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: An Introduction to Social and Behavioural Psychology.

Theories of social psychology are used to explain how humans, largely considered to be social beings, are affected by social interactions, social deprivation, or changes to their usual societal roles and norms. What happens when our beliefs and values are challenged? What is the impact on our behaviour when we are given power over others, or we are rendered seemingly powerless in a specific situation? Social psychology originated in the late nineteenth century (Goethals, 2007), with ground-breaking experimentation taking place throughout the twentieth century, aimed at informing our understanding of human behaviour. We will explore the work of ten psychologists and their most notable social experiments. This course assumes no prior knowledge.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 20/07/2024 -
Sat 20/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Norwich Millennium Library (Norwich)
Millennium Library
The Forum, Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1AW
Tutor:
Kerry Heathcote
Course code:
Q00015252
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

History: Great British Tea Party

This 3-hour workshop is an amazing session that will teach about the history around the’ Great British Tea party’. The "Great British Tea Party" course is a fun, interactive way to learn about British culture and meet new people. You will leave with a better understanding of why tea parties are special and how to enjoy them properly. This course will help learners take part in formal learning through a fun filled workshop which can be a stepping stone to work. Learners often need several steps including learning before they are ready to embark on a more formal employment journey. Learners can also volunteer with the WEA or other organisations and can access other learning opportunities with the WEA or other institutions.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 22/07/2024 -
Mon 22/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Somerstown Central Community Hub (Souths
Rivers Street
Somerstown
Southsea
PO5 4EY
Tutor:
Irma Gough
Course code:
Q00018278
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

History: King Arthur, the history and the myth

This course delves into the myths, legends, and historical theories surrounding Britain's beloved King Arthur, exploring his family, friends, and foes. It aims to distinguish between fact and fiction, recognizing the influence of biases in historical accounts and the speculative nature of much of the Arthurian narrative. Arthur's role as a tool for propaganda is examined, drawing on diverse sources including ancient writings, literature, fiction, and film, supplemented by a brief exploration of archaeology. Offering participants insight into the enduring appeal and manipulation of Arthurian legend throughout history.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 23/07/2024 -
Tue 23/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00017511
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.00

Archaeology: World Archaeology: Extraordinary Excavations

On discovering Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, Howard Carter described seeing 'Wonderful things' within this site in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. A century ago, these excavations were ‘hot off the press’ news. During this session we will consider the excavations by Carter, and also other intriguing excavations from different parts of the world that have enhanced our understanding of the past. Find out about some of the most famous archaeological excavations from around the world in this day course, we will discuss what made these sites so important and consider some of the methods used by the archaeologists working on the site.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 24/07/2024 -
Wed 24/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jo Shoebridge
Course code:
Q00017953
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.50

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

Windowsill Gardening (Multiply West Sussex)

*Please note - this course is exclusively for residents of West Sussex. If you do not live in a West Sussex postcode area, please do not apply for this course - thanks for your understanding* On this course we are going to sow some seeds to grow a selection of edible plants: herbs and vegetables on a windowsill. The session is delivered in real time, so you can sow seeds along with me asking questions as we go. A list of suggested resources will be on Canvas before the course begins so you can go shopping. We will explore the limitations of windowsill growing, and the advantages, particularly in relation to cost. We shall see which windowsill crops are economically worth growing, and which aren't! I will cover onward care and harvesting, and any questions will be welcome, as will sharing your own experiences - good and bad!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 30/07/2024 -
Tue 30/07/2024
Times:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00015976
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Understanding Neurodiversity

This course is a primary guide to Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and what it means to be Neurodivergent. It will help explain neurological difference and how variations on thinking and behaving might affect understanding, learning and communication. We will identify and examine the different traits and behaviours associated with Neurodiversity, to help answer some of the frequently asked questions surrounding neurological conditions. This course will consider how we can promote difference and help change the social systems and beliefs that are outdated and not helpful when supporting a Neurodivergent person to thrive and have better life chances, including employment.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 13/08/2024 -
Tue 13/08/2024
Times:
11:00am - 4:15pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
NST Hub (North Somerset Training Communi
31 Alexandra Parade
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1QZ
Tutor:
Katie Dexter
Course code:
Q00017115
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £21.00

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

History: History of English

This course is for anyone with an interest in history and the English Language. It will introduce you to four historical varieties of English and trace the development of English from a cluster of Germanic dialects to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The course is open to beginners or people who may have studied the history of English before. It will take place online, over the course of six weeks and presentations and discussions will be readily available after each session.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 09/10/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00009333
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £40.80

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

History: Oh No, not another election!' - A history of struggle for votes for all

Many of us are unenthusiastic in the run up and aftermath of a General Election and a sizeable minority of us do not vote at all. But at the beginning of the 19th century only a tiny majority of men had the right to vote. Our liberties as they stand were not handed down benevolently by the government, but were hard won by individuals and groups of people like the Chartists, Individual and group protesters, Trade Unionists and Suffragists/Suffragettes. What was the impact of these protests and the reaction of the authorities? Join us to find out more

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017450
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00