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: 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:
5 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:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00021781
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

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Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: Amazons through the Ages

This course looks at women warriors and military commanders in history, from the original Amazons to the present day. It’s often been an emotive subject, one way or the other, with the facts obscured by the prejudices of the writers, and what they wanted to be true. We will try to find the facts behind all this, while also examining how the concept was used in propaganda and mythology. Apart from serious literature and archaeology, we will also look at what can be learnt from historical re-enactment (and how it can be misleading!), and how the whole concept has been used in fantasy and historical fiction, and in gaming.
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Dates:
Tue 06/05/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00021753
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: Crime and Punishment in Early Modern London

Crime and punishment in London have a long history. This course focuses on the period between the Tudors and the Georgians to explore the impact of dealing with criminal behaviour and how it left its mark on the history of the city and our legal system today.
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Dates:
Tue 20/05/2025 -
Tue 10/06/2025
Times:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Peter House Community Centre (London)
122 Forest Rise
Walthamstow
London
E17 3PW
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00021262
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

History: When Peace Broke Out. The Austerity Years 1945 -1951

This is a repeat of the same popular course in Summer 2024: From the viewpoint of 80 years after the end of the second world war this six -week course will allow learners to revisit the immediate post war world. We will examine the transformation of Britain from May 1945 through to 1951. The course will cover the pivotal 1945 general election, the extensive social changes, (including the establishment of the NHS and the welfare state) and the economic challenges faced by the country during the austerity years. Through a combination of secondary and primary source analysis, and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the immediate post-war period shaped modern Britain.
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Dates:
Wed 04/06/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00021471
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: Wish You Were Here- A History of Holidays Through The Ages.

What did it feel like to be a holiday maker in the past? Originally holidays are just Holy Days and a chance to make merry but they didn’t involve you leaving home. Travel for leisure really does not start until the 17th century with trips to a spa or seaside town for health reasons and to enjoy the social life. Later the Grand Tour is available for the wealthy. Change comes with the railways and cheap day trips, and in the 20th century paid holidays, seaside towns and holiday camps. Over the last 50 years overseas holidays, have been within the reach of many but what do current environmental and social concerns mean for the future? Join the class to find out more.
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Dates:
Wed 04/06/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00021497
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: What do you know about Spain; its history and what lies away from the tourist beaches?

Spain away from the Costas. A brief history of Spain from prehistoric times to the present day and a look at the various regions that make up Spain Be able to describe an outline of Spain's history Be able to state some of the influences of the New World on Spain Be able to describe some aspects of the geographic and other differences of the Spanish regions Outline some of the food and culture of the regions Describe some aspects of modern-day Spain
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Dates:
Wed 04/06/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Billericay Reading Rooms (Billericay)
73 High Street
Billericay
CM12 9AS
Tutor:
Derek Robinson
Course code:
Q00021276
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40