Courses in London & Online

Both victorious and defeated powers saw their empires dwindle as a consequences of the Second World War. This course looks at the fall of these empires in the period 1940-1991 and also at how the Cold War led to new spheres of influence and opportunities for domination, and the factors that gave rise to these.

Explore reasons for the fall of Rome and the emergence of the ‘barbarian’ kingdoms of western Europe. Was it really ‘the Dark Ages’? Were the Vikings simply long-haired tourists who occasionally beat up the natives?

Literature provides a very effective springboard into the understanding of the developing notions of selfhood and human nature in the history of ideas and philosophy sharpens our understanding of literature within the broader context of this history.

The course examines the postwar political, economic and social consensus in Britain in the 30 years after the Second World and the extent to which there was continuity in successive government policies.

What are the ends and means of politics? Interweaving modern history and politics with key philosophical texts, study and debate the ideas, ideologies and concepts underpinning our thinking about the organisation of society.

Beyond Good and Evil, is a one of the greatest, most famous and unsettling works of philosophy. A groundbreaking work that challenges conventional morality, truth, and values, it sets the agenda for much of modern philosophy and critical theory. This reading group offers an opportunity to explore Nietzsche’s critique of traditional philosophy and his vision for a “philosophy of the future.”.

This course explores the forces that shaped London between the coming of the Normans and the age of



the Tudors.

The First World War didn’t erupt overnight—it was the result of decades of tensions, miscalculations, and fatal decisions. This course explores the long-term rivalries, shifting alliances, and short-term crises that led Europe to the brink in 1914. How did political ambitions, military strategies, and diplomatic failures push the world into an unprecedented conflict? Join us as we unravel the complex path to war and ask: was the catastrophe inevitable, or could history have taken a different turn?

Join us for an introduction to the major themes of imperial history in the past 200 years of African history, where we will contextualise many of the trends and challenges in the continent today and view Africa in a new light.

Heard about the Sumerians and want to know more? In this course we will explore the first great civilisation of Mesopotamia, and of the world as a whole.

Discover the rise of Humanism in the 14th and 15th centuries through Montaigne’s pioneering ideas on self-reflection. Explore how his philosophy connected medieval and modern thought, shaping the way we understand personal identity and human experience.