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: Art and About: Egyptian Treasures of the British Museum (Gallery Tour)

Part of the WEA Art and About festival 2024! This course is an in-person gallery tour exploring the ancient Egyptian collection of the British Museum. In 2 hours we will tour both famous pieces and lesser known gems of the Egyptian collection. We will meet on the front steps of the museum off Great Russell Street 10 minutes before the class start. Please allow time to pass through security. If you are late please proceed directly to Room 65 (ancient Egypt and Nubia on the 3rd floor)

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/06/2024 -
Wed 26/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Place:British Museum (London)
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00015112
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Art and About: The Pubs of Early Modern London

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! This walk begins in Holborn and moves through the City of London finishing in London Bridge at the last galleried pub of the metropolis, The George Inn. It considers the imprint drinking establishments have left on London and explores the buildings themselves and some of the characters who frequented these establishments. Each participant in the walk will receive a handout with information about each stop they can refer back to in their leisure. We finish with a debrief in the pub! We will meet in front of The Ship Tavern behind Holborn Station at midday. I will have a red folder with me!

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 27/06/2024 -
Thu 27/06/2024
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: The Ship Tavern
The Ship Tavern
12 Gate St
London
WC2A 3HP
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00014837
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Art and About: The Great Fire: It started at a pudding and ended at a pye.

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! A walk from Pudding Lane through the City of London to Pye Corner. This walk will chart the damage of the 1666 Great Fire of London and place it in the cultural context of the time. We will meet some key characters through whose eyes the story of the fire has been told and also those who came in to rebuild and reshape the city in its aftermath. Each participant will receive a handout to refer to along the route which includes images and quotes to illustrate the extent of this catastrophe. We will meet at The Monument (tube is monument tube or bank tube). It is the Monument to the Great Fire of London Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH. I will have a red folder with me!

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 03/07/2024 -
Wed 03/07/2024
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Monument to the Great Fire of London
(Meeting Point)
Fish St Hill
London
EC3R 8AH
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00014836
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Art and About: The Pubs of Early Modern London

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! This walk begins in Holborn and moves through the City of London finishing in London Bridge at the last galleried pub of the metropolis, The George Inn. It considers the imprint drinking establishments have left on London and explores the buildings themselves and some of the characters who frequented these establishments. Each participant in the walk will receive a handout with information about each stop they can refer back to in their leisure. We finish with a debrief in the pub! We will meet in front of The Ship Tavern behind Holborn Station at midday. I will have a red folder with me!

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 04/07/2024 -
Thu 04/07/2024
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: The Ship Tavern
The Ship Tavern
12 Gate St
London
WC2A 3HP
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00014838
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

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

History: Lawrence of Arabia

Thomas Edward Lawrence CB DSO (16 August 1888 – 19 May 1935), better known as Lawrence of Arabia, was a British archaeologist, army officer and diplomat, who became renowned for his role in the Arab Revolt in Sinai and Palestine between 1916 and 1918 against the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire during the First World War. His strategy and tactics, and the breadth and diversity of his activities and associations, along with his ability to describe them vividly in writing, earned him international fame as Lawrence of Arabia, a title used for David Lean’s film of 1962, and the source of numerous biographies.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 13/07/2024 -
Sat 13/07/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Pagham Village Hall (Bognor Regis)
Pagham Road
Bognor Regis
PO21 4NJ
Tutor:
Alan Simmonds
Course code:
Q00014875
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Care 2: Visit Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Come along and explore beautiful Chatsworth House, all from the comfort of your home! You will find out about this historic building and explore its rich history. This is a course for carers, former carers and the cared for, and is great chance to learn something new and be a part of an interesting discussion.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/07/2024 -
Mon 15/07/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00014603
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

History: Mythology of the Summer Sky

Ever looked up at the night sky, or the signs of the zodiac, and wondered how the constellations got their names? Why anyone would think those random dots were “obviously” a picture of some strange creature? Or what the stories are behind them? This one-session course picks out some of them that are appropriate to the time of year, and shows why they were important, what their myths are, and how the stories fit together. This is the time when the Perseid meteor shower is at its best, so we’ll look at the story behind Perseus, and his family: Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, and a few less well-known. Then we go on to the Summer Triangle of the Swan, the Eagle, and the Lyre. There’s also Capricorn, the half-fish, half-goat, and many more. (57)

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 17/07/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00014312
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £5.55

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.

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



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Local History

This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, discussions, field trips, research projects, and presentations. Participants will have access to historical sources, archives, and local heritage sites for research and exploration. Assignments will include research papers, oral history interviews, presentations, and reflective essays. Participants will explore key events, themes, and movements that have shaped the local community and gain insight into the cultural, social, and economic development of the local area over time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Sharon Vincent
Course code:
Q00014650
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £92.40