Love to learn with the WEA

Our languages and culture courses span the length and breadth of England and Scotland, with the option to study online or in person at a time that suits you. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language and immerse yourself in another country, or you simply wish to indulge in your love and fascination of film, we have the course for you. 

Skip to course

Our creative writing courses will nourish your inner writer, providing you with a platform to develop your love of poetry, non-fiction or script development. If literature courses are more your kind of thing, then you’re in luck too, as there are a wide range of topics to choose from.  

Literary greats and great periods in history

Our language courses offer you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely new culture, developing your skills so that you can speak confidently in countries right across the world. German, Italian and Greek are just a few examples of the language courses we have to offer, with many others taking place throughout the year.  

As you’d expect, literary greats such as Agatha Christie and Shakespeare feature regularly. There’s also the option to examine other time periods in English literature too, helping you develop your critical reading and analysis skills - perfect whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in the subject.  

If you prefer history then you’ve got a choice too, from courses on subjects you’d expect such as the first world war, or art history and studying the works of iconic painters such as Salvador Dali. 

Support and guidance

Whatever course you choose, you'll learn in a supportive environment where the class sizes are small, ensuring you get the attention you deserve, with an experienced and qualified tutor on-hand to guide you through your learning too.  

A lot of our cultural learning is delivered by our branch network: learn more here.

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

Art Appreciation: The Art of Diplomacy: Behind the Doors of the Government Art Collection

Go behind the scenes of the Government Art Collection, a less well-known national art collection, with Chantal Condron, a former curator at the Collection. Discover the fascinating origins of its history, and the people and events that have shaped its past. Explore how and why artworks are acquired or commissioned and discover some of the locations where they have been displayed. We explore works across a range of media from paintings to film, by artists from the 16th to the 21st centuries, including Marcus Gheerhaerts the Younger, Thomas Phillips, Bridget Riley, Michael Armitage and recent Turner Prize winner, Jesse Darling.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Chantal Condron
Course code:
Q00017288
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £60.00

Creative Writing: Scriptwriting for Film, TV & Radio

Show don’t tell – so often easier said than done – Just how does an idea turn into a script? How much info do I include in a script? Is it really more than just dialogue? In some ways writing a script requires a very different approach from the writer. We gain knowledge and understanding of the differing requirements of writing for the screen, both what works for TV and what approach is more cinematic, as well as writing for the radio. Radio, so often described as the ‘intimate’ medium, plays in a listener’s head offering scope for greater imagination and powerful emotional effect. We will also explore the creative process, just what is the correct format for each of these mediums, where to start, how to develop an idea into a script, allowing it to grow scene by scene (what even is ‘a scene’). The course will also cover writing/developing a TV series, comedy, writing for ‘soaps’ and feature some more general skills on developing story structure and character development of interest to any budding writer. With a mix of group and individual tasks, discussion, analysis of clips as examples, it is hoped that all will dabble and develop some writing whilst on the course. What makes a good script and what is a bad script? This is an informative and fun course, with some key first hand information, not to be missed.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Stephen Joseph Theatre (Scarborough)
Westborough
Scarborough
YO11 1JW
Tutor:
George Cromack
Course code:
Q00018219
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Creative Writing: Developing Characters

Practice techniques for creating short stories, true or untrue. We'll apply the principles of short fiction to our writing, with the focus this term on developing character. There will be writing exercises, discussions, an optional weekly homework task and feedback. Guidance on feedback techniques will be provided. The course content has flexibility, and will be adapted to suit the needs of the group. Suitable for improvers.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 08/11/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Humphris
Course code:
Q00009210
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Art Appreciation: Modern Icons: Artworks that Disrupted the 20th and 21st Centuries

This course delves into the transformative impact of select 20th-century artworks that have revolutionized the trajectory of modern art. By examining pivotal pieces and their innovative approaches, students will uncover the reasons these works have garnered acclaim and reshaped artistic norms. Through critical analysis and contextual exploration, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and technological factors that contributed to these artworks' groundbreaking status. The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the artistic movements, influential artists, and key masterpieces that have defined and redefined the landscape of modern art, highlighting their enduring legacy and significance.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 08/11/2024 -
Fri 13/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Chantal Condron
Course code:
Q00017292
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £60.00

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

Art Appreciation: Expressionism: from Kirchner to Kandinsky and Kokoschka (1905-1939)

In this short course, we will focus on Expressionism, a key art movement of the beginning of the 20th century. Starting around 1905 in Germany and Austria, with painters and sculptors such as Ersnt Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rotluff, the expressionist style soon pervaded other art forms, such as cinema. Expressionist works of art were raw and energetic, shocking, sometimes dark and apocalyptic, sometimes light and spiritual, and always intensely free. If you have ever wondered what is Expressionism, how it started and developed, and why these artists painted in such a way, this course is for you!

