LeisureCourses.net – short courses & residential study breaks in great locations

Accounts of exploitation, abuses of human rights and freedoms as well as unnecessary deprivation reach the media with increasing frequency. This course will consider the efforts of international development organisations and the effectiveness of international legal agreements in giving the world's most deprived a change to challenge injustices.

Who wants to be a millionaire and eradicate national debt? 300 years ago people inflated the South Sea Company into a wondrous bubble. Scene-setters are Alexander Pope and John Gay, before we explore three resulting landscapes. A founder and Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Aislabie, created the sublime Studley Royal. Political winner, Robert Walpole stamped his ego across Houghton, while his virtuoso Norfolk neighbour but loser, Thomas Coke, postponed his Palladian and naturalised Holkham.

Using graphology, the study of personality through handwriting, we will explore villains and their motivation and will also look at the contrast in the writing of those who are decent and fair. It should be a revealing course that can be followed up by a course to delve deeper into this fascinating subject.

This course aims to take you beyond simple snapshots, offering you the opportunity to capture pictures that have more personal meaning and individuality. You will be encouraged to explore many of the camera's controls in a logical sequence that is easy to remember and repeat.

This course will begin with an introduction to Applied Psychology in work settings by taking a context based approach. Students will be introduced to the development of Applied Psychology and will then see how various psychological theories help our understanding of, and contribute to explaining, human behaviour in the workplace. We will look at the application of Psychology in the context of organisational behaviour, including leadership, working in groups, and employee motivation, satisfaction and wellbeing. There will be a different…

There are currently thought to be about 6 million species alive on the planet. This diversity is extraordinary, but how did all these species come to be and what causes one species to change into another? In this course we will explore the concepts of evolution by natural selection and view the natural world in an evolutionary light. We will follow the development of Darwin's theory into modern evolutionary biology.

This online course is designed to introduce students to the field of international development. Participants will develop knowledge of contemporary issues and themes, such as poverty and livelihoods, global food security, aid, urbanisation, and sustainable development, and will be encouraged to think critically in looking at a variety of case studies and examples of international development from around the world. The course will be interactive in nature, combining discussion forums, real-time one-to-one and group discussions and an online interactive seminar.

Humans are very social animals and this course is about why that is and how our social minds work. How did social behaviour evolve? What does it mean to have 'social skills' and why do some people have better social skills than others? And if we are such sociable creatures - why are we often so horrible to each other?

The award-winning Sacconi Quartet will perform a programme of wonderful music: Mozart’s String Quartet in D major K499, Sibelius’s Moderato and Allegro appassionato and Schubert’s String Quartet in G major. The Quartet performs with style and commitment and is known throughout the world for its creativity and integrity of interpretation.

One of the most popular and fashionable forms of entertainment in the 1920s and '30s was the revue, which provided humorous, fast-moving and sophisticated sketches and songs on topical themes. The early revues concentrated on music and spectacle; but gradually they became more intimate, emphasissing wit and style, as perfomers like Noel Coward joined-in. Come and hear what they were like in their hey day and find out what happened to them afterwards.

What answers come from having more life? In this course, an alternative picture will be considered to the dogmatic view of eternal life as 'more life'. Through retrospective analysis of the teachings of Christ and that of 19th and 20th century philosophers, we will expose a profound and equally valid interpretation of eternal life as mortality.

This one day course, with 15 great quality wines, explores how your wine preferences are influenced by your taste buds! Discover why you prefer certain styles and how wine and food work best together. We also cover how to spot common wine faults, how glass shapes change the way wines taste, plus tips for ordering at restaurants. Gain the knowledge to drink better wine without spending more! Participants have the option of booking Saturday night dinner, bed and breakfast at…

A really inspirational course for students with existing skills. Come and experiment with some cutting edge ideas. We take our lead from the best contemporary florists in the world and will use new techniques and innovations to develop and create beautiful designs.

Oliver Cromwell, the only commoner ever to become supreme head of a British state, has always produced deep divisions of opinion, between those who view him as one of the greatest of Britons, to those who see him as a usurper, tyrant and fanatic. This lecture is designed to show why Cromwell is such a complex figure and to provide its own assessment of his character.

Nefertiti is arguably the most famous queen of pharaonic Egypt. Her bust displayed in Berlin is iconic. She was the Chief Royal Wife of the Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten (c1352-c1336 BC), and together they continue to fascinate. Intriguing changes appear in the art and religion of this period of Egypt’s history – peculiar representations of the royal family, and an attempt at monotheism in what was traditionally a polytheistic society. The female members of this royal family were exceptional. In…

How do planets form? Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? In the first of a new series of astronomy day schools, we will explore the planets and other rocky bodies of our solar system, catch up on the rapidly advancing hunt for planets around other stars, and discuss the origins of life and the prospects for finding it in the solar system and beyond. No previous astronomy experience is needed, and each astronomy day is self-contained so you are…

Join Chris Howes for a whirlwind journey through pianos and their musical sounds - from the harpsichord and spinet to the concert grand. Our music includes the wit and wonder of composers and star musicians, including Franz Liszt, Jane Austin and her ‘square’ piano, Horowitz, Duke Ellington, Ravel and more.

