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: Brexit - A history of our relationship with the EU

This course explores history of Britain's relationship with the European Union, from its inception to the present day. The course will cover key events, policies, and political figures that have shaped this relationship, culminating in the Brexit referendum and its aftermath. We will be looking in a comprehensive way at our attitude to the EU from the earliest days, focusing on the factors which led to our eventual entry and navigate through the complex history of Britain’s relationship with the EU, focusing on key events, policies, and political dynamics leading to Brexit and beyond.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 18/03/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00017660
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00

History: Intermediate History

In this term, we begin by considering the challenges faced by young King Aethelred at the beginning of his reign, particularly his difficulties with the growing Viking threat. We will also look at the rise of a unified Kingdom of Denmark, and examine the motives and factors which created it. We will then analyse the successive policies by which Aethelred attempted to curb the Viking threat, ultimately only to result in his own overthrow. After that, we will then go on to analyse the emergence of King Cnut and his maritime empire, and the nature of Cnut’s rule in England.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 25/03/2025
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gary Slator
Course code:
Q00016036
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.80

History: English canals - An advanced study

As built, canals linked towns and cities with the remote corners of the English countryside. Built largely to carry coal to fuel the Industrial Revelation, they are used today for pleasure purposes. Canals offer the opportunity to improve health and wellbeing, whether walking along the towpath or travelling along in a barge. Come and join this illustrated course where you will develop your historical / technical skills by finding and exploring a number of sources about the canals. Your tutor will guide you towards sources which provide information on the physical design of your local canal, the industry it was built to serve and the individuals who worked tirelessly to make a living. There will be a study of the Trent & Mersey, Peak Forest and Somersetshire Coal Canals, together with a review of the impact on the canals of the Napoleonic War. The course will look at some of the features of canals, such as Bridges, Tunnels, Aqueducts, Reservoirs, Gauging Docks, Weighing Machines, Gauging Stations and Winding Holes. This course is suitable for learners with a previous knowledge of the subject To note down key points, it is suggested that you bring a notebook.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 11/02/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Turner
Course code:
Q00016933
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

History: Cookery through the ages

Discover the changes in our food with time: how it was cooked, how it was eaten, where it came from, and how it affected our society and language, from the early Stone Age to this century, with an emphasis on British history. Find out which of our table manners date back to the Middle Ages, and how some of the most up-to-date and expensive restaurants are re-inventing Stone Age techniques; what advice from the fourteenth century still holds good today, and which most certainly does not. Each session will include some adapted recipes that you may (or may not) wish to try for yourself.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 25/02/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00019282
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £59.20

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Psychology: Perspectives on Mental Health Part 1 (online)

We will explore the experience of mental distress from four very different viewpoints. Each has something to offer, none has the whole story. • The Biological aims to understand what is going on in the brain and the body. It underpins the medical model. • The Psychological perspectives seek to explain our mental states in terms of our thinking, feelings and habits. It’s all in the mind. • The Social perspective shifts the focus away from the individual. It is society that needs to change. • A Spiritual perspective goes beyond our limited sense of self to seek deeper meaning in our life journey.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 12/02/2025
Times:
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kevin Walker
Course code:
Q00019523
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£44.40

Gardening Practical: Spring 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 08/01/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00011523
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £176.40

History: Why Do We Say That?

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ this engaging course that delves into the captivating history and evolution of idioms, expressions, and accents in (British) English. Explore both newer and older accents while uncovering the origins of everyday idioms and literary expressions. The course will also look at slang and secret languages that have evolved over time. This is course is open to beginners and those with prior knowledge of the subject. Taking place online, over the course of six weeks, with access to presentations and discussions even after each session.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 12/02/2025
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00009336
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £40.80

History: Role of political cartoons in the 20th century

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ us for this course which will review historical events, from long ago up until recent years and link them with how newspaper and magazine cartoons reflected attitudes and controversies of that time. This beginner course will primarily focus on the historical context and political impacts of their cartoons rather than the artistic techniques but through that analysis students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of political cartoons in the 20th century.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 22/01/2025
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St Lukes Church Hall (Tiptree)
66 Church Road
Tiptree
CO5 0SU
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018064
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: Samuel Pepys – Plague, Fire and Scandal

This 10-week course explores the life and times of Samuel Pepys, focusing on his diaries that provide an unparalleled view of 17th-century England. Through Pepys’ meticulous documentation, we will delve into the reign of Charles II, the devastation of the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London, and everyday life during the Restoration period. Including the numerous scandals at court and Pepys’s own behaviour! This course will offer insights into the personal, social, and political landscapes of the time, revealing how one man's observations can illuminate an entire era marked by dramatic events and profound changes.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 19/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018506
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00

History, Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor

Explore the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte with our History: Napoleon: Citizen to Emperor course. Learn about his rise to power, military campaigns, and impact on European history. Ideal for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning about one of history's most influential figures.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 19/03/2025
Times:
11:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Barking Enterprise Centre CIC (Barking)
50 Cambridge Road
Barking
IG11 8FG
Tutor:
Amy Miller
Course code:
Q00017375
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00