Learning about the world around us

Here at the WEA we offer a huge range of humanities and science courses, with something for everyone.  

Skip to courses

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. 

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

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

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

History: Exploring Local History: Our Seaside Town

During this course you will be able to explore how Weston- Super-Mare has grown and consider the cultural influences that have led to its current livelihood. You will also get the opportunity to find out how the Victorian era and the industrial revolution influenced the influx of visitors coming to Weston-Super-Mare. But how does this town fit in with what is happening elsewhere nationally and internationally? By exploring the past of our town, we can focus on and celebrate the achievements rather than failures often associated with the town, illuminating a bigger picture on to its future.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 08/08/2024 -
Thu 08/08/2024
Times:
11:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
NST Hub (North Somerset Training Communi
31 Alexandra Parade
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1QZ
Tutor:
Katie Dexter
Course code:
Q00016938
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Gardening Practical: Autumn Gardening at Parkstone

This course is for clients of Parkstone Connect Centre, and leads them on to the next steps of gardening. The course will continue learning and embedding skills involved in all aspects of gardening, so the skills learned can be applied to work within and outside the centre

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Course code:
Q00009531
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £220.50

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

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

History: History of English

This course is for anyone with an interest in history and the English Language. It will introduce you to four historical varieties of English and trace the development of English from a cluster of Germanic dialects to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The course is open to beginners or people who may have studied the history of English before. It will take place online, over the course of six weeks and presentations and discussions will be readily available after each session.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 09/10/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00009333
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £40.80

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

History: Oh No, not another election!' - A history of struggle for votes for all

Many of us are unenthusiastic in the run up and aftermath of a General Election and a sizeable minority of us do not vote at all. But at the beginning of the 19th century only a tiny majority of men had the right to vote. Our liberties as they stand were not handed down benevolently by the government, but were hard won by individuals and groups of people like the Chartists, Individual and group protesters, Trade Unionists and Suffragists/Suffragettes. What was the impact of these protests and the reaction of the authorities? Join us to find out more

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017450
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

History: The history of Britain 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:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017451
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

History: American War of Independence

Knavery seems to be so much the striking feature of its inhabitants that it may not in the end be an evil that they will become aliens to this kingdom,’ declared King George III of Britain. Britain’s ministers - particularly George III - have often been blamed for the loss of the thirteen American colonies. But how fair is this or was France primarily responsible for American independence? Covering the main causes and most important clashes of the conflict, the course reviews how the war developed, its controversies and the immediate consequences for America, Britain and France

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Nottingham Mechanics (Nottingham)
3 North Sherwood Street
Nottingham
NG1 4EZ
Tutor:
Mark Barnard
Course code:
Q00016045
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

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:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £69.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

History: What if (the road not travelled)

This virtual history course delves into the fascinating realm of counterfactual history, exploring pivotal moments in history and imagining alternate outcomes. Through looking at what happened in situations where the outcome was not at all clear cut, we will analyse the factors that shaped historical events and speculate on how different choices could have led to alternate trajectories. Through discussion and speculation on everything from medieval battles to modern political decisions, this course offers a unique perspective on the "what ifs" of history. How might the world be different today if the outcome had been different? Join the class to find out.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017277
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00