History, Culture & Writing
We offer an extraordinary range of courses during the day, in the evening and at weekends, from the most popular subjects to the completely unique, including film studies, creative and non-fiction writing courses and American history courses. Many of our tutors are nationally recognised in their fields, including published authors, and practising professionals in the media. As a learner you can also benefit from our partnerships with organisations such as the British Film Institute and close links with The British Museum, the London Transport Museum and many others.
Many of our courses are delivered online. For more information about our live online courses, please see our guide to online learning.
- Isis, Mithras and Christ: iconography and mythologyCourse Date: Wed 14 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
An introduction to the essential belief structures, iconography, and mythology of three widespread ancient religions of the Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £109.00 - Writing fictionCourse Date: Mon 19 Apr 2021 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Lovers of fiction can develop their creative writing skills on this practical intermediate course. You'll explore the fundamentals of fiction writing craft such as character and structure, and unlock your imagination to produce compelling prose. Suitable for those with some creative writing experience.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £80.00 - Ways into playwritingCourse Date: Mon 19 Apr 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Explore the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage in this introductory course. Get to grips with dialogue, character, story and structure, and start work on your own play.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £80.00 - The 60 minute writerCourse Date: Tue 20 Apr 2021 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Fit creative writing into your busy day: a relaxed, informal rolling programme for writers of all levels of experience who enjoy being thrown new ideas and experimenting with poetry and prose.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £40.00 - Ways into creative writing: an introductionCourse Date: Tue 20 Apr 2021 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Not sure whether creative writing is for you? Give it a try on one of these fun and supportive short courses covering the basics of fiction and poetry. Increase your confidence and produce work through guided exercises and discussion.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £52.00 - More current affairsCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Continue your exploration of current affairs through lively, informed discussion. Run as a tutor-moderated discussion group of current news events. This course follows on from 'Current affairs' but new students are welcome. Tutor: Michael Bloomfield.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £169.00 Senior fee £135.00 Concession £74.00 - Writing for magazinesCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Get inspired to write on this practical course for freelance journalists and bloggers. Learn to carry out research, interview people, pitch and publish stories, and build your presence on social media.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £52.00 - Modern France: from the Paris Commune to the Vichy RegimeCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
After uncertain beginnings, the Third republic managed to survive numerous crises until the defeat of 1940 sealed its fate. (Re)discover this exciting period, its actors and how their policies shaped modern France.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £70.00 - Writing fantasy storiesCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
In the quest to write fantasy fiction, the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Whether you've spent the last eight years binge-watching Game of Thrones or favoured the Earthsea trilogy over revision text books in your teenage years, this fun short course offers the perfect introduction for those with a passion for writing fantasy stories.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £84.00 - Novels of Jane Austen: Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and PersuasionCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
This online literature course explores three novels by Jane Austen: Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. We will focus on developing an appreciation of the nuances of Austen’s language and its effects, alongside engaging with the literary, historical and critical contexts of these novels, and how they may illuminate our understanding of them.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £103.00 Concession £79.00 - Public Enemies, Screen Heroes: the gangster filmCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Forever associated with American cinema, the gangster film is also a major genre in European and East Asian cinemas. Through a range of examples this course explores the gangster film in American, British, French and Japanese cinema, looking at themes such as the representation of the gangster, violence, masculinity and style, and the key features of the genre in each of these production contexts.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £115.00 - US history for beginnersCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
This course offers a brief examination of, and introduction to, the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the United States, 1608 - 2001.
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 £35.00 - The symmetry of things: an introduction to group theoryCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Symmetry lies close to the heart of art, design, science and nature. This course embeds the abstract study of this subject in the arts and sciences, providing an accessible taste of modern mathematics.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £140.00 - Short story writingCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
A hands-on introduction to the art of writing short stories. You will receive technical advice, creative exercises to generate ideas, and feedback to develop your writing skills.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £84.00 - Ways into poetryCourse Date: Wed 21 Apr 2021 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Relatively new to writing poetry? This inspiring course offers an opportunity to experiment with language and a variety of poetic devices alongside fellow emerging poets. Discover the key elements of a poem in a friendly and interactive class.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £84.00
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