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.
- Understanding the modern worldCourse Date: Mon 12 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Explore the ideas of four key thinkers whose ideas have vitally shaped our world. Examine their views on morality, meaning, the role and status of women, human nature, political and economic injustice and much more.
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 - Refugees in modern and contemporary European historyCourse Date: Mon 12 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
According to numerous political parties, social media influencers and media outlets across Europe, ‘we’ are currently being ‘flooded’ by especially Muslim refugees and immigrants who either want to exploit ‘our’ welfare policies or pose terrorist threats. This course uses this backdrop to explore the theme of refugees in modern history from the middle of the 19th century onwards.
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 - Japanese philosophyCourse Date: Mon 12 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Japanese philosophy extends well beyond Zen, with several philosophical traditions including that of the modern Kyoto School. Developing distinct cultural, aesthetic and political concepts, Japanese philosophers offer a rich field of thought.
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 - Philosophy and the meaning of lifeCourse Date: Mon 12 Apr 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Some philosophers have insisted that philosophy should explain the meaning of our existence. What does it mean for us to be? And how then should we live? This course examines some seriously philosophical answers.
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 £229.00 Concession £140.00 - Craft focus: writing a strong story openingCourse Date: Mon 12 Apr 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
To get your reader’s attention, a great opening is essential. But do you pique their interest with a quirky phrase? Explode your story into action? Or build slow-burning intrigue? Find the perfect start for your story with this fun, interactive course. Suitable for those interested in writing short fiction and novels.
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 £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Grammar for ancient languages: an introductionCourse Date: Tue 13 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Suitable for complete beginners of ancient languages. Become familiar with the key grammar terminology and concepts that will enhance your learning. Highly recommended if you are starting to learn an ancient or classical language.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £18.00 - 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 - American “Losers”: The people who didn’t win a US Presidential electionCourse Date: Thu 15 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
From Thomas Dewey to Donald Trump we chart the men, and one woman, who lost a post-war presidential election. What brought them so close to being the most powerful person on earth, and what stopped them? Some were already Presidents and failed in re-election: some were heirs apparent who unexpectedly fell at the last hurdle; and others were long shots. What can we learn about them and the United States in the last seventy-five years?
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £49.00 Concession £22.00 - The Emergence of Barbarian Europe, 250-800 ADCourse Date: Thu 15 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
In 400 AD, the Roman Empire covered roughly the same area as it had in 100 AD. By 500 AD, all the Western Provinces of the Empire had been overrun by barbarians. Britain had vanished into a long darkness. Rome itself was ruled by a barbarian king. Over the next few centuries, there would be a fusion of Roman and barbarian culture, mediated and often imposed by the Roman Catholic Church. From this fusion, all the modern nation states of Western Europe date their emergence.
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 £103.00 - A taste of poetryCourse Date: Sat 17 Apr 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
This short, fun taster course is the perfect starting point for students who are writing for the first time or new to the poetry path. Join us for two evenings of thought-provoking writing exercises and poetry theory for beginners.
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 £69.00 Concession £28.00 - 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 - Writing about foodCourse Date: Mon 19 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Love food and want to write about it? Whether you’re keen to review dishes, interview chefs or write about sustainable eating, now is your chance. This course will cover writing for established publications, websites and, of course, blogs.
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 £179.00 Concession £72.00 - Developing your screenwritingCourse Date: Mon 19 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Continue your screenwriting journey in this practical intermediate course. Writing exercises, presentations and screenings will teach you key skills, and you’ll begin to produce work and an outline for a full-length project.
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 - Living and dying in 14th Century EnglandCourse Date: Mon 19 Apr 2021
Location on this date: Online
Was it a poker or prayer that killed Edward II? His great-grandson, Richard II, produced the first English cookery book and yet he was also deposed and murdered. Were his recipes that bad?
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 - 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
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