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: 350th Anniversary of the Royal Observatory

This Saturday Lecture traces the creation and development of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich through its long and eventful existence. We consider why the Observatory came into existence, what contributions it has made both in terms of scientific knowledge and in the history of our island nation and why it continues to hold a fascination for people. We will explore the advances in navigation, cartography and timekeeping made under the Observatory’s direction and consider some of the great personalities associated with it, John Flamsteed and John Harrison among them. Finally, we will consider the Observatory as it appears in Cultural History and reflect on its current incarnation.
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Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017696
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

History: Women, Queenship and Power in Medieval England

In this talk, we will explore attitudes towards women in the Middle Ages, especially to women as rulers. In the Middle Ages, just one woman – the Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I – inherited a claim to the English throne. Yet, on her father’s death, her cousin, Stephen, seized control of England, so that Matilda was never crowned as queen. For many medieval people, the idea of a woman ruling in her own right was foreign to contemporary minds. We will look at why this was and why queens consort, such as Matilda of Boulogne, King Stephen’s wife, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Henry II’s wife, represented more acceptable (if still occasionally controversial) figures of female political power.
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Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/04/2025 -
Sat 05/04/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Minster (Grimsby)
St James Square
Grimsby
DN31 1EP
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017922
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £15.00

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: An introduction to Water and Plastic Pollution in the Environment

We will discuss the main sources of water pollution and the types of water pollution. We will list the major sources of water pollutants; describe the effects on water due to organic materials, plant nutrients and toxic, physical, and biological pollutants; list the main diseases caused by microorganisms that can be carried by water.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 18/04/2025 -
Fri 25/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Neetside Community Centre (Bude)
The Crescent
Bude
EX23 8LB
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00017797
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: History of Ideas: The Big Questions Part 2

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 6-week course we’ll focus on a 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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Brandon Robshaw
Course code:
Q00017976
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £72.00

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Journey along The Silk Road – a 6-week history of Exploration, Trade, Culture and Exchange

This course is re-run of the Spring term course: Embark on a fascinating journey through time and space as we unravel the mysteries and marvels of the Silk Road. This 6-week course offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most significant trade routes in history, tracing its origins, evolution, and enduring legacy. From the bustling marketplaces of ancient cities to the cross-cultural exchanges that shaped empires, we will delve into the rich tapestry of cultures, economies, and ideas that flourished along this ancient network of trade routes. This course will offer a rich interdisciplinary exploration of the Silk Road, drawing on historical texts, archaeological evidence, visual media, and discussion to deepen understanding of its pivotal influence in world history.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00018509
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £48.00

History: When Peace broke out-the austerity years 1945-1951

From the viewpoint of 80 years after the end of the second world war this six -week course will allow learners to revisit the immediate post war world. We will examine the transformation of Britain from May 1945 through to 1951. The course will cover the pivotal 1945 general election, the extensive social changes, (including the establishment of the NHS and the welfare state) and the economic challenges faced by the country during the austerity years. Through a combination of secondary and primary source analysis, and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the immediate post-war period shaped modern Britain. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 27/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00019815
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Philosophy: Great Contemporary Moral Issues 2

There are several issues which are of great moral concern in contemporary society. This course considers some of these issues. The issues are Immigration, Capital Punishment, World Hunger, Economic Justice, and War. We’ll arrive to begin with at an understanding of the issue and then consider some of the academic discussion surrounding it. No prior specialist knowledge is required to attend this course.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 21/05/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
The Cornerstone (Wokingham)
Norreys Avenue
Wokingham
RG40 1UE
Tutor:
Karim Esmail
Course code:
Q00017429
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£50.00

Psychology: Perspectives on Mental Health Part 2 (online)

We will explore the meaning and our experience of mental distress from four very different viewpoints; the Biological or medical model, various psychological approaches, the societal perspective and a spiritual one. Each has something to offer, none has the whole story. This is an introductory level course, so no previous knowledge is assumed. It is suitable for those on a recovery journey, for those seeking to use their own experience to help others or for those simply curious about mental health. It follows on from part 1 but it is not essential to have completed that to do this course. Teaching is a mix of short presentations of key ideas, challenging open questions and lots of open discussion in small groups online.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 28/05/2025
Times:
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kevin Walker
Course code:
Q00019524
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£44.40

Gardening Practical: Preparing and Sowing

This practical course is to be run at the Parkstone Day Centre in Poole and is designed to empower adults with learning difficulties to develop their gardening skills and confidence in preparing and sowing seeds. The course will focus on providing a supportive and enjoyable environment, where participants can learn new skills, socialise, and take home their own seedlings. Who is this course for? This course is designed specifically for adults with learning difficulties who want to develop their gardening skills and confidence. No prior experience is necessary, as the course is tailored to meet the needs of each participant.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017345
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £151.20

History: Famous Russian Women Shaping World History & Culture

This course will aim to explore the lives of some extraordinary Russian women and their contributions to World History and Culture through various mediums. The women mentioned is this course not only contributed heavily to Russian history and culture but also the world.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 18/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
The Priory (Ware)
High Street
Ware
SG12 9AL
Tutor:
Marina Burrell
Course code:
Q00019079
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £67.20