Starting a humanities course is the beginning of a rich and rewarding journey
Our students often tell us that studying the humanities at City Lit enriched their lives in ways they didn’t expect. They say that they found community, connections, and new ways to grow intellectually. Some have even nicknamed our Humanities department “home”, returning to study with us time and time again.
What’s more, you don’t have to live in London to do a humanities course at City Lit. Last year, more than 2,000 students joined us for online courses in History, Philosophy and Literature, as well as Art History, Film Studies, Politics, and more. Our humanities community now extends across the UK and overseas.
But why should you study the humanities — what are the benefits to your life and learning journey?
What’s the point of taking a humanities course?
Studying the humanities is an education in what it truly means to be human. It equips us with a greater sense of what we can achieve together with our shared intelligence and creativity. It shows us that we are part of an ongoing story we can all contribute to.
You'll gain a better understanding of our world
Immersing ourselves in the history and culture of our world better equips us to understand the challenges facing societies today. It also deepens our appreciation of what matters the most in our own lives. Across all our humanities courses, we aim to help our learners develop confidence, skills, and fresh perspectives that transcend any one subject.
- For instance, literature courses can provide us with rich insights into human behaviour and relationships. In connecting with voices from the past, we can hear echoes of our own deepest hopes, fears and aspirations.
- And when we study history, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in, how we arrived at our present moment, and what lessons from the past might be applied to our future.
- Finally, exploring philosophy shows us how the questions we’re still grappling with today have been debated by great thinkers for centuries. This includes issues of social justice, power and responsibility, as well as the search for meaning and personal fulfilment.
You'll learn to ask the right questions and think critically
Beyond literature, history and philosophy, we offer a full range of humanities courses at City Lit. Whichever you choose, studying the humanities will help you to sharpen your critical thinking skills and learn how to ask the right questions.
You’ll also gain a richer understanding of our world’s art and culture.
What our humanities students are saying about us
Our learners have told us that studying the humanities at City Lit helped them to:
- Reconnect with education after feeling underserved by it in the past.
- Develop their understanding of global dynamics.
- Reignite interests they had when they were younger.
- Understand their family history and heritage better.
- Improve their academic and study skills.
- Boost their wellbeing.
- Learn about different cultures.
- Research topics of interest more deeply.
This diversity of their responses shows the true value of the humanities. We couldn’t say it better ourselves!
Have you always dreamed of writing your own novel? City Lit’s wide range of online and in-person courses can ignite your passions and turn dreams into reality.
Take an online humanities course at City Lit
We don’t believe that anyone should be excluded from learning because of barriers like location or life commitments. That’s why we offer a wide range of online humanities courses, including literature, history, politics, philosophy, and more.
Our online courses are highly interactive and designed to mimic the in-person classroom experience. Every session is a live seminar with a mixture of tutor presentation, group discussion, and one-to-one conversations with your fellow students, where you’ll have the chance to develop your ideas and explore different perspectives. Everyone is encouraged to keep their cameras on as this helps create a friendly and communal atmosphere.
Studying online doesn’t mean you’ll feel isolated — we’ve designed our Zoom classes to provide the same sense of friendly community and interactivity you would find in the classroom. You’ll also have access to City Lit’s free online resources, including e-books, the JSTOR journal archive, and Digital Theatre’s library of recorded performances.
Which humanities course is right for you?
Since there are so many humanities subjects to choose from, let’s take a quick tour of your options.
Are you fascinated by the past? Our History courses cover a huge range of topics, from medieval London to the Mongol Empire, and from the Anglo-Saxons to the Cold War. While on an Art History course, you can explore the masterpieces of the Renaissance, discover the latest trends in modern art or go on a guided tour of London galleries.
If you’re a movie buff, our Film Studies courses explore the diversity of cinema through the ages, from Hollywood blockbusters to international indie movies. Or maybe fiction, poetry, and drama are more your thing? If so, City Lit offers introductory and advanced Literature courses, covering everything from Shakespeare to Sylvia Plath to contemporary fiction.
Look beyond the headlines and gain a deeper insight into issues facing the world today by studying Politics, Economics & Current Affairs. Or take a Cultural Studies course and explore how writers, filmmakers and artists tackle some of the most pressing concerns facing humanity. Or maybe you’d like to ponder the meaning of life and moral dilemmas? A Philosophy, Religion & Belief course is a chance to discuss the questions that philosophers and thinkers have tackled for centuries.
If you’d like to unearth the secrets of the natural world or explore the mysteries of gravity and the stars, then a Science and Nature course could be for you. While on an Archaeology course, you can go on a journey through the past by studying ancient remains and artefacts. Last but not least, studying Anthropology opens the door to a deeper understanding of religion, rituals, culture, communication, art, and more.
Join an inclusive learning environment
City Lit aims to create a welcoming, inclusive and accessible destination for all adult learners.
If you have support needs, including physical or learning disabilities, our Access and Inclusion team are here to help. We can offer modified learning materials, classroom adaptations, or specialist equipment like orthopaedic chairs, reading boards, Roger On (radio aids), and more. Our team can talk through your needs to find solutions tailored to you, so you can enjoy the full benefits of studying at City Lit.
A humanities course can enrich your life in many ways. You will gain a deeper appreciation of our world’s culture and history, while developing a fresh perspective on key issues facing society today. You’ll also become part of a thriving community of curious and open-hearted learners, all studying with tutors who are experts in their fields. Why not join us?
Explore online and in-person Humanities courses at City Lit
Explore City Lit’s Culture, History & Humanities courses in London and online, including daytime, evening and weekend options. Or connect with our Humanities team directly at humanities@citylit.ac.uk or by calling 020 4582 0414.
