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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Art and About: Explore the Southbank as it gets Greener

Join us for a guided heritage walk as part of the WEA London Festival Art and About. Meeting at 11 AM on 19th June by the ticket barriers at Blackfriars Station (south side of the Thames), we’ll explore the Southbank—an area renowned for its vibrant culture and tourism. Once one of London’s most polluted neighbourhoods, Southbank has transformed into a beloved, tree-lined riverside destination visited by millions each year. Discover the area’s rich history, uncover the forces that shaped its evolution, and see firsthand how it became the cultural landmark it is today. The walk will conclude near Waterloo Station.
Dates:
Thu 19/06/2025 -
Thu 19/06/2025
Times:
11:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Blackfriars Station
Southside
Southside
London
SE1 9UD
Tutor:
Selina Rice
Course code:
Q00019132
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Art and About: The Cato Street Conspiracy – A Walk

We will take a gentle stroll through a historic part of London focusing on the Cato Street Conspiracy of 1820. Starting at Edgware Road Underground Station and finishing at Grosvenor Square, we will take in the sites of the plot including the miraculously surviving hayloft in which the plotters met. We will consider the evidence for the plotter’s intentions and the many theories that have been advanced over the involvement of the government, the police and the military. We will consider the men involved and the political atmosphere, culture and setting in which they operated. Meet at Edgware Road Underground Station, Chapel St, London NW1 5DH
Dates:
Thu 19/06/2025 -
Thu 19/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Edgware Road Underground (London)
Chapel Street
London
NW1 5DH
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00019141
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Art and About: Walking Radical London – The Strand & Fleet Street

This gentle walk down the Strand to Fleet Street from Charing Cross Station will concentrate on the sites the area’s radical past. From the meeting places of the London Corresponding Society, to the Chartists & their Six Point Charter, Sylvia Pankhurst’s Communist Party of Great Britain’s headquarters, radical booksellers and publishers – all will be pointed out. We will take regular pauses to look at some of the evidence for what was once a hotbed of radical and revolutionary politicking. We will discuss the contribution and achievement of these movements and individuals and ask what their legacy is. Meet at the Eleanor Cross, Charing Cross Station, London.
Dates:
Fri 20/06/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Place:Charing Cross Railway Stat
Charing Cross Station
Strand
London
WC2N 5HS
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00019142
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Art and About: Explore the Hidden Gems of Lambeth

Join us for a guided walk as part of the WEA London Festival Art and About, uncovering the hidden gems of Lambeth. Meeting at 11 AM on 26th June at Lambeth North Station, this fascinating journey will take you beyond the well-known riverside to explore the streets and stories tucked just behind the Thames. Once marshland, this was the first part of the borough to be developed—what traces of its past remain? Who shaped its transformation? Discover the rich history and overlooked corners of Lambeth on this flat walk, which ends near Lambeth Bridge.
Dates:
Thu 26/06/2025 -
Thu 26/06/2025
Times:
11:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Criterion Theatre
218-223 Piccadilly
St. James's
London
London
W1J 9HR
Tutor:
Selina Rice
Course code:
Q00019131
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Textiles and Fashion: Upcycling Fabric, Learn how to make fabric twine and shabby chic tassels

Would you like to learn quick and easy projects that are great for upcycling scraps of fabric and old clothing? This single session course is for you. Aimed at any learners no matter what your level of experience you will be able to take part in the session and learn how to make fabric twine and a shabby chic fabric tassel, you will also learn about the importance of upcycling and why keeping fabric out of landfill is important to the environment and saves money!
Dates:
Wed 02/07/2025 -
Wed 02/07/2025
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Trudi Price
Course code:
Q00021879
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

History: 3 Remarkable Norfolk Women

This day school offers a unique exploration of local history by examining the lives and contributions of 3 remarkable women who left indelible marks on society, culture, and politics. From ancient warriors to a mystic and an influential writer, each woman represents a distinct era in British history, shedding light on the struggles, achievements, and societal changes of their times. Throughout the day, we will delve into the lives of these extraordinary women, analysing their impact on local and 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.
Dates:
Sat 05/07/2025 -
Sat 05/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (King's Lynn)
38 Bridge Street
King's Lynn
PE30 5AB
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00021985
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

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.
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

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Introduction to Permaculture Design

In this hands on practical course , learners will be introduced to the key themes of permaculture design ; develop an understanding of ethics and principles of permaculture design ; observe natural systems and take action to enhance them and understand the importance of ecological systems in food production, including soil and plant life.
Dates:
Sat 26/07/2025 -
Sun 27/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Community Roots (Porthtowan)
Mount Pleasant Eco Park
Chapel Hill
Porthtowan
TR4 8HL
Tutor:
Jodie Tellam
Course code:
Q00022118
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40