A History of Witchcraft
A History of Witchcraft
The History of Witchcraft, Magic & Persecution
We are excited to announce a new course to our Community provision from September 2025!
Explore the fascinating history of witchcraft from its ancient roots in Egypt, Greece, and Rome, through the fear-fuelled Witch Crazes of early modern Europe, to the magical traditions of today. This informal, non-accredited course examines how beliefs about magic evolved over time and why they led to the persecution of thousands—mainly women—across centuries. Perfect for history enthusiasts looking to learn for personal interest and enjoyment.
£120.00
Is this course right for me?
A history of Witchcraft from its origins in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome through to the Medieval Christian and Islamic states, and how suspicion and fear became the European Witch Crazes of the 1450s-1700s and finally the modern traditions of witchcraft and magic in the 21st Century.
With a particular focus on how ideas about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ magic developed over time and why these ideas and traditions led to between 40,000 and 60,000 Europeans being executed for witchcraft between 1400-1775, 80% of which were women.
If you have a keen interest in history and want to learn more on this particular subject, then come along and give it a go.
This course is non-accredited so you will not be assessed. It is for personal development and fun!
This eight-week course runs on a Wednesday, 18:00 – 20:00, Pembrokeshire College Main Campus.
This course will be available in 2025/26 academic year. Dates now available to book on and secure a space.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements.
- No formal entry requirements
- The learner must be over the age of 18
What is Witchcraft? Origins of Magic and Magicians. The origins of magical tradition. A study of magic in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
How do we Misunderstand Medieval witchcraft? The impact of Christianity on ideas about magic. Case studies of the use of witchcraft trials as a political tool (e.g. Philip IV of France and the Knights Templar), focus on heresy rather than an organised persecution of witchcraft. Medieval Church regarding it as superstition rather than seriously dangerous.
What caused the Early Modern Witch Crazes? A study of the causes and traditions that led to the witch craze phenomena and mass hysteria of the Early Modern Period (1500-1700). The effect of the Reformation and intensification of religious violence in Europe during the Early Modern Period.
What caused the Witch Craze in Britain? A case study of the Witch craze in Britain and its characteristics. Scottish witchcraft under James I. The representation of Witches (E.g. Macbeth), and the effect of the British Civil Wars (E.g. Matthew Hopkins).
What caused the Witch Craze in Germany and Iceland? A case study of the Witch crazes in Germany (effects of the 30 Years War) and Iceland and their characteristics.
Were witch-hunts mainly motivated by misogyny? A study and analysis based on previous case studies and scholarly opinion on whether witch-hunting was mainly motivated by misogyny or other factors.
Why did Witch trials happen in the New World? A case study of the Witch trials in the New World (particular focus on Salem, Massachusetts) and the impact of Puritanism.
Why do Witch hunts still happen in 2025? A study and analysis of contemporary societies that feature magical tradition and why witch hunting continues to the present day. (Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa).
You will receive a College completion certificate at the end of the course.
- Finding your themes
- Overcoming writers block
- Entering writing competitions
- Avoiding Cliches
- Self-Editing
You will get the option to choose to complete your portfolio with your best examples from each week or you can choose one style you particularly enjoy and focus on that.
The course tutor will give detailed feedback on the final pieces as well as weekly feedback.
You will receive a College completion certificate at the end of the course.
- Not applicable
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
Any costs above are approximate and may change. For information on refunds and course cancellations please see the fee policy.
- No additional costs
What are the entry requirements?
- No formal entry requirements
- The learner must be over the age of 18
What will I learn?
What is Witchcraft? Origins of Magic and Magicians. The origins of magical tradition. A study of magic in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
How do we Misunderstand Medieval witchcraft? The impact of Christianity on ideas about magic. Case studies of the use of witchcraft trials as a political tool (e.g. Philip IV of France and the Knights Templar), focus on heresy rather than an organised persecution of witchcraft. Medieval Church regarding it as superstition rather than seriously dangerous.
What caused the Early Modern Witch Crazes? A study of the causes and traditions that led to the witch craze phenomena and mass hysteria of the Early Modern Period (1500-1700). The effect of the Reformation and intensification of religious violence in Europe during the Early Modern Period.
What caused the Witch Craze in Britain? A case study of the Witch craze in Britain and its characteristics. Scottish witchcraft under James I. The representation of Witches (E.g. Macbeth), and the effect of the British Civil Wars (E.g. Matthew Hopkins).
What caused the Witch Craze in Germany and Iceland? A case study of the Witch crazes in Germany (effects of the 30 Years War) and Iceland and their characteristics.
Were witch-hunts mainly motivated by misogyny? A study and analysis based on previous case studies and scholarly opinion on whether witch-hunting was mainly motivated by misogyny or other factors.
Why did Witch trials happen in the New World? A case study of the Witch trials in the New World (particular focus on Salem, Massachusetts) and the impact of Puritanism.
Why do Witch hunts still happen in 2025? A study and analysis of contemporary societies that feature magical tradition and why witch hunting continues to the present day. (Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa).
You will receive a College completion certificate at the end of the course.
- Finding your themes
- Overcoming writers block
- Entering writing competitions
- Avoiding Cliches
- Self-Editing
You will get the option to choose to complete your portfolio with your best examples from each week or you can choose one style you particularly enjoy and focus on that.
The course tutor will give detailed feedback on the final pieces as well as weekly feedback.
You will receive a College completion certificate at the end of the course.
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Not applicable
What can I do next?
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
Are there any additional costs?
- No additional costs
