- Published on July 3, 2026
August 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 21 – 23 August 2026:
An introduction to mental health conditions and clinical disorders
The issue of ‘mental health’ is perhaps more prominent now than ever before. In part this is due to a growing awareness of mental health conditions / disorders in the media and beyond. This course will offer an introductory overview to this area. Ideas about ‘good mental health’ and ‘poor mental health’ will be explored and a number of mental health conditions will be examined: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, the autism spectrum and schizophrenia.
Tutor – Dr John Lawson
Creative Writing Retreat
Our Creative Writing Retreats balance tutor-led sessions and motivational starts to your writing day, with time to focus on your own projects and small-group workshops. Each short, intensive retreat is designed to inspire writing and forge a writing community, and includes scheduled time to write, discussions and sharing your work and readings with fellow students. We aim to support you in starting a project, developing a short story or novel, and/or encouraging you to complete a draft. Fellow participants may have varying writing experience or be at different stages in their writing project. You’ll have opportunities to learn from everyone’s writing over the course.
Tutor – Dr Yvonne Battle-Felton
J S Bach: The harpsichord and organ works
As a virtuoso performer on both organ and harpsichord, Bach’s keyboard compositions will be surveyed and analysed. Harpsichord works: Toccatas, Concertos, English and French Suites, Partitas and Goldberg Variations. Organ works: Preludes, Fantasias, Toccatas, Fugues and Chorale Preludes. A balance between breadth (Bach’s instruments, chronology, context, influence of north German, French and Italian styles), and depth (analysis of particular works) will be maintained. A ‘Bach’ harpsichord will be present for demonstrations and a recital, as well as CD recordings of extant historical organs associated with Bach.
Tutor – Dr David Ponsford
The UK and the European Union: an awkward partnership?
The UK is often dubbed an ‘awkward partner’ in its relationship with the EU. Its reluctance to participate in post-War integration, frequent disagreements between London and Brussels and Brexit all suggest a difficult partnership. But the ‘awkward’ characterisation is simplistic and isn’t necessarily fair, and the UK has often been a driver of European integration. This course charts the history of UK-EU relations from the end of the Second World War to present, unpicking the political factors which have shaped the trajectory of the UK’s relationship with the EU, and will continue to shape their partnership after Brexit.
Tutor – Dr Christopher Huggins