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 Ukraine - Borderland & battlefield 1800 to the present

We will trace the troubled history of Ukraine from 1800 exploring its political, social, economic and cultural development over five sessions ending with the current war and discussion of possible futures
Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 28/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00021295
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

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.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 05/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017388
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£60.00

History: The History of the English Language

If you’re interested in finding out how the English language developed (and why we don’t all speak German, Danish or French instead of English) this course is for you. We look at the development of the English language through seven different lenses, starting with Old English (Anglo-Saxon) which built on Celtic languages and Latin. We explore the many influences on English including the Vikings through Old Norse, Norman French, Biblical English, Shakespearean English and Global English.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 19/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Eliahoo Charles
Course code:
Q00018033
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

History: Byzantium – the Great Age

How did the Roman Empire survive the challenges it faced during the later 9th century? We will examine how the Amorian Dynasty was able to not only maintain its position in power but also to attempt to restore territories that had been previously compromised or lost across the Roman world; these policies would be met with varying degrees of success. We will also examine the new building programme within Constantinople, and in particular at the Boukoleion Palace. In the meantime, the second period of iconoclasm would continue to cause further dissatisfaction until its final resolution with the actions of Empress Theodora.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
11:15am - 1:15pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00021781
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: The House of Lancaster

The struggles of John of Bedford and his aim to successfully conclude the war with France forms the main part of study this term, examining in some detail the various campaigns which he either personally orchestrated or otherwise approved, in attempts to either break the remaining pockets of French resistance, or else drive the French monarchy into a state of submission. At the same time however, we will also look at the youth and condition of the young Henry VI, and make some assessment of his early character, as well as the nature of the English government that surrounded him,
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00021783
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: Amazons through the Ages

This course looks at women warriors and military commanders in history, from the original Amazons to the present day. It’s often been an emotive subject, one way or the other, with the facts obscured by the prejudices of the writers, and what they wanted to be true. We will try to find the facts behind all this, while also examining how the concept was used in propaganda and mythology. Apart from serious literature and archaeology, we will also look at what can be learnt from historical re-enactment (and how it can be misleading!), and how the whole concept has been used in fantasy and historical fiction, and in gaming.
Dates:
Tue 06/05/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00021753
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Care2: Simple Remedies to combat Stress and Anxiety

This course is for carers, former carers and the cared for. These courses will enhance well being with a variety of techniques and easy tips to help the body cope with stress and anxiety.
Dates:
Wed 07/05/2025 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00021674
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Literature: The story of the detective story

The detective story is one of the most popular literary genres, as well as one that has produced some classic novels. Each week we focus on a short detective story or novel, reading and discussing key passages. The selected novels are in chronological order, from the 19th century to modern times. We begin with Edgar Allen Poe and Conan Doyle, and end with Sophie Hannah. We’ll be able to share and debate interpretations, sharpen our critical and appreciative faculties, understand what detective fiction can tell us about the society and culture that produced it, and, hopefully, be inspired to read other works by the writers featured on the course. The course is funded by the Greater London Combined Authority.
Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Mon 16/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00020027
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £47.00

History: Crime and Punishment in Early Modern London

Crime and punishment in London have a long history. This course focuses on the period between the Tudors and the Georgians to explore the impact of dealing with criminal behaviour and how it left its mark on the history of the city and our legal system today.
Dates:
Tue 20/05/2025 -
Tue 10/06/2025
Times:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Peter House Community Centre (London)
122 Forest Rise
Walthamstow
London
E17 3PW
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00021262
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

History: When Peace Broke Out. The Austerity Years 1945 -1951

This is a repeat of the same popular course in Summer 2024: From the viewpoint of 80 years after the end of the second world war this six -week course will allow learners to revisit the immediate post war world. We will examine the transformation of Britain from May 1945 through to 1951. The course will cover the pivotal 1945 general election, the extensive social changes, (including the establishment of the NHS and the welfare state) and the economic challenges faced by the country during the austerity years. Through a combination of secondary and primary source analysis, and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the immediate post-war period shaped modern Britain.
Dates:
Wed 04/06/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00021471
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40