Learning about the world around us

Here at the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ 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: Aphra Behn: Poet, Playwright, Prisoner, Spy. Her Life & Times

Join tutor Michael Long on this fascinating one-off session, presented as part of Women's month, looking at the life of Aphra Behn. Aphra Behn was a playwright, poet, translator and royal spy. She was a woman in a world of men, a staunch Royalist, a spy, and condemned as a scarlet woman with loose morals. She was also the first woman in England to identify herself as a professional writer. She wrote to suit the occasion, and she wrote to make money. This is a brief look at her life and times rather than a focus on her literary achievements.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 14/06/2024 -
Fri 14/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00015617
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

History: History of the Post Box

Discover the history of the British Post Box, an icon of our postal system. Apart from being an icon, the Post Box is in daily operational use as an essential public service, something that we are all familiar with, but may know little about its history. Come and discover the fascinating development of the design and its manufacture, as well as its place in our social history. This course is suitable for those with both little and some knowledge of the subject. To note down key points, it is suggested that you bring a notebook.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 18/06/2024 -
Tue 02/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Turner
Course code:
Q00014313
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.65

Care 2 Visit Motecute House, Somerset

A course for carers, former carers and the cared for. Join me to find out about Montecute House in Somerset. Together, we will virtually explore this historic building and the fascinating story behind it. This course is ideal for those who want to spend time learning something new from the comfort of their own home.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/06/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alison Warren
Course code:
Q00014601
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

History: Cookery through the ages

This day school is a condensed version of a full ten-week course on the history of British cookery, from the Stone Age up to the present day. We go through the historical timeline, examining major changes in food technology and sources, where food came from, how social history affected food and vice versa, how it was served, and how food has affected our language. While clearly I can’t fit all the details into a single day, I’ll try to pick out the parts that are “good storiesâ€. This is a purely theoretical course, intended for beginners, and no experience of cooking or knowledge of history is needed (though experience of eating would help!).

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/06/2024 -
Fri 21/06/2024
Times:
11:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Forum (Norwich)
Millennium Plain
Norwich
NR2 1TF
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00014952
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Membership

History: Queens of Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt demonstrates how even in a male-dominated society women did on occasion rise to the highest position in the land. In this study day we will explore the women who not only held great influence but sometimes effectively ruled Egypt. From the famous female pharaoh Hatshepsut to Cleopatra VII we consider how this women came to power and served as some of antiquities most prominent female figures.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 22/06/2024 -
Sat 22/06/2024
Times:
10:30am - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Mary's University (Twickenham)
Waldegrave Road
Twickenham
TW1 4SX
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00014669
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £40.00

History: An Introduction to Criminal Profiling and Crime Scene Analysis

The origins of criminal profiling in the UK can be traced back to Dr Thomas Bond in the 1880s. This course will explore the evolution of applications and techniques over time, using top-down and bottom-up techniques to profile three case studies from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, respectively. Each photoset exercise will incorporate an analysis of the crime scene and associated criminal investigation, discussing the importance and limitations of eyewitness testimony and other significant factors. In order to maximise learning opportunities, this course will feature complex crimes involving multiple references to substance misuse, extreme violence, and use of weapons. This course assumes no prior knowledge.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 22/06/2024 -
Sat 22/06/2024
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:
Q00015251
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

Personal Development: Skills for International Travelling

Curious about the world around us and already following inspirational travellers on social media. How about you create your own race across the world? Together we’ll look at how travel can be exciting and yet accessible. Develop your own travel plan and discuss with others your adventure ideas. Looking at the pros and cons of travelling in wet seasons or in winter. Sometimes you want to spot those elusive icebergs, though maybe not when a polar bear is in pursuit of you! Dealing with unexpected wildlife encounters is an eye-opening session on this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/06/2024 -
Mon 29/07/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Tiffany Coates
Course code:
Q00014673
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

History: Art and About: The Great Fire: It started at a pudding and ended at a pye.

Part of the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Art and About Festival 2024! A walk from Pudding Lane through the City of London to Pye Corner. This walk will chart the damage of the 1666 Great Fire of London and place it in the cultural context of the time. We will meet some key characters through whose eyes the story of the fire has been told and also those who came in to rebuild and reshape the city in its aftermath. Each participant will receive a handout to refer to along the route which includes images and quotes to illustrate the extent of this catastrophe. We will meet at The Monument (tube is monument tube or bank tube). It is the Monument to the Great Fire of London Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH. I will have a red folder with me!

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/06/2024 -
Wed 26/06/2024
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Monument to the Great Fire of London
(Meeting Point)
Fish St Hill
London
EC3R 8AH
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00014834
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Art and About: Egyptian Treasures of the British Museum (Gallery Tour)

Part of the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Art and About festival 2024! This course is an in-person gallery tour exploring the ancient Egyptian collection of the British Museum. In 2 hours we will tour both famous pieces and lesser known gems of the Egyptian collection. We will meet on the front steps of the museum off Great Russell Street 10 minutes before the class start. Please allow time to pass through security. If you are late please proceed directly to Room 65 (ancient Egypt and Nubia on the 3rd floor)

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/06/2024 -
Wed 26/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Place:British Museum (London)
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00015112
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Art and About: The Pubs of Early Modern London

Part of the ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Art and About Festival 2024! This walk begins in Holborn and moves through the City of London finishing in London Bridge at the last galleried pub of the metropolis, The George Inn. It considers the imprint drinking establishments have left on London and explores the buildings themselves and some of the characters who frequented these establishments. Each participant in the walk will receive a handout with information about each stop they can refer back to in their leisure. We finish with a debrief in the pub! We will meet in front of The Ship Tavern behind Holborn Station at midday. I will have a red folder with me!

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 27/06/2024 -
Thu 27/06/2024
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: The Ship Tavern
The Ship Tavern
12 Gate St
London
WC2A 3HP
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00014837
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00