The House of Lancaster

The struggles of John of Bedford and his aim to successfully conclude the war with France forms the main part of study this term, examining in some detail the various campaigns which he either personally orchestrated or otherwise approved, in attempts to either break the remaining pockets of French resistance, or else drive the French monarchy into a state of submission. At the same time however, we will also look at the youth and condition of the young Henry VI, and make some assessment of his early character, as well as the nature of the English government that surrounded him,
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Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00021783
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40