We are at the cusp of significant changes in both thinking and delivering 'international assistance' as a result of the new set of targets known as the Sustainable Development Goals. With reference to case studies, this course explores the consequences of the changes ahead by looking in turn at the criteria and targets set for each goal, what they mean for policy makers, and for individual countries how the successes and failures of the new targets are determined.

As the race for the Presidency hots up, are you baffled by the role religion continues to play in American life? This course will set you straight. Learn about the history that has shaped American religious sensibilities, explore the data of religious practice today, and enter the American mind.

Kate Semmens, soprano, with harpsichordists Colin Booth and Steven Devine. To conclude this year's weekend course, a celebration of the three most famous Baroque composers, all born in 1685 - Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti. This concert will feature two beautiful double-manual harpsichords in addition to Kate Semmens’ radiant voice.

What better place to learn about empires than Dillington, the home of Lord North, the Prime Minister when Britain lost the US colonies?! This is a course for Open University A326 students. The objectives are: revision; preparing TMA06 and the EMA; and creating a supportive atmosphere. The course is based on lectures, films and discussions. No check will be made to see if Lord North has turned in his grave! Please note this course is run independently of the Open…

Controversial, provocative and endlessly quotable, the films of Quentin Tarantino are celebrated and criticised in equal measure. This day course will take a close look the director’s style, influences and central themes. What makes his work so successful but so divisive? If you’ve ever wondered what a reservoir dog is, this is the course for you!

This weekend course is aimed at Open University A334 students. The course will cover the study of prose, poetry and drama from Shakespeare to Austen. We will consolidate what you have learned on the module so far and help you gain new insights. We will be considering texts from a variety of genres in their historical and ideological contexts, as well as the focus of critical discussions. Special attention will be paid to the material to be covered in TMA05…

There is no doubt that natural habitats and the species they contain are under severe threat from human disturbance; from tropical rainforests to the polar ice-caps, no area of the planet has escaped. In this course, we will explore key issues in modern conservation. Rather than bemoaning losses, we will focus on what can be done to protect what is left of the world's biodiversity.

A sumptuously illustrated talk about the work of six British ‘expedition artists’ who travelled with some of the world’s great explorers from the C18th to C20th. You will see wonderful illustrations by William Hodges, David Roberts, Edward Wilson, Thomas Moran, Thomas Baines and Conrad Martens, accompanied by Brian’s stunning images from 5 continents. A true visual treat for art lovers and armchair travellers!

Have you ever wondered about planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, dark matter, vacuum energy, or if we are alone in the Universe? If so, this non-mathematical introductory course on modern astronomy is for you. The course will take the form of a tour starting in our solar system and ending at the limit of our view of the Universe.

What is the Enlightenment? What was its promise and has it failed? The Enlightenment ushered in a modern era of belief in progress through reason and science. This course is an opportunity to participate in the great philosophical debate over the promise of Enlightenment.

This one day course will take you through the process of developing a simple web application that uses Java and HTML services. The course will consist of a number of programming lab sessions which step through the process of editing, assembling and running a simple program. By the end of the course you should be able run the program on your PC/Mac or SmartPhone and will have a better idea of the basic steps of programming, compiling and testing a…

This short course aims to provide participants with an insight into design, design thinking and how that translates into a design process through a variety of disciplines. In developing an open way of thinking about design, problem solving, and design process, participants will be able to connect with design in a variety of active ways; for example, design analysis, developing design objectives, exploring and developing conceptual design, producing a design solution, and discussing issues that surround and affect designed outcomes.…

This course is designed specifically for Open University students studying A300 and preparing for the End-of-Module Assessment (EMA). Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for detailed analysis of the relevant texts, as well as full discussion of theoretical issues and approaches to writing and structuring the extended essay. There will also be a chance for some discussion of TMA06 for those who have not quite finished it. Please note this course is run independently of the Open University.

This wide-ranging, practical introduction to geology, with a field trip, is an opportunity to study many different rocks, minerals and fossils. We will also see the part played by volcanoes and earthquakes, mountains and oceans in the making of Britain on its long journey from south of the equator to its present position.

