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 History of Religion. Part 3: From early Christianity to the Renaissance

This course gives an overview of the social context, politico—historical forces and individual personalities involved in the development of religion during the late classic, medieval and early modern period. This course is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the emergence of Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and ‘Humanism’ within their wider social contexts. While we will be continuing from where my previous courses left off, previous knowledge is not required.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 19/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Peterhouse Community Centre
122 Forest Rise
Walthamstow
London
E17 3PW
Tutor:
Jacob Cohen
Course code:
Q00017278
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £90.00

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:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

History: Highlights of Saxon Archaeology

This ten-week, face- to- face course will be delivered as informal illustrated lectures, with student participation encouraged. Each topic will be introduced, described and discussed with active input from students encouraged with class discussions. Taking a fresh look at Roman Britain in the light of recent discoveries and academic developments we shall reappraise what Roman Britain means in a post-imperial world. The role of militarism, slavery and economics will be examined using the topics listed in the course description.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 19/11/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
The Salvation Army Church & Community Ce
13 Church Street
Louth
LN11 9BS
Tutor:
Simon Tomson
Course code:
Q00011695
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: Ancient Egypt: Decorated Tombs of Thebes

In this course suitable for newcomers to the subject as well as those with previous experience, we will be studying ancient Egyptian art through the decorated tombs of ancient Thebes (modern-day Luxor). Through a series of visually rich sessions a wide range of tomb scenes will be studied with a focus on both understanding what these scenes represent while also considering aspects of style and purpose. We will see how scenes can be replicated or adapted across tombs as well as less typical tomb scenes potentially representing the agency of the tomb owner.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 25/09/2024 -
Wed 23/10/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00017284
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

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: 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 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:
11 sessions
Location:
Redbridge Institute of Adult Education (
Gaysham Avenue
Gants Hill
Ilford
IG2 6TD
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: 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:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
11:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Old Town Hall
Whittaker Avenue
Richmond
South West
TW9 1TP
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00017276
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

History: You Be the Judge - 10 Famous Trials in British History

In this course we will study the people, issues and outcomes in ten famous trials from British history, with a view to understanding their political, social and legal significance.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
2:15pm - 4:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Henfield Hall (Henfield)
Coopers Way
Henfield
BN5 9DB
Tutor:
Peter Blood
Course code:
Q00009460
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: Keep Calm and Carry On! - The Ministry of Information in the Second World War

This eight-week course will examine the trials and tribulations of the Ministry of Information between 1939 and 1945, giving an insight into the murky world of wartime propaganda.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 30/09/2024 -
Mon 18/11/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00009462
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £59.20

History: High Treason and Treachery

Why do we view treason as the ultimate crime? If you are interested in how ideas about treason have changed and how the crown and government have used treason trials over the centuries as a way to achieve their own ends this is a good place to start.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/10/2024 -
Thu 21/11/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Caterham Baptist Church (Caterham)
4 Beechwood Road
Caterham
CR3 6NA
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00009400
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80