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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Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: An introduction to Water and Plastic Pollution in the Environment

We will discuss the main sources of water pollution and the types of water pollution. We will list the major sources of water pollutants; describe the effects on water due to organic materials, plant nutrients and toxic, physical, and biological pollutants; list the main diseases caused by microorganisms that can be carried by water.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 18/04/2025 -
Fri 25/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Neetside Community Centre (Bude)
The Crescent
Bude
EX23 8LB
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00017797
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: History of Ideas: The Big Questions Part 2

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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017976
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £72.00

History: Journey along The Silk Road – a 6-week history of Exploration, Trade, Culture and Exchange

This course is re-run of the Spring term course: 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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018509
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Philosophy: Great Contemporary Moral Issues 2

There are several issues which are of great moral concern in contemporary society. This course considers some of these issues. The issues are Immigration, Capital Punishment, World Hunger, Economic Justice, and War. We’ll arrive to begin with at an understanding of the issue and then consider some of the academic discussion surrounding it. No prior specialist knowledge is required to attend this course.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 21/05/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
The Cornerstone (Wokingham)
Norreys Avenue
Wokingham
RG40 1UE
Tutor:
Karim Esmail
Course code:
Q00017429
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£50.00

Gardening Practical: Preparing and Sowing

This practical course is to be run at the Parkstone Day Centre in Poole and is designed to empower adults with learning difficulties to develop their gardening skills and confidence in preparing and sowing seeds. The course will focus on providing a supportive and enjoyable environment, where participants can learn new skills, socialise, and take home their own seedlings. Who is this course for? This course is designed specifically for adults with learning difficulties who want to develop their gardening skills and confidence. No prior experience is necessary, as the course is tailored to meet the needs of each participant.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017345
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £151.20

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 were 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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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 24/04/2025 -
Thu 05/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Caterham Baptist Church (Caterham)
4 Beechwood Road
Caterham
CR3 6NA
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00013710
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

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

The term will begin with an analysis of the condition of the remaining Christian Principalities of the Holy Land and the challenges they would face in the wake of the failure of the Second Crusade. In particular a continued study will be made of the growth and achievement of the Zengid dynasty, and how that would contribute to the further endangerment of Outremer. We will also look at the continued efforts of the Kingdom of Jerusalem to strengthen its own position within the region, and why those efforts would ultimately lead to further failure at the Battle of Hattin.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 28/04/2025 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016038
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

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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Course Information

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:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: Essex Buildings, People and Places

Join us to investigate buildings across the county and discover the stories they tell. From when they were built and why, to what and who they were for, this course takes a selection of historic buildings including houses, shops, public buildings, places of industry and entertainment to start our exploration of the history of Essex people and places. By the end of the course you will have new places to visit and a starting place to investigate a building of your own.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Billericay Reading Rooms (Billericay)
73 High Street
Billericay
CM12 9AS
Tutor:
Claire Parker
Course code:
Q00017709
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20

Philosophy: Philosophy behind the Headlines

The course will briefly introduce the principal ideas of a selection of philosophers and apply these to the discussion of the news headlines and the controversies that lie behind them. This course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion. Reading material will be provided on Canvas and the tutor will introduce the key ideas of relevant articles. However, reading before class is not essential. The main activity is to share ideas on news stories.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 05/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017388
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£60.00