- March 27, 2026
April Weekend Courses
Taught in the beautiful setting of Madingley Hall, our Weekend Courses offer you the opportunity to discover new subjects, learn from some of our finest academics, expand your professional and social networks and become part of a supportive learning community.
You can book to stay in the comfortable rooms at Madingley Hall, with views over the woods, gardens and courtyard. Each en-suite room has wi-fi, TV, phone, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Breakfast is also included.
If you choose to stay nearby, no problem. You’ll still be able to enjoy the grounds during the day and enjoy the award-winning cuisine in our elegant dining hall.
The following courses will run from 24 – 26 April 2026:
The archaeology of Anglo-Saxon Britain
Archaeological techniques and modern scientific methods allow us to re-interpret and reconstruct the Anglo-Saxon landscape, from the end of the Roman period up to the Norman conquest of 1066 – the period often known as ‘The dark Ages’. We will study Anglo-Saxon buildings, dyke systems, cemeteries and the evidence for the development of kingship kingdoms. We will also explore Late Saxon landscapes and the influence of Viking and Danish incursions, along with the development of church and monastic sites. One session will allow for the practical handling of Anglo-Saxon items such as pottery, and other finds from excavations.
Tutor – Professor Stephen Upex, Archaeologist and Landscape Historian
The Making of the Modern Middle East
The Modern Middle East continues to have the power to capture our attention at almost every turn, most recently with serious instability in Iran, the potential for further momentous change in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, and ongoing conflict in Libya, Sudan and Yemen. Yet why does it look as it does today, so frequently turbulent, contradictory and seemingly defiant of explanation? This course focuses on the period from the late 19th century to the present day, exploring the linked themes of religious and social identities, geography, external interventions, resources, and modern development in order to illustrate the highly complex tapestry of history, politics, cultures and peoples.
Tutor – Rupert Wallace, Panel Tutor for University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education
Next steps in creative writing
Fuel your imagination and sharpen your craft with this advanced level course, a natural follow-up for students who have already taken Yes, you can write: an introduction to creative writing, or its equivalent. We’ll be juggling with improbabilities, turning lists, objects, verbs and tenses into stimulating prose that spans both fiction and non-fiction, as well as delving deeper into narrative, imagery and dialogue. Prepare to let your writing inhibitions and worries go and simply bask once more in the leisure of creativity..
Tutor – Derek William Niemann and Elizabeth Gyllian Speller
The reign of Charles II, 1660-85
This course examines the personality and policies of Charles II, exploring his turbulent early life and considering how and why he came to be restored to the throne in 1660. We review his career as King, his beliefs and motives, the use he made of his powers, and the nature of his achievements. Throughout, the classes will make use of an extensive selection of primary sources.
Tutor – Dr David Smith, Affiliated Lecturer, Faculty of History, University of Cambridge; Fellow, Director of Studies in History, Tutor for Graduate Students, Selwyn College