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: Towards the Establishment of the NHS

Was the introduction of the National Health Service in 1948 a new and revolutionary model of universal health care, or the natural conclusion of a long process of growth in the understanding of illness and disease, and the development of professional skills and infrastructure to treat and support those who were sick? In this course you will discover the background to the decision to provide health care ‘free at the point of delivery’, and learn how we can trace the story from medieval charity to 20th century social investigation and political developments.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 18/05/2024 -
Sat 18/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Swaffham Community Centre (Swaffham)
Iceni Partnership
Campingland
Swaffham
PE37 7RB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00015292
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

Care 2: Visit The Royal Pavilion at Brighton

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for, join us to look at the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and explore its fascinating history. This course is a great way to learn something new form the comfort of your own home. Feel free to contribute to the class and get involved in the interesting discussions.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/05/2024 -
Mon 20/05/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00014605
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

History: Vienna 1814-1914

The history of Vienna in the 19th century, from the time of the Congress of Vienna, which decided the layout of Europe after the Napoleonic Wars, through the revolutionary period of the late 1840s, when it seemed the old order would be swept away, and on to a period of retrenchment, when the monarchy re-established control, albeit increasingly out of step with modern developments, some of which were profound.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/05/2024 -
Mon 10/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Kegworth Village Hall (Kegworth)
Nottingham Road
Kegworth
DE74 2FH
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00014426
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Gardening Practical: Grow your own Food & Flowers

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Would you like to learn how to grow your own food and flowers? Join us in the community gardens and polytunnel at Easington Lane Community Access Point and learn how to tend and care for a flower or vegetable garden. Our tutor will guide you through the basic steps of planting. Whether you want to support your local community by growing crops to share or learn how to grow food for your own family (on a windowsill or garden), this hands-on course is a great place to start.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 21/05/2024 -
Tue 25/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Easington Lane Community Access Point
Easington Lane
Houghton - le- Spring
DH5 0LE
Tutor:
Jayne Clark
Course code:
Q00015393
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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For just £15 a year, you can:

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Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

History: Memories and Myths- Why Does History Matter

Does history matter? How does your view of the past affect your approach to the present? Whose interpretations can you trust? As debates rage about the legacy of the British Empire and the pulling down of statues, this course gives you an opportunity to take a more nuanced look at some of the issues involved. You will be able to look at case-studies, and to explore questions about the nature of history and the way we discuss it. The course will help you to form your own views on these controversial topics.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 22/05/2024 -
Wed 26/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Symon Hill
Course code:
Q00012194
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: Art and About: The Cato Street Conspiracy – A Walk

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! 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. We will meet at Edgware Road Underground Station, Chapel St, London NW1 5DH

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 24/05/2024 -
Fri 24/05/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Edgware Road Underground (London)
Chapel Street
London
NW1 5DH
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00014852
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £15.00

History: The Paintings of Raphael

The course will evaluate the major painting works of Raphael, and consider them in relation to other instances of Italian High Renaissance art. As far as possible, we will place the works back into their original contexts. We will evaluate Raphael’s distinctive contributions to the art of Central Italy (especially in relation to his rivalries with other leading artistic figures, such as Michelangelo), and will analyse a number of key works in detail, paying particular attention to issues of patronage, of original purpose and Raphael’s careful construction of an individual style. The course will be discussion-based, so that together as a group, we will test out and consider a variety of ways of interpreting how the paintings would have worked, and what they would have meant for viewers, in the contexts of their own time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 28/05/2024 -
Tue 18/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Peter Finch-Sieg
Course code:
Q00015324
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Care 2: Visit Hebden Bridge and Hardcastle Craggs

A virtual visit to a small Mill Town in West Yorkshire, and the nearby historic woods. Join me for a virtual visit to a Hebden Bridge a small Mill Town in West Yorkshire, and the nearby Hardcastle Craggs, now woodland with a historical past of its own. This course is for carers who are caring or have cared for people. Take some time for yourself and discover the history around this area of the UK. You will have chance to contribute and ask the tutor questions, while enjoying friendly discussion with new people. Come along and join the tour, all from the comfort of your own home!

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 30/05/2024 -
Thu 30/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00015076
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

History: Art and About: Eynsford Castle – An Overlooked Gem

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! On this site visit we will take a gentle stroll around the ruins of Eynsford castle, a little remarked upon gem of a Norman castle dating from the 12th century or possibly earlier. After a thorough look at the remains, we will consider the documentation that survives for the castle and consider some of the big questions that remain about the building. Why was it built here, who did it belong to, why did it fall into disrepair, what were the influences on its construction and most important of all – what can it tell us about life in Medieval Kent. We will meet at the castle drawbridge! Postcode is Eynsford, DA4 0AA

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 31/05/2024 -
Fri 31/05/2024
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Eynsford Castle (Dartford)
Eynsford Castle
High Street, Eynsford
Dartford
DA4 0AA
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00014851
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £15.00

Philosophy: Behind the Headlines

The workshop 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 workshop will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 01/06/2024 -
Sat 01/06/2024
Times:
10:30am - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Mary's University (Twickenham)
Waldegrave Road
Twickenham
TW1 4SX
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00014358
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£40.00