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 Ukraine - Borderland & battlefield 1800 to the present

We will trace the troubled history of Ukraine from 1800 exploring its political, social, economic and cultural development over five sessions ending with the current war and discussion of possible futures
Dates:
Wed 30/04/2025 -
Wed 28/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00021295
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Philosophy: Philosophy behind the Headlines

The course 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 course will encourage discussion and sharing of ideas about current affairs and will involve reflecting on how to make philosophy a part of this discussion. Reading material will be provided on Canvas and the tutor will introduce the key ideas of relevant articles. However, reading before class is not essential. The main activity is to share ideas on news stories.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 05/06/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Daniel Williams
Course code:
Q00017388
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£60.00

History: The History of the English Language

If you’re interested in finding out how the English language developed (and why we don’t all speak German, Danish or French instead of English) this course is for you. We look at the development of the English language through seven different lenses, starting with Old English (Anglo-Saxon) which built on Celtic languages and Latin. We explore the many influences on English including the Vikings through Old Norse, Norman French, Biblical English, Shakespearean English and Global English.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 19/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Eliahoo Charles
Course code:
Q00018033
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Care2: Simple Remedies to combat Stress and Anxiety

This course is for carers, former carers and the cared for. These courses will enhance well being with a variety of techniques and easy tips to help the body cope with stress and anxiety.
Dates:
Wed 07/05/2025 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lisa Richards
Course code:
Q00021674
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Literature: The story of the detective story

The detective story is one of the most popular literary genres, as well as one that has produced some classic novels. Each week we focus on a short detective story or novel, reading and discussing key passages. The selected novels are in chronological order, from the 19th century to modern times. We begin with Edgar Allen Poe and Conan Doyle, and end with Sophie Hannah. We’ll be able to share and debate interpretations, sharpen our critical and appreciative faculties, understand what detective fiction can tell us about the society and culture that produced it, and, hopefully, be inspired to read other works by the writers featured on the course. The course is funded by the Greater London Combined Authority.
Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Mon 16/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00020027
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £47.00

History: Crime and Punishment in Early Modern London

Crime and punishment in London have a long history. This course focuses on the period between the Tudors and the Georgians to explore the impact of dealing with criminal behaviour and how it left its mark on the history of the city and our legal system today.
Dates:
Tue 20/05/2025 -
Tue 10/06/2025
Times:
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Peter House Community Centre (London)
122 Forest Rise
Walthamstow
London
E17 3PW
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00021262
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

History: When Peace Broke Out. The Austerity Years 1945 -1951

This is a repeat of the same popular course in Summer 2024: From the viewpoint of 80 years after the end of the second world war this six -week course will allow learners to revisit the immediate post war world. We will examine the transformation of Britain from May 1945 through to 1951. The course will cover the pivotal 1945 general election, the extensive social changes, (including the establishment of the NHS and the welfare state) and the economic challenges faced by the country during the austerity years. Through a combination of secondary and primary source analysis, and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the immediate post-war period shaped modern Britain.
Dates:
Wed 04/06/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00021471
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: Wish You Were Here- A History of Holidays Through The Ages.

What did it feel like to be a holiday maker in the past? Originally holidays are just Holy Days and a chance to make merry but they didn’t involve you leaving home. Travel for leisure really does not start until the 17th century with trips to a spa or seaside town for health reasons and to enjoy the social life. Later the Grand Tour is available for the wealthy. Change comes with the railways and cheap day trips, and in the 20th century paid holidays, seaside towns and holiday camps. Over the last 50 years overseas holidays, have been within the reach of many but what do current environmental and social concerns mean for the future? Join the class to find out more.
Dates:
Wed 04/06/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00021497
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: What do you know about Spain; its history and what lies away from the tourist beaches?

Spain away from the Costas. A brief history of Spain from prehistoric times to the present day and a look at the various regions that make up Spain Be able to describe an outline of Spain's history Be able to state some of the influences of the New World on Spain Be able to describe some aspects of the geographic and other differences of the Spanish regions Outline some of the food and culture of the regions Describe some aspects of modern-day Spain
Dates:
Wed 04/06/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Billericay Reading Rooms (Billericay)
73 High Street
Billericay
CM12 9AS
Tutor:
Derek Robinson
Course code:
Q00021276
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

History: Architectural Pomp, Trauma & Resurgence, Berlin, 1800 to 2000

This course studies how the architecture of the dynamic Berlin that we see today has been shaped by the events of its troubled history and by the ambitions and styles of its leaders. From 1740 to 1945, Berlin saw a series of aggressive war leaders who sought to make Prussia and then Germany the dominant force in the world, eventually styling Berlin as the capital of the world. Utterly destroyed by 1945, Berlin was reborn as two distinct cities, one rebuilt in Western and the other in Communist styling. Since the Wall fell in 1989, the united city has flourished, embracing grand city plans and modern, hi-tech architecture.
Dates:
Sat 07/06/2025 -
Sat 07/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018042
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20