Learning about the world around us

Here at the WEA we offer a huge range of humanities and science courses, with something for everyone.  

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If you’re interested in the natural world, our geography and environment courses are the perfect choice. Our packed curriculum explores some of the biggest issues facing society, such as climate change and the fight against the destruction of some of Earth’s most precious resources. The option to learn in person or online means that our geography courses can whisk you away to a far-flung corner of the globe, all without you ever having to leave your own home. 

Studying a science

If you choose to take one of our psychology courses you’ll be immersed in the study of the human mind. With options to learn about memory and identity, you’ll get the chance to explore and debate some of the most famous psychological experiments.  

There’s also Sociology too, a subject that focuses on human behaviour, interaction, and relationships. If you’d like to explore some of the biggest questions in life, then our philosophy courses are for you. Small class sizes mean that you’ll get to discuss and debate in a supportive environment, all with an experienced tutor on hand.  

Attend a Humanities and Science course near you  

Whether you choose to learn from the comfort of your own home or opted for face-to-face learning at a local community venue, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their subject. Our learning experience sets us apart from other providers, with learners regularly highlighting the difference that an encouraging environment makes. 

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History: History of English

Discover the rich and complex history of the English language with our History of English course. Explore its origins, evolution, and influences from various cultures and languages. Ideal for language enthusiasts and those interested in linguistic history.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 05/09/2024 -
Thu 10/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00017355
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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

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:
1 place 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.

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

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:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

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!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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

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
Status:
Waiting list
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

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
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: What if (the road not travelled)

This virtual history course delves into the fascinating realm of counterfactual history, exploring pivotal moments in history and imagining alternate outcomes. Through looking at what happened in situations where the outcome was not at all clear cut, we will analyse the factors that shaped historical events and speculate on how different choices could have led to alternate trajectories. Through discussion and speculation on everything from medieval battles to modern political decisions, this course offers a unique perspective on the "what ifs" of history. How might the world be different today if the outcome had been different? Join the class to find out.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017277
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: The Ottoman Empire

On this lecture style course, we will learn about The Ottoman Empire from its formation at the end of the 13th century right through to the 20th century; the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, and the countries and areas involved - Southeast Europe, parts of Central Europe, Western Asia, North Africa and the Horn of Africa, parts of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. In the early 20th century, the empire allied with Germany on the side of the Central Powers in WWI. The Empire's defeat and the occupation of part of its territory by the Allied Powers resulted in its partitioning and the loss of its Middle Eastern territories, but the successful Turkish War of Independence against the occupying Allies led to the emergence of the Republic of Turkey in the Anatolian heartland and the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 30/10/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Aubrey Newman
Course code:
Q00018339
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £38.85

History: 10 Political Classics that Changed the World

This 10-week course delves into ten seminal classic texts that have profoundly shaped political thought and governance across the world. From ancient philosophical treatises starting with Plato’s Republic to modern declarations of rights and treaties, each document represents a milestone in the development of political ideas. We will explore the historical context, core arguments, and lasting impacts of these influential works. Delving into questions which are just as relevant today, such as ‘what is the role of the state?’ or ‘is democracy the ideal form of government?’ to gain a deeper understanding of these works contributions to political theory and practice.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018505
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: Chelmsford in the second world war

In this course guest tutor Tony Tuckwell describes how Chelmsford with its important industries; Marconi, Hoffman’s ball bearings and Crompton Parkinson’s electrical works, were vulnerable to Luftwaffe air attacks and later, random rocket attacks from V1s and V2s. Yet some of the most damaging events came from lone bombers and chance jettisoning of bombs from damaged aircraft on returning to the continent. The town was also in receipt of evacuees from the docklands of East London (and from the less well known coastal towns invasion loomed`0 which presented its own educational and social challenges

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 12/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
British Legion Hall (Felsted)
Bury Chase
Felsted
CM6 3HA
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019062
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40