Online Courses
You can join online courses to learn about various aspects of Quakerism.
If you are new to Quakers or just curious, Woodbrooke is the main place to join online courses. Some courses are free, others ask for a small fee, with a reduction for younger people. The Woodbooke website has a page with more information, including a list of courses particularly for people exploring Quakerism.
Upcoming Woodbrooke Courses
-
Becoming Friends
Thursday 23 October - Thursday 11 December 2025
19:00-21:00 (UK time) every Thursday.
Becoming Friends aims to help provide the next stage of learning and support for newcomers who have started exploring Quakerism—whether by attending Quaker meetings online or in person—or those who are curious about taking this step.
-
The Roots of the Quaker Way
Wednesday 29 October - Tuesday 9 December 2025
The live Zoom sessions are at 19:30-20:30 (UK time) on Tuesdays 11 November, 25 November and 9 December
What were the religious roots of the Quaker way? How were early Friends influenced by their religious context? This course will explore the connections between Quakers and other radical religious groups from the Middle Ages to the English Revolution.
-
Enquiring Into: What We Know To Be True
Thursday 20 November 2025 19:00-21:00 (UK time)
One of a bi-monthly series of using the Philosophy for Communities (P4C) method. This session will use creative, critical, collaborative and caring thinking to explore ‘What We Know To Be True’.
-
A First Look at Quakerism
Tuesday 10 February 2026
19:00-21:00 (UK time)
This session is designed for those completely new to the Quaker way. It offers a gentle introduction to four essential elements of Quakerism: Direct Encounter, Worship & Ministry, Discernment and Witness.
-
Understanding Quaker Meetings
Thursday 26 February 2026
19:00-21:00 (UK time)
This session explores how a Quaker meeting functions. Together we’ll look at roles, committees and groups understand their purpose within worship and business, and see how a single meeting fits into the wider Quaker community.
-
Essentials of Quakerism
Thursday 5 March - Thursday 26 March 2026
The live Zoom sessions are at 19:00-21:00 (UK time) every Thursday.
Curious about Quakerism? This course offers an introduction to the essentials of the Quaker way. Together we’ll explore Quaker worship, discernment, and witness, with space for questions, discussion, and reflection on how these practices shape daily life.
-
How Do Quakers Talk About God?
Tuesday 10 March 2026
19:00-21:00 (UK time)
Love, Light, Spirit, Christ, Buddha, Seed, Energy, and more: Quakers talk about the divine in many ways. They also value silence. In this one-off session we’ll have a brief tour of some of the expressions Quakers use and why it’s difficult.
-
The Start of the Quaker Way
Friday 8 May - Thursday 28 May 2026
The optional live Zoom sessions are at 19:00-20:30 (UK time) on Thursdays 14, 21 and 28 May.
This course explores the beginnings of the Quaker movement and the way the summer of 1652 proved pivotal for the start of the Quaker movement. Each week will take you step by step through some of the key figures and texts to better understand the foundation of Quakerism.