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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Archaeology: The Archaeology of Grimsby

Underneath the streets of Great Grimsby there lie three destroyed churches, several thousand medieval corpses, the remains of two cloisters, and a buried medieval port, complete with wharves, 'mud docks', crane bases, back-filled cellars and warehouse foundations. Could St Marys church, closed in 1586, have been founded in the Anglo- Scandinavian period and perhaps give some indication of 10th century settlement at around the time of the legendary Grim? The course will look at the development of human settlement around salty inlets and muddy creeks and on the higher and drier promontory where the town developed.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 08/02/2025 -
Sat 08/02/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Grimsby Minster (Grimsby)
St. James Square
Grimsby
DN31 1EP
Tutor:
Simon Tomson
Course code:
Q00019167
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

History: British history told through the lives of 5 women

This 5 week course offers a unique exploration of British history by examining the lives and contributions of five 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:
Thu 20/02/2025 -
Thu 20/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Caterham Baptist Church (Caterham)
4 Beechwood Road
Caterham
CR3 6NA
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018093
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: Queens of Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt demonstrates how even in a male-dominated society women did on occasion rise to the highest position in the land. In this course we will explore the women who not only held great influence but sometimes effectively ruled Egypt. From the famous female pharaoh Hatshepsut to Cleopatra VII we consider how these women came to power and served as prominent female figures.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/02/2025 -
Mon 24/03/2025
Times:
1:45pm - 4:15pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Wanstead House (London)
21 The Green
Wanstead
London
E11 2NT
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00017608
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £62.50

Art Appreciation: French Art from Louis XIV (17th c.) to the French Revolution (1789)

In this course, we will have a look at an exciting and troubling period in the history of French art: the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. Stretching from the 1640s to the 1790s, this period saw the rise of absolutism as well as its demise, with the French Revolution.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 25/02/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00017569
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £40.00

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: The Queens of Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt demonstrates how even in a male-dominated society women did on occasion rise to the highest position in the land. In this course we will explore the women who not only held great influence but, on some occasions, effectively ruled Egypt. From the famous female pharaoh Hatshepsut to Cleopatra VII over a millennium later, we consider how these women came to power and served as some of the most prominent female figures of antiquity.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/02/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Woodley Hill House (Reading)
Woodley Hill House
45 Eastcourt Avenue
Reading
RG6 1HH
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00017588
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

History: JB Priestley's Journey

This course focuses on J.B. Priestley’s (1894-1984) journey around England in the 1930s, which was published as a book English Journey in 1934. At the time Priestley was a well-known novelist, playwright, screenwriter, social commentator and perhaps the most popular English writer of his day. Sponsored by his publisher Victor Gollancz and the Daily Mail , Priestley set out to travel the length and breadth of 1930s England from Southampton to the Black Country, the North East and Newcastle, Lincoln, Norfolk and Norwich. In doing so he revealed the condition of the English people, their society and their culture.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/02/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Billingshurst Community and Conference C
Roman Way
Billingshurst
RH14 9QW
Tutor:
Alan Simmonds
Course code:
Q00017738
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

History: Cliff railways in England and Wales

One of the reminders of Victorian ingenuity at the seaside, and some inland towns is the much-loved cliff railway. Discover the history of the Cliff Railways in England and Wales, with an introduction of their origins and development and the communities they served. Built in often dramatic locations with spectacular views, they offer the excitement of a precipitous journey down a steep incline. Come and join this illustrated course as we follow the story of these passenger carrying railways, from 1875 to the present day. This course is suitable for those with both little and some knowledge of the subject. To note down key points, it is suggested that you bring a notebook.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/03/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Turner
Course code:
Q00016934
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

Carbon Literacy

Carbon literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of humankind’s everyday actions. This course is designed specifically for charities and social enterprises working in public leisure and culture and gives you the knowledge and tools available to take impactful climate action.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 06/03/2025 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00015299
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Architecture: Architecture in the USA

Taking some important examples to give a flavour of the sheer energy of US architecture, we will see how Thomas Jefferson brought Palladio’s ideas to the architecture of US government, Chicago propelled high rise building in the 1890s, Frank Lloyd Wright re-invented himself in a long career, and contemporary architects like Frank Gehry are continuing to exert international influence.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 13/03/2025 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Keith Hasted
Course code:
Q00018048
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: The People of Berkhamsted Castle 1066 - 1547

This is a course about people and their relationship to the Motte and Bailey castle in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Some of them have names, and their stories are well documented; others are anonymous and left no mark on the written record on the fortress that was Berkhamsted Castle, but their legacy lives on the physical remains of the castle. It is the story of five centuries of powerful men and women: Kings, Queens, and members of the Blood Royal. There is rivalry, controversy, tragedy, brutal murder, destruction, invasion and tender affection. The constant is Berkhamsted Castle, the stone motte and bailey structure dating from a time after the Norman Conquest that has been the witness to these events that shaped our national past

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 17/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00017702
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40