WEA courses

A fun, friendly and structured approach to our develop fiction writing knowledge, skills and importantly aid you in finding inspiration, putting pen paper and getting writing. Whatever you might like to write or already enjoy writing, be it short stories, longer tales, mystery, crime, a touch of the gothic or whatever takes your interest - there will be a plot to suit your idea and/or help you find inspiration and take it further. Find inspiration as we consider the how a different plot may aid with a specific theme or topic, the development of characters and your choice of words and description. This course will make use of a mix of informal feedback, lecture using PowerPoint slides, some focused group discussion/creative tasks in smaller breakout groups and feedback. Session by session we examine a different ‘plot’ and apply some creative craft to it, might it yield the perfect motivation for a crime, is three a secret a character wishes to keep? What kind of story suits a particular plot – flash fiction, a cautionary tale or a longer and more complex tale? We examine the varied forms and approaches, how have others approached similar tales and what might work best for us now. Suitable for the curious beginner and/or the seasoned scribbler.

This course gives students - from beginners to improvers - the opportunity to explore different landscape painting approaches and techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment. It explores a range of styles, from the conventional and representational to more experimental and avant-garde approaches. Our highly experienced tutor, who is a practicing artist, provides practical and supportive advice on colour mixing, tonal variation, acrylic techniques, mark-making and composition, encouraging students to explore their own personal enthusiasms to make individual and original paintings. Source photographs will be provided online but students may use their own photos and other sources.

Would you like to further develop your ability to read and enjoy Latin literature? You will use the Latin you have already learnt to translate, discuss and analyse original Latin literature, both verse and prose. In this intermediate level group you will develop more independence in translation through a mixture of immersive learning through reading Latin and analytical work in consolidating and extending your understanding of the Latin language. Lively discussion and exercises as part of a supportive group in the online sessions will be backed up by plentiful opportunities to work independently between sessions with a range of quizzes and assignments.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the history of ideas is learning how ideas have a life of their own, influencing society and culture through successive generations in different ways. In this 10-week course we’ll focus on an different important and influential question each week. We cover philosophy, literature, science and history. We’ll read and discuss selected extracts which will be circulated beforehand. The course covers a sweep of over 2000 years, from the ancient Greeks to modern times.

In these lectures Stephen Wilkinson will introduce students to the history of the detective genre and discuss its relationship to the development of capitalism, urbanisation and consumerist commodity culture. Students will be encouraged to read detective fiction as a prism through which societies, their anxieties and underlying psycho-political natures can be understood. Using the examples from the UK, US and Cuba students will gain an insight into the ways in which popular literature gives shape and form to our lives.

Welcome to the world of creativity! This beginners' course in arts and crafts is designed to introduce you to various artistic techniques and mediums, providing you with a solid foundation to explore your creativity. Whether you're a complete novice or someone looking to refresh their skills, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of different art forms, encouraging you to express yourself through hands-on projects.

Regency society rakish, raffish but with a fondness for wonderful architecture, or was there more to it than that?

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage

Improve your English skills for health-related contexts with our English for Health course. Develop the language needed to understand and communicate effectively about health and well-being. Ideal for non-native speakers working in or studying health-related fields.

Set yourself up for success at learning English with this ESOL preparation course. This course is designed to help you prepare for an ESOL entry 2 reading course. Learn key reading skills you’ll need for the entry 2 ESOL course in reading. Get ready courses help you learn English at your own pace. They give you extra study time for each level and module so you can reach your full potential. This is a non-accredited English course for adults. If you’re helping others access entry 2 ESOL classes in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.