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 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
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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:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £8.40

History: Politics and Football in the 20th 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.
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Dates:
Mon 17/03/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 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: 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.
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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

Agatha Christie: Archaeology and the Author

When we hear the name ‘Agatha Christie’ we think about the crime novels for which she is so famous. This course is funded by the Education Skills and Funding Agency.
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Dates:
Wed 26/03/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jo Shoebridge
Course code:
Q00021117
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

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Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Time in a Frame

All happening here as we examine a series of images and their meaning within their historical context ! Experience the peasant life on a medieval manor, share a block with tragic Lady Jane, smell the stench of rotting Streltsy and gaze down (apparently with the world and his wife) at James Wolfe at Quebec ! Glance into the heart of darkness in Spain and follow the bloodstained tricolour in 1830 ! Enjoy an escape into the fresh air of Wallington, the dream-like scenery of rural medieval France and the idyllic landscape of Surrey. Can we do it ? Yes we can !
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Dates:
Wed 02/04/2025 -
Wed 02/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Donnison School (Sunderland)
The Donnison School Buildings
Church Walk
Sunderland
SR1 2BJ
Tutor:
Stuart Miller
Course code:
Q00021644
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

History: Coughs & Sneezes

In this course we will examine the stories of a series of pandemics and epidemics which influenced national or world history in some way. In the process we will review the contexts in which these occurred and also consider issues about the interpretation of evidence and the clash of historical arguments. The main method used will be segmented powerpoint presentations but as always the sessions are intended to be interactive. By agreement there may be some change in the schedule and topics.
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Dates:
Thu 03/04/2025 -
Thu 03/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stuart Miller
Course code:
Q00021645
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

History: 350th Anniversary of the Royal Observatory

This Saturday Lecture traces the creation and development of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich through its long and eventful existence. We consider why the Observatory came into existence, what contributions it has made both in terms of scientific knowledge and in the history of our island nation and why it continues to hold a fascination for people. We will explore the advances in navigation, cartography and timekeeping made under the Observatory’s direction and consider some of the great personalities associated with it, John Flamsteed and John Harrison among them. Finally, we will consider the Observatory as it appears in Cultural History and reflect on its current incarnation.
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Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017696
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Women, Queenship and Power in Medieval England

In this talk, we will explore attitudes towards women in the Middle Ages, especially to women as rulers. In the Middle Ages, just one woman – the Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I – inherited a claim to the English throne. Yet, on her father’s death, her cousin, Stephen, seized control of England, so that Matilda was never crowned as queen. For many medieval people, the idea of a woman ruling in her own right was foreign to contemporary minds. We will look at why this was and why queens consort, such as Matilda of Boulogne, King Stephen’s wife, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Henry II’s wife, represented more acceptable (if still occasionally controversial) figures of female political power.
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Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Minster (Grimsby)
St James Square
Grimsby
DN31 1EP
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017922
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.50

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Food Sustainability - Improve health and reduce waste

This course on food sustainability, improve health and reduce waste will deliver that there is an acceptance that anyone can make changes in their life to enjoy an environmentally friendly and healthier lifestyle whilst protecting the planet. Taking constructive action is something everyone can take part in, and it does not have to hurt your finances or your way of life. Living in a more food sustainable way can make your life more enjoyable, fulfilling, and environmentally suitable. It can also prepare you for climate change lifestyle transformations.
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Dates:
Mon 07/04/2025 -
Mon 07/04/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00021327
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Toxic free living

Join our 6 week Toxin-Free Living Course designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to create your own natural household products. Each week, we’ll explore essential topics, from understanding harmful ingredients to crafting DIY solutions. You’ll learn about essential oils, and household cleaning items, while engaging in hands-on activities to make your own products. By the end of the course, you’ll have a personalized toxin-free living plan, equipping you to lead a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Embrace the journey to wellness and discover the joy of creating safe, effective alternatives!
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Dates:
Wed 09/04/2025 -
Wed 28/05/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00021199
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40