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. 

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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.

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Art Appreciation: Highlights of Tate Britain

Discover for the first time, or re-visit an old favourite, this course will introduce you to a wide range of artworks from the national collection of Tate Britain in London. We explore specific works by historical, modern and contemporary artists in relation to wider cultural and social contexts. The aim of the course is to develop confidence and visual literacy skills when looking at and discussing art in London’s galleries. On this course, we examine work by prominent artists as diverse as Anthony Van Dyck, Joan Carlile, William Blake, JMW Turner, the Pre-Raphaelites, Gwen John, Sarah Lucas and Lubaina Himid.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 11/02/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Chantal Condron
Course code:
Q00019206
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Literature: German Literature Post 1945

This course, composed of new texts, builds on similar courses on German literature given by Stephen Smith. Four novels and one poet will be analysed and placed in context over the 10 weeks’ duration of the course. The first text, The Passenger by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, was actually written in 1938, but having recently been rediscovered, it is too good not to include. We will begin with this novel and then explore: Vertigo - WG Sebald. Lost - Hans Ulrich Treichel. Kairos - Jenny Erpenbeck. The Poetry of Durs Grunbein. The course will offer great scope for discussion of excellent texts, which are intellectually, imaginatively and emotional stimulating.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017914
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Literature: Dutch Short Stories

This five week course will introduce you to an often neglected area of the European short story, this being stories from the Netherlands. Each of the five stories can be found in The Penguin Book of Dutch Short Stories, which is the text we will work from. The stories for consideration and analysis are: Young Titans - Nescio. The Sirens - Maria Dermout. The Portrait - Hella Haasse. Paula - Cees Nooteboom. Sunrise Day - Margriet De Moor. The course will involve lectures, discussions and advice on further research into the subject. Each session will dissect a narrative and relate its context, meaning and style.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 11/02/2025
Times:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017912
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Foreign Languages: Intermediate French

Do you want to feel confident communicating in French? Build on your knowledge of grammar and expand your vocabulary in this intermediate French language course. Boost your language skills so you feel comfortable communicating in everyday situations. Order food and drink, ask for directions, and understand basic instructions. After this improver’s French course, you'll feel confident expressing yourself in the French language. Studying a French language course is also a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the country. ● Consolidate your understanding of the grammatical tenses covered in the beginner’s course. ● Develop resources to take part in conversations and role plays. ● Understand basic grammatical structures to be able to get by in everyday situations. ● Expand your vocabulary through a variety of texts from books, news, and online sources. ● Sharpen your listening skills through audiovisual activities

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 01/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sasha Novikova
Course code:
Q00016300
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Art Appreciation: Women Artists

Discover the contributions of women artists with our Women Artists course. Learn about key female artists and their impact on the art world. Ideal for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about the history of women in art.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
St Francis de Sales (Hampton)
16 Wellington Road
Hampton
TW12 1JR
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00017581
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

Creative Writing Return of the Short Story

The short story is making a comeback - varied, rule-breaking and fun, interest in this once side-lined form is expanding. Writing a compelling short is a craft within itself and sometimes regarded as a ‘dark art’ - Does every word really need to count? When does the story really start? When should it end? We explore the varying forms, cross the genres and consider the outlets. There’s never been a better time to find inspiration and get motivated, if you have an idea for a story - now is the time.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/01/2025 -
Tue 11/02/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Chris George
Course code:
Q00020275
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Foreign Languages: Learning More Italian

Welcome to Term 2 of Learning Italian! This 10-week course builds on your foundational skills, focusing on practical situations. You’ll learn to book a hotel room, navigate train and bus stations, and shop at markets. Through interactive lessons, role-playing, and listening activities, you’ll gain confidence in handling common scenarios. Topics include making reservations, understanding schedules, purchasing tickets, and shopping for goods. Cultural insights will deepen your appreciation of Italian traditions. By the end of the course, you’ll be comfortable using Italian in various everyday contexts. Join us to continue your Italian language journey! Buon viaggio!

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Giuseppa Perricone
Course code:
Q00016302
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

Creative Writing: Show and Tell

This workshop will re-examine the golden rule in creative writing “Show don’t tell.” With published extracts from a variety of genres, both fiction and creative non- fiction, you will see what is meant by effective showing. How emotions, thoughts, reactions are described rather than explained to make the story so much more engaging. You’ll learn how to apply this to your work with great effect. Rather than ‘don’t tell’ you’ll learn where telling and summary are essential for pace and plot. This course is intended for those who have some experience of creative writing. This course is funded by the Education Skills and Funding Agency.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 29/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nicola Torode
Course code:
Q00019789
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

Literature: Contemporary British Fiction

This course will consider and analyse the following authors and their texts. These are: The Stranger’s Child - Alan Hollinghurst. The Blue Flower - Penelope Fitzgerald. A Pale View of Hills - Kazuo Ishiguro. Last Orders - Graham Swift. On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan. These texts will provide a window into the different regions of Britain during the last fifty years, decades of major change in the social fabric and political nature of Britain, though several of our texts will trace these changes back to the earlier part of the twentieth century, and in doing so, we will encounter themes of identity, class and the decline of Empire. There will be much to prompt discussion and challenge our assumptions. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Duke Street Church
Quadrant Road
Richmond
TW9 1DH
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00019812
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Creative Writing: Creative Writing Workshop – Fiction, Poetry and Memoirs

We will cover all forms of writing – fiction, including novels, short stories and plays, also poetry, autobiography and memoirs. The aim is to help develop and channel your writing ability, whether as a hobby or for publication. We will discuss many aspects of writing, foster the use of imagination, and read your work in a constructive and friendly setting. The emphasis is on individual development. This course is suitable for improvers and beginners. All you need is an interest in developing and enjoying your writing skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 19/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stella Stocker
Course code:
Q00018502
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00