Online British & Irish History Courses
Examine the stories, people and events that have shaped Britain and Ireland with City Lit’s online British and Irish history courses. From medieval kingdoms and Tudor monarchs to modern politics and cultural movements, our expert-led courses offer fresh insight into the rich and complex histories of these islands.
Explore a wide range of topics including social history, political change, empire, rebellion, migration, and cultural identity. Whether you’re interested in the Wars of the Roses, the impact of industrialisation, Irish independence or the suffrage movement, our flexible online courses provide the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding — wherever you are.
Our courses are open to adults of all ages, whether you're just beginning your exploration of history or looking to expand your existing knowledge. With live interactive sessions, group discussions and tutor feedback, you’ll study in a supportive and engaging environment.
Explore our online British and Irish history courses today and connect with the past that continues to shape the present.
- The life and times of Queen AnneCourse start date: Fri 17 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: William SterlingQueen Anne was the last of the Stuarts and suffered much personal tragedy but she ruled over an increasingly prosperous nation that had unprecedented military success in Europe under the Duke of Marlborough
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00 - From the Great Depression to VE Day: Britain 1929 to 1945Course start date: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: David IngledewThe course examines the main developments in British politics, economy and society between 1929 and 1945 from the Great Depression to the 1945 Labour landslide.
Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - Scottish history: Renaissance, Regency and Regicide: The Stewart Dynasty, c.1371-c.1603.Course start date: Wed 22 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Linsey HunterThe course is about politics, culture, warfare and religion from c.1371, the reign of the first Stewart monarch, Robert II, to the Union of the Crowns and the loss of Scottish dynastic independence in c.1603 under James VI, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - 19th Century Britian and Ireland: Parliament, People and Protest 1812-1832Course start date: Wed 16 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: David IngledewExplore the main developments in British political history between 1812-1832 from the formation of Lord Liverpool’s government to the Great Reform Act.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - The life and times of King George ICourse start date: Fri 18 Sep 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: William SterlingFrom being the ruler of an obscure German electorate George I suddenly became king of on the most powerful nations in the world in his fifties. He was never popular in his new kingdom but established a constitutional monarchy which has survived to today. Explore his life and world on this interactive lecture course
Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £71.00 Concession £58.00 - The life and times of King William and Queen MaryCourse start date: Fri 13 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: William SterlingFollowing the attempt by James II to re-establish Catholicism in Britain his daughter and son-in-law were invited to oust him to protect the Protestant church. To do so they had to grant more power to Parliament.
Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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