Learning about the world around us

Here at the WEA we offer a huge range of humanities and science courses, with something for everyone.  

Skip to courses

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. 

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

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

History: American War of Independence

Knavery seems to be so much the striking feature of its inhabitants that it may not in the end be an evil that they will become aliens to this kingdom,’ declared King George III of Britain. Britain’s ministers - particularly George III - have often been blamed for the loss of the thirteen American colonies. But how fair is this or was France primarily responsible for American independence? Covering the main causes and most important clashes of the conflict, the course reviews how the war developed, its controversies and the immediate consequences for America, Britain and France

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Nottingham Mechanics (Nottingham)
3 North Sherwood Street
Nottingham
NG1 4EZ
Tutor:
Mark Barnard
Course code:
Q00016045
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

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

History: The Big Questions (Part 1)

One of the most fascinating aspects of the history of ideas is learning how ideas have a life of their own, influencing society and culture through successive generations in different ways. In this 6-week course we’ll focus on a different important and influential question each week. We cover philosophy, literature, science and history. We’ll read and discuss selected extracts which will be circulated beforehand. The course covers a sweep of over 2000 years, from the ancient Greeks to modern times

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 15/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017266
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £72.00

History: Chelmsford in the second world war

In this course guest tutor Tony Tuckwell describes how Chelmsford with its important industries; Marconi, Hoffman’s ball bearings and Crompton Parkinson’s electrical works, were vulnerable to Luftwaffe air attacks and later, random rocket attacks from V1s and V2s. Yet some of the most damaging events came from lone bombers and chance jettisoning of bombs from damaged aircraft on returning to the continent. The town was also in receipt of evacuees from the docklands of East London (and from the less well known coastal towns invasion loomed`0 which presented its own educational and social challenges

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 12/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
British Legion Hall (Felsted)
Bury Chase
Felsted
CM6 3HA
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019062
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

History: Discovering Ukraine Through Its Culture

This is an introductory course to the country of Ukraine through its Arts, Literature, and Music, led by the experienced university lecturer, who used to visit Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the world has admired the Ukrainian people, wondering what the sources of their valour and resilience are. This course will help you understand Ukraine and its people, put their culture in a historical perspective and provide some background to the current conflict in the region. The course is suitable for people of all abilities.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
URC Lounge, Brookmans Park
Oaklands Avenue
Brookmans Park
AL9 7UW
Tutor:
Marina Burrell
Course code:
Q00019158
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

History: The Anglo-Saxons in the South

A consideration of life and events in Anglo-Saxon Sussex and Hampshire. This course uses contemporary chronicles, art, archaeological, building evidence, place-names and even local legend to build a picture of events from the arrival of the Saxons to the Norman Conquest. A picture that includes the spread of Christianity, the fight against the Danes, art, literature and even family relationships as a nation is forged. – who owned the ground beneath our feet All are welcome to join this captivating course which is designed for adults and requires no previous experience. It will be delivered at Billingshurst Community Centre, over ten weeks through a series of presentations and discussions.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Billingshurst Community and Conference C
Roman Way
Billingshurst
RH14 9QW
Tutor:
Jennifer Goldsmith
Course code:
Q00018722
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

Healthy Living: Healing Gardens: cultivating a place for mind, body and soul

Discover the benefits of gardening for mental, physical, and emotional well-being with our Healing Gardens course. Learn how to create and maintain a garden that promotes health and relaxation. Ideal for individuals interested in holistic approaches to well-being.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/09/2024 -
Wed 16/10/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00016289
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: British History through the lives of 10 women

This 10-week course offers a unique exploration of British history by examining the lives and contributions of ten remarkable women who left indelible marks on society, culture, and politics. From ancient warriors to pioneering scientists and influential writers, each woman represents a distinct era in British history, shedding light on the struggles, achievements, and societal changes of their times. Throughout the course, we will delve into the lives of these extraordinary women, analysing their impact on 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017272
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00