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: 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
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £72.00

History: British History 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:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017272
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: London in the 20th century: A social and cultural history

London has been many things in its history - a world city, a financial capital, a centre of empire, a microcosm of the world, a city rebuilt, a port city, a migrant city, a changing city The course will chart some of these changes during the twentieth century, changes to London’s built environment, its culture and its people, from the West End to the East End, from the City to the suburbs, from Camden Town and Brixton to Southall and Soho. Topics covered will be industry and the workplace, transport, housing, health, education, media, fashion and leisure

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 20/09/2024 -
Fri 15/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
George O'Reilly
Course code:
Q00017265
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £96.00

History: Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor

Explore the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte and the complicated legacy he still holds: villain to some, hero to others, and architect of the French state. This course takes you on a journey through Napoleon’s rapid rise to power, his dramatic military campaigns, and the changes he brought to Europe. We’ll look at his leadership, his impact on society, and the lasting effects of his rule. By examining different perspectives and historical evidence, you’ll get a balanced view of one of history’s most fascinating and controversial figures.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Barking Enterprise Centre CIC (Barking)
50 Cambridge Road
Barking
IG11 8FG
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00017264
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Fascism and the Troubled 1930s

The course will examine the origins of Fascism and National Socialism against the backdrop of post war turmoil in Italy and Germany. We will see how the emergence of Stalin as supreme leader in the USSR led to a radicalisation of the economy and political terror. We will consider the effects of the economic crisis in the democratic countries, USA, Britain and France. Finally, we will consider how the radicalisation of economies and politics impacted on international relations culminating in the outbreak of a second European war in 1939.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 23/09/2024 -
Mon 21/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
St Francis de Sales (Hampton)
16 Wellington Road
Hampton
TW12 1JR
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00017425
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

History: The Rise and Fall of Wessex

Wessex no longer exists yet its name still conjures images of Alfred the Great and the creation of England. The choice by Thomas Hardy of using Wessex as the fictional literary landscape of his novels further embeds this feeling of nostalgic association that people have. This course explores its creation and demise and why it still lives in our memory partly as a result of its historical significance but also because the sentimental effect of its name is consistently being used by advertisers and organisations to create a positive connection with customers and the public.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
The Cornerstone (Wokingham)
Norreys Avenue
Wokingham
RG40 1UE
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017279
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017494
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£100.00

History: History of Ideas: The Big Questions

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 10-week course we’ll focus on an 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:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
The Drive Methodist Church (Redbridge)
Eastern Avenue
Redbridge
IG4 5AB
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017269
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

History: America from Reconstruction to Roosevelt

During and after WW2 America left the troubled 1930s behind to become one of two Super Powers and a military and economic behemoth. How did this happen? What compromises were made en route? We will examine the period from 1930 to 1980 with particular emphasis on America’s place in the world. In doing so we will ask to what extent America is an Empire in denial. No previous knowledge is required though the latter decades are ones most of us will have lived through. How do our memories of that period compare with the longer perspective that the passage of time now allows.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Fri 20/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Bourne Hall (Epsom)
Spring Street
Ewell
Epsom
KT17 1UF
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00009440
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

History: 17th Century Fashion

Fashion reflects the influence of politics, trade, social exchange and foreign encounter. In this course, we will explore the changing fashions of seventeenth-century Britain. Alongside sessions that consider the history of fashion are practical, hands-on sessions that explore the materials used, and construction techniques employed by makers of the period. You may not be an expert by the end, but you will have first-hand understanding of how, and with what, clothing of the 17th century was made.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/10/2024 -
Sat 14/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Redbridge Institute of Adult Education (
Gaysham Avenue
Gants Hill
Ilford
IG2 6TD
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00017282
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00