From exploding stars to dark matter, join us for a non-mathematical exploration of some of the strangest places in the Universe. Each session will introduce a type of astronomical object (e.g. pulsars, quasars, supernovae), then we will investigate its extreme behaviour and explore how it fits into our understanding of the lives of stars and galaxies.

Do animals have moral standing? How ought we treat the environment? What ethics do we need in a consumer society? This course offers an introduction to the basic positions in normative ethics, namely virtue ethics, deontology and utilitarianism, and then looks at some ethical issues of pressing contemporary concern. It is a stimulating introduction to the use of ethical thinking in everyday life.

A half-day course practising Benjaminised Acol, the system of weak twos in the majors and strong twos in the minors, which is a very popular convention for players with some experience who want to increase their competitive edge and enjoy the benefits resulting from adding this very competitive tool to their bridge knowledge.

For over twenty years the Gould Piano Trio have remained at the forefront of the chamber music scene, and we are very excited to welcome them to Dillington. The programme for this concert will include Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Cello in C Major, Mozart’s Trio in G Major K564 and Beethoven’s Archduke Trio.

Aiming to take you beyond simple snapshots, this course offers you the opportunity to capture images that have personal meaning and individuality, from people to landscapes, architecture, nature, people, still life or movement. If you want to have control over your camera and get the best results through digital manipulation using Photoshop Elements, then this course is for you.

This course is designed specifically for Open University students studying AA316 and preparing for the examination. Its purpose is to revise and consolidate the work that has been done on the nineteenth-century novel, and to examine ways of turning that work to the best effect in the examination. Skills of close analysis will be practised, along with study of the theoretical material, and discussion of the key themes of the module. The structure of the examination will be looked at…

You think The Producers is hilarious? Or do you think: "well, talk about bad taste!". Maybe you think that Annie Hall is Woody Allen's greatest film, or Manhattan, or Zelig, or Crimes and Misdemeanors...? Very different in their comedy personae, Woody and Mel both started their professional careers writing for Sid Caesar in the 1950s. Both Jewish New Yorkers were from immigrant families but their humour crossed into and then influenced the mainstream. Let's find out how, and why...

Taoism is an ancient Chinese school of thought concerning human existence. We will examine the ideas of Taoist thinkers like Lao-tzu, Chuang-tzu, and others to see how their views about the Tao, return, no-mind, and non-activity/naturalness provide a philosophy of the human condition.

Are you intrigued by quantum weirdness or the idea of faster-than-light travel? This day course will introduce you to the ideas that revolutionised physics in the 20th century, and will explore how these ideas can be applied, from understanding volcanoes to navigating with GPS systems.

This online course will introduce participants to the discipline of psychology by taking a context-based approach. Participants will be introduced to the history of psychology in the first week and will then see how various psychological approaches help our understanding of human behaviour in the following weeks. The course will introduce various fields within psychology, including environmental, social, developmental and health psychology. Within each of these fields particular topic areas will be explored.

This course addresses the question of how fossils record evolution through an exploration of the nature of the fossil record. From a look at the initial discovery and interpretation of fossils we will examine the emergence of their modern interpretation as the remains of once living organisms. This reveals the biased and fragmentary nature of the fossil record, which presented a considerable problem to Charles Darwin and is still being resolved today with new techniques of investigation. We will outline…

Globalisation has had a profound impact on the world. Technological developments and progress in communication and transport technologies have reshaped the way we interact. While globalisation encompasses a number of different aspects, in this course the focus is primarily on economic globalisation and its impact on international development. Using a number of case studies and empirical examples, course participants will develop a critical understanding of how globalisation affects international development and whether it has led to the world becoming a…

Why have films based on Hardy's novels proved so popular, and do they enrich or diminish their originals? We focus especially on Far From the Madding Crowd and Tess of the d'Urbervilles, two of his masterpieces, and consider the strengths and limitations of particular film versions, as well as the whole notion of literary adaptation.

We live in the digital world where emerging technologies have infiltrated everyday life. Have you ever wondered how our concept of identity has been redefined and how much influence social media has on your decisions? Come and explore the impact of emerging technologies on human behaviour and the future of humans.

Through talks and group discussions, we will explore the evolution of life on planet Earth: from the first replicating molecules to the evolution of 'superorganisms'. We will discuss what we mean by 'life' and the key processes that have led to such a bewildering diversity of species that share our planet. This day-school will provide a taster for anyone considering enrolling in Certificate or Diploma courses in evolutionary biology or genetics.

Why do we expect the Sun to keep shining for the next few billion years? What will happen after that? Are we really made of stardust? In our second astronomy day school, we will investigate the science of stars, explore how they form, why they live for so long, and what happens after they die. No previous astronomy experience is needed, and each astronomy day is self-contained so you are welcome to attend one or more.

