Culture, history & humanities

Explore Culture, History & Humanities Courses

Explore our extraordinary range of History, Culture and Writing courses and lectures. We offer both introductory and specialist in-depth courses to suit all levels of interest and experience, from ‘How to read a film’ and World literature, to Creative non-fiction writing courses and American history and Politics courses.

Our tutors are experts in their fields and experienced educators; many have published, teach in universities or share their expertise in the media. Tutors share their knowledge and passion through presentations, readings, interactive discussion and exercises, analysis, and other activities.

Many students return to take more courses, telling us they enjoy being part of our City Lit Learning community.

Our popular courses often sell out quickly, so we invite you to browse and book your place now.

Courses available both in-person and online

We offer a range of long and short courses allowing you to choose between in-person and online learning.

Learn in the centre of London with our in-person courses. Our purpose-built facilities in Covent Garden mean we are ideally located and easy to get to. 

See our guide to online learning for more information about accessing our live online courses.

All our courses are live, interactive, and taught by expert tutors. No matter how you prefer to learn, we've got the class for you.

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  1. Study day: Rembrandt and 17th century printmaking
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sun 8 Dec 2024

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Caroline Rae
    Rembrandt, one of the most famous painters of the Dutch Republic, was also an innovative printmaker. He produced a large oeuvre of printed works, which in their expressive effect and astounding use of light can be considered artworks which rival his paintings. This course will offer a deep dive into Rembrandt’s practice and the seventeenth century Netherlands to explore how he experimented with the medium. Rembrandt as a collector of prints will also be discussed.
    Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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  2. Film studies taster
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sun 8 Dec 2024 (and 4 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Jon Wisbey
    This taster of forthcoming film courses at City Lit in 2025 offers you the chance to think about which ones to take while also providing an opportunity to explore some of the key areas in film studies more generally.



    Learn how to evaluate and discuss films while enjoying a working example of a City Lit film studies class.



    We will view clips from a wide variety of films, exploring themes and technique in British, European and modern American cinema. There will be a chance to review term two film courses at City Lit (January - July 2025).



    This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
    Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00
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  3. Lamp-lit Hampstead
    Last Few Places, Weekend
    Course start date:  Sun 8 Dec 2024

    Location on this date:  Off Site

    Tutors:  Marilyn Greene
    Discover the mysterious atmosphere to Hampstead on a tour after-dark where the streets are lit by old-fashioned lamps. We will wind through the narrow back streets and catch glimpses of its fascinating history from the glow of lamps and lit buildings. This tour is particularly stunning over the Festive season where subtle Christmas lights add to the effect. We will end at the historic Holly Bush Tavern where we can warm up with a drink!



    Tour starts outside Wagamama 58-62 Heath Street, NW3 1EN Ends Hampstead Tube Station.
    Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
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  4. Ways into screenwriting: getting started
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sun 20 Jul 2025 (and 3 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Clive Ford
    Want to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this online taster course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.



    This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  5. Creative writing: getting started
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sun 12 Jan 2025 (and 8 other dates)

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Sophie McKenzie
    Give creative writing a try on this fun and supportive online short course. Ideal if you want to express yourself but need help in getting started. Guided exercises will encourage you to experiment and unlock your imagination.



    This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
    Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
    Rating:
    95% of 100
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  6. Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00
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  7. Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £110.00
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  8. And the Oscar doesn’t go to…
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sun 26 Jan 2025

    Location on this date:  Keeley Street

    Tutors:  Graham Rinaldi
    Come and join us at the Cultureplex during awards season. We will watch a film from three directors, three actors and three actresses, who have been nominated on multiple occasions but have never achieved an academy award in their respective categories. Each film will be introduced, placed in both its cinematic, cultural and historic context. After the screening we will devote the rest of the class to a collective exploration of the film, led by the tutor, but involving everyone in a participatory discussion that will allow all to express their responses, their views, their thoughts on the film screened.
    Full fee £324.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £211.00
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  9. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  10. Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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  11. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  12. Focus on: Dürer
    Weekend
    Course start date:  Sun 2 Feb 2025

    Location on this date:  Online

    Tutors:  Leslie Primo
    Explore the life, works, and legacy of one of the most innovative German artists of his time: Albrecht Dürer. See how he assimilated the art of Venice into his style and exploited the possibilities of print.



    This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
    Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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  13. Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00
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  14. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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  15. Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
    Rating:
    76% of 100
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