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: Who will rid me of this troublesome priest? Henry II, Eleanor Aquitaine and Thomas Beckett

Thomas Becket and Henry II— The struggle for supremacy between two powerful, stubborn men, Archbishop and King. This course explores the relationship between Becket and Henry and sets it in its historical context. Rivalries between father and sons, brother against brother, wife against husband. The course will consider the critical role played by Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, who history has blamed for the rebellion of her sons against their father, the King. In addition, we will consider the part played by Henry and Eleanor’s sons, Henry the Young King, Richard, Geoffrey and John.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 21/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00017705
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: Beginners History

The term will begin with an analysis of Eastern Europe and the Near East at the beginning of the 11th century, exploring the steps towards a climate that would produce the first crusade. In particular, we will examine the condition and policies of the Byzantine Empire and why its position would be so critical in the events which unfolded later, along with the conquests and upheavals of the Seljuk Turks, leading to the critical battle of Manzikert. Thereafter, we will look at how developments in Western Europe would then lead to the circumstances and outcomes of the first crusade.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00015927
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

Care 2: Introduction to emotional freedom techniques

All our Care2 courses are completely free for unpaid carers (or those who have previously been carers). You do not need to receive a carer's allowance to qualify. If you are unsure, please contact our call centre advisors who will be able to assist you. If you suffer from stress, physical or emotional trauma, this may well be the course for you. This short non-accredited course will guide you through how you can apply Emotional freedom techniques (EFT) as a complementary treatment to support you in dealing with physical pain and emotional distress. It is also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure. People who use this technique believe tapping the body can create a balance in your energy system and treat pain. This course offers interactive discussion and easy to learn practical techniques that millions of people use every day. With regular practice you may be surprised at how you can make a difference to your health and wellbeing.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 16/09/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00018560
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Care 2: Introduction to seated yoga

All our Care2 courses are completely free for unpaid carers (or those who have previously been carers). You do not need to receive a carer's allowance to qualify. If you are unsure, please contact our call centre advisors who will be able to assist you. This seated yoga is a progression for some and new for others. Suitable for all levels and taught by Georgia an experienced yoga teacher, who offers a range of difficulties to suit everybody. During this relaxed and friendly class, you will learn accessible yoga postures that can be done from the comfort of your own chair. We will cover breath work and body alignment. This class will strengthen your body, increase your flexibility and prepare you for your day by offering a meditation at the end of every session. You will learn how you can benefit from a regular yoga practice that incorporates hand mudras. All you need to do is prepare a space at home where you will not be disturbed, have a comfortable chair with back support and wear comfortable clothing. Look forwards to seeing you there!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 16/09/2024
Times:
9:00am - 10:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00018561
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

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 English Renaissance

This course will introduce a fascinating period of English history, during which poetry, prose and the arts produced some of the touchstones of British culture. We will explore a range of poetry including Thomas Wyatt’s, love poetry, Ralegh’s verse, Edmund Spenser’s homage to Elizabeth I, John Donne’s astonishing poems of love and divinity, and Milton’s early poems; playwrights, Shakespeare and Marlowe, and prose writers such as Tyndale and his translations from the Bible, Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer and extracts from the King James’ Bible. Additional context for the period will be provided from paintings, contemporary documents and letters. All texts will be provided on Canvas.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017453
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: Beginners' History : Before 1066

In this term, we begin by considering the later reign of King Eadgar and his efforts to achieve a kind of unified England, but also how English practices and texts became unique. This will involve examining the peculiarities of the English Benedictine Reform Movement, the impact it made among the clergy and also social and cultural consequences, as well as for the English monarchy itself. After that, we will address the feuds, administrative and executive failures of the monarchy in the years after Eadgar’s death, and why these errors would finally cause the downfall of the House of Wessex.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00015931
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £88.80

Care 2: Introduction to Chakras

All our Care2 courses are completely free for unpaid carers (or those who have previously been carers). You do not need to receive a carer's allowance to qualify. If you are unsure, please contact our call centre advisors who will be able to assist you. Join me on this relaxed and informative course where we will look at the intriguing world of Chakras. Week by week we will explore the crown, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral and root chakra. This course is designed to elevate your awareness and knowledge of how you can use holistic therapy to enhance your life and wellbeing. We will cover both the practical and theoretical application of how to work with these amazing energy centres. Chakra centres correspond to each nerve bundle and the major organs of the body. With a deeper understanding of how each one relates to our emotions, health and general wellbeing it is possible to live a more balanced and happier lifestyle. Each chakra has its own unique profile, including the right food to eat, mantra to use, emotional expression, vibration and colour. You will learn a range of ways of how we can help balance the chakras through a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject. You will not need to purchase anything for this course and no prior knowledge is needed. We will also cover aromatherapy oils, crystals, the sound mantras and the associated body part that links in with this subject.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 17/09/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Georgia Daniel
Course code:
Q00018556
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £5.55

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
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00016289
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00