Where do I come from? In this course, you will learn how scientists are now answering this question at a number of time levels. Palaeontologists explore our distant past with fossils, geneticists find out about our direct ancestors using ancient and modern DNA, and forensic scientists use ancestry tests and parentage tests in their day-to-day casework. The course content spans the past 800,000 years including Neanderthals and the birth of our human species, the origins of the British, and individual…

This course is for people who would like to know about keeping honey bees and to decide if beekeeping would be a suitable intention. Beekeepers within their first two years of keeping honey bees may also find this day beneficial.  This may be an opportunity to broaden your beekeeping skills as many aspects of beekeeping will be covered.

This one-day course will introduce participants to the fascinating world of genetics; from the basics of how genes code for proteins to the role that modern sequencing methods can play in personalised medicine. This course is a good taster session for those interested in taking the Certificate in Genetics.

Italian Renaissance design and intricacies arrived in Britain via France and the Low Countries, manifesting a revolutionary attitude to the 'taming' of nature. We compare Tudor England with Stuart Scotland. We explore gardens as settings for collections of antique sculpture, courtly dalliance, philosophical discussion, meditation, theatre, allegorical and moral instruction, horticultural encyclopaedias and centres for botanical and medical research.

Classes take place in the morning so there is plenty of time to practice your moves before you hit the dance floor each evening. There will also be the chance to dress up for a special dinner, after which you can sit back, relax and be dazzled as James and Leila take to the floor to entertain you with their stunning showcase. As well as social dancing there will also be time to enjoy some optional activities during the day…

Music for Guitars and Harpsichord. Peter Reuffer (Guitar) & Adrian Boynton (Harpsichord) with special guest Lydia Hepworth (Guitar). A programme spanning 300 years including works by Bach, Marcello, Boccherini, Brouwer & Michel Legrand.

Trond Davidson, Jarl Stromdal & Arne Brattland, programme includes works by Ginastera, Guastavino & Villa Lobos.

Mark Ashford (Guitar), David Le Page (violin) & Nick Stringfellow (Cello). Programme includes works by Vivaldi, Paganini, Piazzolla & Albeinz.

Marek Veleminsky, Vaclav Kucera, Matej Fremi & Patrick Vacik. Programme includes works by Britten, Prokofiev & Stepan Rak.

With special guest Peter Reuffer (Guitar), Programme features Branco's lyrical guitar compositions and Folk music from Serbia.

Railways and trains are a “natural” material for movies. As the settings for story films they are numbered in dozens, with many set in the era of steam. We shall see ten having the greatest railway content, made between 1930 and 1974, and we shall learn the background to each being made. This nostalgic and entertaining presentation will show many familiar faces from the past, and will delight enthusiasts both for British films and for railways.

Learn how to create simple cartoons and caricatures and go home with a bank of visual jokes that you can share with family and friends.  Cartoon figures, showing movement and expression will be built into cartoon situations.  Following the tutor, you will learn how to combine your wit and drawing skills. Just book your place and pack your sense of humour.  

This course will begin with an introduction to Applied Psychology in work settings by taking a context based approach. Students will be introduced to the development of Applied Psychology and will then see how various psychological theories help our understanding of, and contribute to explaining, human behaviour in the workplace. We will look at the application of Psychology in the context of organisational behaviour, including leadership, working in groups, and employee motivation, satisfaction and wellbeing. There will be a different…

The course will explore the fascinating topic of forensic science. In the first week participants will be introduced to a crime scene and each week will examine a piece of evidence relating to a suspected poisoning. As the course progresses participants will have to decide, based on the evidence collected: was a crime committed? What happened at the crime scene and who committed the crime? The topics explored during this course will include an introduction to toxicology including poison and…

The magnificent Coull Quartet offers a rare combination of maturity and freshness and we are delighted that they are once more returning to Dillington. For this year’s concert their programme includes Mozart’s Quartet in E-flat major K428, Shostakovich’s Quartet No. 11 Opus 122 and Dvořák’s Quartet No. 9 in D minor Opus 34.

This online course is designed to introduce students to the field of international development. Participants will develop knowledge of contemporary issues and themes, such as poverty and livelihoods, global food security, aid, urbanisation, and sustainable development, and will be encouraged to think critically in looking at a variety of case studies and examples of international development from around the world. The course will be interactive in nature, combining discussion forums, real-time one-to-one and group discussions and an online interactive seminar.

Make 8-10 bars of your very own soap using oils, aromatic herbs and dried flower petals to life winter spirits.

A taster day to explore various standup comedy techniques including writing comedy, timing and delivery.

How can humanity evolve, and learn to work together? This weekend of collaborative enquiry will reveal ways to grow our “Whole Intelligence”