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 20/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00017434
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: Portraits through the Ages

The portrait has flourished as an art form from the ancient world to the present day and this innovative course will explore its continuing popularity. We shall study not only the painted face and figure but a variety of formats and formulae, from statuary to pendant medals and miniatures, and study artists as diverse as Holbein, Titian, Gainsborough, Singer Sargent and Francis Bacon. We include a reflection on the place of the photograph in this history of portraiture.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 22/11/2024 -
Fri 22/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Ambrose Allen Centre (Tadley)
2 Franklin Avenue
Tadley
RG26 4ET
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017150
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Creative Writing: Writing Love

These creative writing workshops spotlight the much-written theme of love. From romantic love to family love, from love of a place or a home of long ago to the love of a pet or a ritual, we’ll learn from authors who have portrayed love in all its form – obsessive love, had and had to let go of love and soul-mate love. This workshop consists of a blend of activities: writing exercises to practice your craft; close reading of extracts from published inspirational writers and teaching points on creative writing techniques. There is an opportunity to share your fresh words in small groups and receive gentle, appreciative feedback.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 27/11/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Torode
Course code:
Q00017746
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Art Appreciation: The Art of Christmas

The Christmas story has probably inspired more art than any other subject. From medieval icons of the Virgin and Child to the Renaissance paintings of the shepherds and the wise men; and from stained glass windows to Christmas cards, the story has been at the forefront of western art.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 05/12/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Salisbury Museum (Salisbury)
65 The Close
Salisbury
SP1 2EN
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00016863
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £21.00

Art Appreciation: Art of Christmas - Christmas images and how artists interpret the Christmas story

The Christmas story has probably inspired more art than any other subject. From medieval icons of the Virgin and Child to the Renaissance paintings of the shepherds and the wise men; and from stained glass windows to Christmas cards, the story has been at the forefront of western art. This study day will examine the historicity of the gospel stories and how they have been interpreted by artists through the centuries. A wide range of art will be shown and there will be space for discussion and for learners to offer their own suggestions and experiences.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00016856
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £23.10

Art Appreciation: Local Artists Part 4

This 5 week course delves into the works of five local artists, featuring Robert J. Clitherow, Peter Coker, Henry Collins, Hugh Verschoyle Cronyn and Charles Debenham. Each week explores key art concepts including, colour and composition through samples of their work. You will engage in group discussions, take notes and recall information. By the end of the course, you will be able to notice significant local artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among local artists, deconstruct essential components of artworks and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 13/12/2024 -
Fri 24/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00017690
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Creative Writing: Writing Your First Novel: Getting Your Work Published

This course is a follow on to the previous ‘Writing Your First Novel’ courses but is also suitable for newly enrolling students with experience writing fiction and a manuscript that they wish to submit to agents and publishers. 'Writing your first Novel: Getting Published' is all about the various elements that writers need to be aware of when considering their writing work for submission in today’s market. The course is designed to allow student’s work to stand out in the competitive publishing market by ensuring that industry standards are met and maximise their opportunity of being noticed by a literary agent of publisher.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/07/2024 -
Thu 01/08/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Craig Rickard
Course code:
Q00015275
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Ways to Wellbeing: Poetry for Wellbeing: reading and writing upbeat poems for improved wellbeing

While different things work for different people, well- being poems can be very comforting when you're having a difficult time, and can help us understand what we're feeling. It can also help to know someone has been where you are and to know you're not alone. On this short course you will be looking at a variety of classic and contemporary poems on positivity and strength to help you develop insight, hope, and a more positive outlook on life. You will also be writing your own poems inspired by what you have read and discussed with others to express your thoughts, emotions and use these to help improve your overall well-being.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/07/2024 -
Mon 29/07/2024
Times:
2:30pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sarah Wardle
Course code:
Q00017666
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Film & Media: How to Read Film

Part of the Free to All Summer Taster Courses: Do you like films and are keen to learn more and discuss them with like-minded enthusiasts? Have you wondered “How did they do that?” Or even more so “Why did that film make me feel like this? “Are you thinking about enrolling on one of the WEA’s film studies courses? Then this free taster session is for you. You’ll get equipped with some of the basics of “how to read a film” – the key elements of filmmaking and how they create (different) meanings, emotions and impacts on the viewer, enabling you analyse films with greater confidence.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 17/07/2024 -
Wed 17/07/2024
Times:
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ruth Mulandi
Course code:
Q00016976
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee:
Free

Art Appreciation: Art and About: Soho and its Heritage

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! As part of the WEA London Festival Art and About : A heritage walk through the heart of Soho meeting at Criterion Théâtre near Piccadilly Circus on Thursday July 18th meet at 11am ending near Tottenham Court Road Tube station Come and explore the Soho area famously known for its culture , yet their other interesting features institutions that exist in the area such as Churches , Old Hospitals and much more. We will explore how the area developed and why these are still important buildings today

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 18/07/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Criterion Theatre
218-223 Piccadilly
St. James's
London
London
W1J 9HR
Tutor:
Selina Rice
Course code:
Q00014454
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £7.50