My OpenLearn Profile
- Personalise your OpenLearn profile
- Save your favourite content
- Get recognition for your learning
Free learning from The Open University
free course icon
Level 1 icon
Science, Maths & Technology
An introduction to geology
In this free course, An introduction to geology, you will explore basic geological processes, focusing on how, where and why different rocks and natural resources form across the Earth.
free course icon
Level 3 icon
Society, Politics & Law
Questioning crime: social harms and global issues
This free course, Questioning crime: social harms and global issues, introduces the concept of social harm as an alternative to the more familiar concept of 'crime' as a basis for studying aspects of the social world which are damaging or harmful. In doing so, it will encourage you to think critically about the strengths and limitations of criminology as a subject area.
free course icon
Level 2 icon
Education & Development
Young lives: is now a good time to be young?
This free course, Young lives: is now a good time to be young?, looks at young lives in the UK today, asking the question is this a good time to be young? It focuses on some of the factors that influence the divergent lives and complex experiences of children and young people today, taking an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the lives of children and young people. It focuses on some of the key issues in young lives such as continuing inequality and why some children and young people are more the focus of policy and intervention than others. It is written for both people working with, or intending to work with, children and young people and for those who have a more general interest in issues and debates related to children and young people.
free course icon
Level 2 icon
History & The Arts
Religious diversity: rethinking religion
Religion is not necessarily what you think it is! This free course, Religious diversity: rethinking religion, introduces you to a selection of the vast variety of religious beliefs and practices in Britain today. Having some familiarity with religion and belief is increasingly required to make sense of issues of local, national and international importance. The course will introduce you to issues and skills necessary for better understanding and interacting with religiously-motivated people in today’s world. It will explore some religious places and practices and will give more confidence to interact with contemporary religious diversity in an informed way.
TV, Radio & Events
This Fishing Life
Follow the fortunes of young Cornish fishermen, fighting to secure a future for their traditional way of life.
article icon
History & The Arts
Why is destroying cultural sites for military purposes a war crime?
After the assassination of General Soleimani, President Trump threatened to destroy cultural sites if Iran retaliated. Professor Derek Matravers explains why this is a war crime.
video icon
Health, Sports & Psychology
5 things you need to know about sepsis
Recent research has shown that one in five deaths around the world is caused by sepsis. Esther Almond tells us five important things to know about this condition, known also as blood poisoning...
activity icon
Education & Development
All my own work
Plagiarism comes in all shapes and forms. Step into the shoes of a university student to learn the challenges and temptations facing her during her assignment, and help make it all her own work.
You can use OpenLearn to
Explore subjects
Browse subject categories to explore new topics or look for reference material for a course you are already studying.
Explore subjectsStudy free courses
From 1 to 100 hours of learning - discover hundreds of free courses to inspire and inform everyone.
Free coursesEarn while you learn
Earn a free digital badge or Statement of Participation as evidence of your learning to share with employers, friends and family.
Find out more
Get the most out of OpenLearn
Anyone can learn for free on OpenLearn but creating an account lets you set up a personal learning profile which tracks your course progress and gives you access to Statements of Participation and digital badges you earn along the way. Sign-up now!
©1999-2020. All rights reserved. The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its secondary activity of credit broking.