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: Cliff railways in England and Wales

One of the reminders of Victorian ingenuity at the seaside, and some inland towns is the much-loved cliff railway. Discover the history of the Cliff Railways in England and Wales, with an introduction of their origins and development and the communities they served. Built in often dramatic locations with spectacular views, they offer the excitement of a precipitous journey down a steep incline. Come and join this illustrated course as we follow the story of these passenger carrying railways, from 1875 to the present day. This course is suitable for those with both little and some knowledge of the subject. To note down key points, it is suggested that you bring a notebook.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/03/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Turner
Course code:
Q00016934
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

Carbon Literacy

Carbon literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of humankind’s everyday actions. This course is designed specifically for charities and social enterprises working in public leisure and culture and gives you the knowledge and tools available to take impactful climate action.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 06/03/2025 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00015299
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

History: Disease and History

Disease is always with us but few of us realise the impact diseases have had across history. Th is course will open your ears, eyes and minds - a bit at least.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 06/03/2025 -
Thu 03/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Christchurch United Reform Church (Chelm
164 New London Road
Chelmsford
CM2 0AW
Tutor:
Roger Cooke
Course code:
Q00021054
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: Medieval Women

This is a course for International Women's day. It considers the role of women in medieval society.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 07/03/2025 -
Fri 07/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020105
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Forgotten Queens of Medieval England; a short course for International Women's Day 2025

A short two-hour course that focuses on the forgotten Queens of medieval England and the role they played in shaping the past, to celebrate International Women's Day 2025

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 11/03/2025 -
Tue 11/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020168
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Architecture: Architecture in the USA

Taking some important examples to give a flavour of the sheer energy of US architecture, we will see how Thomas Jefferson brought Palladio’s ideas to the architecture of US government, Chicago propelled high rise building in the 1890s, Frank Lloyd Wright re-invented himself in a long career, and contemporary architects like Frank Gehry are continuing to exert international influence.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 13/03/2025 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Keith Hasted
Course code:
Q00018048
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: The People of Berkhamsted Castle 1066 - 1547

This is a course about people and their relationship to the Motte and Bailey castle in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Some of them have names, and their stories are well documented; others are anonymous and left no mark on the written record on the fortress that was Berkhamsted Castle, but their legacy lives on the physical remains of the castle. It is the story of five centuries of powerful men and women: Kings, Queens, and members of the Blood Royal. There is rivalry, controversy, tragedy, brutal murder, destruction, invasion and tender affection. The constant is Berkhamsted Castle, the stone motte and bailey structure dating from a time after the Norman Conquest that has been the witness to these events that shaped our national past

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 17/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00017702
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

History: Politics, Culture and Football in the Cold War

Football in the Soviet Union and Football in Soviet Hungary.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Jubilee Hall Loddon (Loddon)
George Lane
Loddon
NR14 6NB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00020843
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: Sport, Nationalism and Propaganda in the Twentieth Century

It is often said that sport and politics should be kept separate. From the Olympic Games to football’s World Cup, particularly in recent years, it is obvious that this statement is little more than myth. In these three sessions, we aim to explore the deep, intertwined relationship between sports and politics, looking at the role it plays in building the nation and national identity, and the ways in which it propagates the ideas of the state. By looking at a variety of historical examples, these sessions aim to provide a better understanding of sport and its role in everyday life.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Jubilee Hall Loddon (Loddon)
George Lane
Loddon
NR14 6NB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00021067
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: The Wars of the Roses: an introduction

An introduction to the violent conflict that dominated the middle years of the 15th century and shaped the future of England for generations to come.A period that Shakespeare described as a time of political intrigue, personal ambition, and moral corruption.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/03/2025 -
Wed 30/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00020103
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40