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: London in the 20th century: A social and cultural history

London has been many things in its history - a world city, a financial capital, a centre of empire, a microcosm of the world, a city rebuilt, a port city, a migrant city, a changing city The course will chart some of these changes during the twentieth century, changes to London’s built environment, its culture and its people, from the West End to the East End, from the City to the suburbs, from Camden Town and Brixton to Southall and Soho. Topics covered will be industry and the workplace, transport, housing, health, education, media, fashion and leisure

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 20/09/2024 -
Fri 15/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
George O'Reilly
Course code:
Q00017265
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £96.00

History: America from Reconstruction to Roosevelt

During and after WW2 America left the troubled 1930s behind to become one of two Super Powers and a military and economic behemoth. How did this happen? What compromises were made en route? We will examine the period from 1930 to 1980 with particular emphasis on America’s place in the world. In doing so we will ask to what extent America is an Empire in denial. No previous knowledge is required though the latter decades are ones most of us will have lived through. How do our memories of that period compare with the longer perspective that the passage of time now allows.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/09/2024 -
Fri 20/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Bourne Hall (Epsom)
Spring Street
Ewell
Epsom
KT17 1UF
Tutor:
Julian Roberts
Course code:
Q00009440
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.80

History: Silence in court: five famous trials from British history

Every famous trial is a snapshot of history in the making. We see the cast of characters strutting on the stage that is the court room, acting out their roles against the backdrop of forces that are often beyond their control - the letter of the law, the power of the state, the force of prejudice, the facts of the case. Their focus is the outcome of 'their' trial, but ours is more than that; why is this trial famous, how did it change things, what lessons does it teach us? Join Peter Blood to study the people, issues and outcomes in five famous trials from British history, with a view to understanding their political, social and legal significance.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 08/11/2024 -
Fri 06/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Bourne Hall (Epsom)
Spring Street
Ewell
Epsom
KT17 1UF
Tutor:
Peter Blood
Course code:
Q00017737
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt

From work, play, education, games, birth, death, love and punishment - this course will explore the evidence for the daily life of individuals and the elite in ancient Egypt. We will look at the map of the region and follow the Nile down. We will explore Egyptian chronology, urban life, temples and pictures depicting the religious life of the people.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 29/11/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00017610
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Silence in Court: four famous trials from British history

Every famous trial is a snapshot of history in the making. We see the cast of characters strutting on the stage that is the court room, acting out their roles against the backdrop of forces that are often beyond their control - the letter of the law, the power of the state, the force of prejudice, the facts of the case. Their focus is the outcome of 'their' trial, but ours is more than that; why is this trial famous, how did it change things, what lessons does it teach us? Join Peter Blood to study the people, issues and outcomes in four famous trials from British history, with a view to understanding their political, social and legal significance.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 07/02/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Caterham United Reformed Church (Caterha
Harestone Hill
Caterham
CR3 6SX
Tutor:
Peter Blood
Course code:
Q00017735
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

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:
Fri 18/04/2025 -
Fri 25/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Neetside Community Centre (Bude)
The Crescent
Bude
EX23 8LB
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00017797
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20