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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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

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:
£15



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

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
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00009531
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £189.00

Gardening Practical: Healthy Eating

Join our gardening course to learn the basics of planting, soil preparation, and garden care. Discover how to grow a variety of vegetables and herbs, from seed to harvest, and explore the nutritional benefits of different plants.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017105
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

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 04/09/2024 -
Wed 04/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jo Shoebridge
Course code:
Q00018470
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.90