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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Gardening Practical: Summer Time Organic Gardening Toolkit 2

A further opportunity to benefit from spending more time in nature whilst exploring organic food growing, community regenerative farming and permaculture design Delivered by our experienced, professional tutor, and hosted at the award winning Bosavern Community Farm , this course is sure to empower and inspire. You will gain practical experience in topics such as soil restoration, caring for crops, natural fertilizers mulching and ways to increase local biodiversity . You will also develop first hand understanding in the principles and ethics of permaculture, community collaborative working and the people care aspect of permaculture.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 23/07/2024 -
Tue 30/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Bosavern Community Farm (St Just)
St Just
St Just
TR19 7RD
Tutor:
Jodie Tellam
Course code:
Q00013518
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

History: King Arthur, the history and the myth

This course delves into the myths, legends, and historical theories surrounding Britain's beloved King Arthur, exploring his family, friends, and foes. It aims to distinguish between fact and fiction, recognizing the influence of biases in historical accounts and the speculative nature of much of the Arthurian narrative. Arthur's role as a tool for propaganda is examined, drawing on diverse sources including ancient writings, literature, fiction, and film, supplemented by a brief exploration of archaeology. Offering participants insight into the enduring appeal and manipulation of Arthurian legend throughout history.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 23/07/2024 -
Tue 23/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00017511
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.00

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

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:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £5.55

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

Windowsill Gardening (Multiply West Sussex)

*Please note - this course is exclusively for residents of West Sussex. If you do not live in a West Sussex postcode area, please do not apply for this course - thanks for your understanding* On this course we are going to sow some seeds to grow a selection of edible plants: herbs and vegetables on a windowsill. The session is delivered in real time, so you can sow seeds along with me asking questions as we go. A list of suggested resources will be on Canvas before the course begins so you can go shopping. We will explore the limitations of windowsill growing, and the advantages, particularly in relation to cost. We shall see which windowsill crops are economically worth growing, and which aren't! I will cover onward care and harvesting, and any questions will be welcome, as will sharing your own experiences - good and bad!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/07/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00015976
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available

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:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Philosophy: Philosophy behind The Headlines (Free London Taster)

This taster session in Philosophy, 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. The course will foster an understanding of ethical and philosophical dimensions to contemporary issues. This class will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to use philosophy to engage with current affairs a part of this discussion. You will be encouraged to use critical thinking and analytical skills as the role of Philosophy is looked at when analysing the news.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 11/07/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017175
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Care 2: Visit The Royal Pavilion at Brighton

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for, join us to look at the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and explore its fascinating history. This course is a great way to learn something new form the comfort of your own home. Feel free to contribute to the class and get involved in the interesting discussions.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/07/2024 -
Tue 09/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00011053
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list

History: Summer talk: The New River

In his illustrated talk, Camden Tour Guide, Chris Foster with take you on a virtual guided walk along the length of The New River - a 30 mile canal from Hertford to London, created over 400 years ago to supply The City with fresh drinking water.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/07/2024 -
Mon 08/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
URC Lounge, Brookmans Park
Oaklands Avenue
Brookmans Park
AL9 7UW
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00016695
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £6.00