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: Architectural Pomp, Trauma & Resurgence, Berlin, 1800 to 2000

This course studies how the architecture of the dynamic Berlin that we see today has been shaped by the events of its troubled history and by the ambitions and styles of its leaders. From 1740 to 1945, Berlin saw a series of aggressive war leaders who sought to make Prussia and then Germany the dominant force in the world, eventually styling Berlin as the capital of the world. Utterly destroyed by 1945, Berlin was reborn as two distinct cities, one rebuilt in Western and the other in Communist styling. Since the Wall fell in 1989, the united city has flourished, embracing grand city plans and modern, hi-tech architecture.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/06/2025 -
Sat 07/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018042
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 10/07/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Neetside Community Centre (Bude)
The Crescent
Bude
EX23 8LB
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00017798
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

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For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

History: Artists at War

How art has been employed by belligerent countries in the First and Second World Wars, but also to represent war, often patriotically, over many centuries. We’ll look at a range of different examples from western countries to show the different approaches to art depicting war and its effects and how sometimes this has been directed by governments, not always simply for propaganda purposes.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 08/10/2024 -
Tue 05/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00018312
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: Irish History in 10 documents

This day school looks at a thousand years of Irish history through ten important historical documents. Through close study of the sources, we will attempt to shed light on the momentous events, personalities and trends in this most fascinating story. We will start in the twelfth century and from there move forward until we reach the twentieth century. Throughout we will not only consider the sources themselves and the history they reveal but also consider issues of reliability, provenance and authenticity. By the end of the school, we should have deepened our knowledge and understanding of Irish history and our ability to interrogate historical records

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 29/10/2024 -
Tue 29/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00018859
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £18.00