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: Women that rocked the boat

Join guest tutor Alan Pamphilon for this one off course. True stories of local ladies who influenced local and national history. Meet the local women who fought for equality and their rights. Discover the history of the Essex Girls from 15th century Witches to the retailers of the 1960s. From the campaigners for Anti-Slavery to the secret factory workers of WW2. These were ordinary local ladies but each had a remarkable drive and passion that made them special.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Tue 15/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Christchurch United Reform Church (Chelm
164 New London Road
Chelmsford
CM2 0AW
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019601
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

Archaeology: Life cycle of an artefact

We may see artefacts discovered from archaeological excavations in books, online and in museums - but what has happened to an artefact before it gets to that point? This day session will introduce the journey that an artefact can take, from the point of manufacture through to it being found on an archaeological excavation and beyond. So, whether you are a complete beginner or have been interested in Archaeology for many years, this course will deliver so many interesting facts and learning. There will also be a break for lunch within this day course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 16/10/2024 -
Wed 16/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jo Shoebridge
Course code:
Q00019561
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.95

Architecture: The Architecture of the Greenhouse

We will look into the design of greenhouses and glasshouses – a diverse subject that embraces the Crystal Palace in London, the Eden Project in Cornwall and a recently completed spectacular project in Singapore. The development will take us from Oxford’s Botanic Garden to Paxton’s “Great Stove” at Chatsworth and the Temperate and Palm Houses of Kew.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 17/10/2024 -
Thu 17/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Christ Church Centre (Henley-on-Tham
46 Reading Road
Henley-on-Thames
RG9 1AG
Tutor:
Keith Hasted
Course code:
Q00017601
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£25.20

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: West Norfolk’s wonderful peatlands

We will start off by examining how the peatlands in west Norfolk have formed, the differences between different types of peatland habitat (fens and mires) and the wonderful wealth of species that they support, before considering the factors that have caused their degradation and loss and the restoration techniques that are returning them to their former glory. Suitable for both beginners and those with an existing knowledge of peatland conservation and restoration.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 19/10/2024 -
Sat 19/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 4:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (King's Lynn)
38 Bridge Street
King's Lynn
PE30 5AB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017665
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

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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: A Cultural Tour of Istanbul

Settled by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, the city which is now called Istanbul, became Emperor Constantine’s ‘New Rome’ in AD 330 and it was named Constantinople. In 1453 the city was overrun by Mehmed II and it became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The study day explores the rich architectural and artistic legacy left by both Byzantine and Ottoman rulers in a city which was shaped by being for centuries the meeting point of Europe and Asia.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 19/10/2024 -
Sat 19/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
The Cornerstone (Wokingham)
Norreys Avenue
Wokingham
RG40 1UE
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017281
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: My Virtual Museum; a collection of elite, local images

The story of my journey into collecting old postcards, vintage photographs, and interesting artefacts/ephemera, and the motivation behind establishing a virtual museum, with the generous assistance from others. Throughout, numerous images depicting each stage of my collecting will be displayed, categorised by subject matter. Predominantly featured will be vintage photographs depicting scenes and people from northern Lincolnshire, particularly Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Additionally, there will be recent photographs showcasing intriguing collectibles mainly associated with this region. Lastly, I will outline my future thoughts and plans for this venture.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 19/10/2024 -
Sat 19/10/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Minster (Grimsby)
St James Square
Grimsby
DN31 1EP
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018658
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £15.00

History: Origin and Development of Norfolk Parish Churches, Churchwardens' accounts in 16th Century

A Medieval Recipe: Take 600 Norfolk Parish Churches, mix in a handful of 16th century Churchwardens’ Accounts and just add water! Through a triptych of subjects, we’ll whet your appetite with a three-course menu which, for starters, reveals the origins and development of Norfolk’s iconic architectural masterpieces - its ancient parish churches - investigating their oft-times pagan roots through to the Christianity of the late medieval period. Churchwardens were key players in implementing and recording the changes which affected these churches as they grew in size and complexity, particularly in the devastating years surrounding the Reformation and their accounts provide fascinating details of those changes. This Day School bill of fare finishes with an esoteric analysis of the importance of the Water of Life in medieval monasteries both in its symbolic, ritual use and its practical life-supporting function. This is no dry subject!

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 26/10/2024 -
Sat 26/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Swaffham Community Centre (Swaffham)
Iceni Partnership
Campingland
Swaffham
PE37 7RB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017996
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £21.00

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
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.00

History: Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

On this two session course, we will look into the background to the Gunpowder Plot and what the plotters hoped to achieve. Some disaffected Catholics felt it necessary to attempt to assassinate King James I because of the continuing religious conflict in England. In the two sessions of this course we will focus on Guy Fawkes and how he came to have the responsibility for carrying out the operation to blow up the parliament chamber, as well as the involvement of some of the other people behind the plot, including Robert Catesby, generally regarded as the main instigator. We will also consider some of the consequences of the plot's failure and the deaths of most of the conspirators, and why some aspects of the story remain unexplained.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/10/2024 -
Wed 06/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00018313
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Healthy Living: Healing Gardens: cultivating a place for mind, body and soul

Discover the benefits of gardening for mental, physical, and emotional well-being with our Healing Gardens course. Learn how to create and maintain a garden that promotes health and relaxation. Ideal for individuals interested in holistic approaches to well-being.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 30/10/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Veronica Hyde
Course code:
Q00016289
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00