- March 16, 2026
MARCH 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 27 – 29 March 2026:
The Renaissance in Europe – seven cities of art and culture
The Renaissance was a European phenomenon characterised by changes in art, literature, architecture and scientific thought. This cultural shift began in Italy but over two centuries manifested in cities across Europe. In this course we examine seven unique centres linked by trade and travel, considering how European connections and local traditions shaped this time of change. We analyse the cities of Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Genoa, Lisbon, London, Madrid and Paris, highlighting key artists and architects in each location to see how these seven cities provide different glimpses of the Renaissance as a whole.
Tutor – Dr Sarah Pearson, University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education Teaching Associate in History of Art; Architectural Historian and Writer
Astrobiology and the origin of life
How did life begin? Did life begin just once in the Universe, or has it arisen elsewhere? If aliens do exist, what might they be like? The origins of life and the biology of extra-terrestrial life (astrobiology) are two of sciences’ most enduring mysteries. In this course we will explore how the latest research in both origin of life studies and astrobiology is getting us ever closer to helping humanity answer these fundamental questions and understand our true place in the cosmos.
Tutor – Dr Andrew Martin Catherall-Ostle, College Lecturer (Assistant Professor), Homerton College