Since 1999, The Open University has been making free learning available to everyone online. From 2008, all that learning has been in one place - OpenLearn. The site you're looking at now.
We've got thousands of ways to learn - short articles by academic experts from the OU and beyond; videos; podcasts - even, if you're really keen, free courses. You can find your own way through our content - navigate by subject at the top of the page; choose by type of experience at the top right of most pages - or look to the bottom, where subjects and experience are listed again. Or, to get started - why not see what's popular right now?
Try something popular
-
1
Order your free 'Perfect Planet' poster
Discover how different forces work together to keep our planet perfectly balanced with The Open University's FREE 'Perfect Planet' poster.
Read now: Order your free 'Perfect Planet' posterOrder your free 'Perfect Planet' posterLevel: 1 Introductory
-
2
Do you have a photographic memory? Featuring:
Can you hold an image in your mind by just looking at it for a brief amount of time? Try our photographic memory test and see whether you have eidetic memory.
Take part now: Do you have a photographic memory?Do you have a photographic memory?Level: 1 Introductory
-
3
Order your free print items
Posters and booklets from your favourite OU/BBC programmes.
Read now: Order your free print itemsOrder your free print items -
4
DIY: Generate Your Own Electricity
Do you want to make your own electricity? Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own generator.
Read now: DIY: Generate Your Own ElectricityDIY: Generate Your Own ElectricityLevel: 1 Introductory
-
5
A brief history of Science
From the discovery of metals up to mapping the human genome, take a quick crash through the development of scientific knowledge.
Read now: A brief history of ScienceA brief history of ScienceLevel: 1 Introductory
-
6
No sex please, we're British! Featuring:
There have been major changes in sexual attitudes over the years, but what are the views of the ‘average’ British person in terms of sex? Try our sexual attitudes interactive 'No sex please, we’re British!' to see how your views compare to the majority.
Take part now: No sex please, we're British!No sex please, we're British!Level: 1 Introductory
-
7
The seven types of plastic
To understand the types of plastics available, their differences and to figure out what can be recycled, refer to our quick guide below.
Read now: The seven types of plasticThe seven types of plastic -
8
How does the human body fight a viral infection?
Some individuals generate an effective immune response to COVID-19. Why? Discover the immune response to viral infection in this explainer article...
Read now: How does the human body fight a viral infection?How does the human body fight a viral infection?Level: 2 Intermediate
-
9
10 big news stories that happened in 2006 (when OpenLearn was born)
How much do you remember about 2006? We take a look back at ten of the biggest news stories from the year.
Read now: 10 big news stories that happened in 2006 (when OpenLearn was born)10 big news stories that happened in 2006 (when OpenLearn was born) -
10
Everyday skills in maths and English
Do you want to improve your reading, writing or maths skills? We have the solution. Exciting new free online courses for anyone who wants to get inspired and brush up on their everyday skills in maths and English.
Read now: Everyday skills in maths and EnglishEveryday skills in maths and EnglishLevel: 1 Introductory
Take one of our most popular courses
-
1
MSE’s Academy of Money
The Open University has joined forces with MoneySavingExpert (MSE) to produce this new free course to give you the skills and knowledge to master your finances. Packed with videos, audios, quizzes and activities the course covers all the key aspects of personal finance in six sessions of study that each take around two hours to complete.
Learn: MSE’s Academy of Money moreMSE’s Academy of MoneyLevel: 1 Introductory
-
2
Understanding autism
Featuring:
Learn about autism, one of the most challenging long-term conditions of the century. This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by individuals and families, and why it has become a global concern. The course explains how understanding of the autism spectrum and approaches to diagnosis and care have evolved. Key scientific approaches to studying autism are explained and illustrated, alongside substantial use of different personal perspectives. The course culminates with key topical issues such as autism in adulthood, and missed diagnosis in women. The course is suitable for all who need a clear, authoritative overview, and does not require prior knowledge of science or social science. It uses text, images and audio-visual media.
Learn: Understanding autism moreUnderstanding autismLevel: 1 Introductory
-
3
Supporting children's mental health and wellbeing
Featuring:
Do you have a professional or personal interest in the mental health issues affecting young children? Are you working with children or are you a parent or carer? This free course, Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing, is designed to give insight into the factors that are contributing to our youngest citizens’ poor mental health; examining factors from a national and global perspective. By the end of the course you will have gained knowledge about strategies and interventions that will help you to understand how you can support children’s mental health and improve their wellbeing.
Learn: Supporting children's mental health and wellbeing moreSupporting children's mental health and wellbeingLevel: 1 Introductory
-
4
Being an OU student
Featuring:
In the course, you’ll get a flavour of what OU study is actually like, learn about how you’ll be supported, the technologies you’ll use and start to develop the skills you’ll need to succeed.
Learn: Being an OU student moreBeing an OU studentLevel: 1 Introductory
-
5
Everyday maths 1
Featuring:
This free course, Everyday maths 1, is designed to bring your learning to life, inspiring you to improve your current maths skills or helping you to remember any areas that you may have forgotten. Working through the examples and interactive activities in this course will help you to, among other things, run a household or make progress in your career.
Learn: Everyday maths 1 moreEveryday maths 1 -
6
Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting
Learn about the essential numerical skills required for accounting and bookkeeping. This free course, Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting, explains the fundamental rules of double-entry bookkeeping and how they are used to produce the balance sheet and the profit and loss account.
Learn: Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting moreIntroduction to bookkeeping and accountingLevel: 1 Introductory
-
7
Forensic psychology
Featuring:
In this free course, Forensic psychology, you will discover how psychology can help obtain evidence from eyewitnesses in police investigations and prevent miscarriages of justice.
Learn: Forensic psychology moreForensic psychologyLevel: 1 Introductory
-
8
Managing my money for young adults
Featuring:
This free course, Managing my money for young adults, will help you start to think about managing your finances. You will learn how to budget effectively, and will be encouraged to start thinking about your financial future.
Learn: Managing my money for young adults moreManaging my money for young adultsLevel: 1 Introductory
-
9
The science of nutrition and healthy eating
Featuring:
This free course, The science of nutrition and healthy eating, looks at the science behind nutrition, covering aspects of biology, chemistry and physics as well as giving some insight into healthier eating. Reading food labels, choosing healthier foods, hydrating appropriately and understanding how we taste food will allow you to be more informed about the choices you make about the food you eat.
Learn: The science of nutrition and healthy eating moreThe science of nutrition and healthy eatingLevel: 1 Introductory
-
10
Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Featuring:
This free course, Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online, will help you to understand online security and start to protect your digital life, whether at home or work. You will learn how to recognise the threats that could harm you online and the steps you can take to reduce the chances that they will happen to you.
Learn: Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online moreIntroduction to cyber security: stay safe onlineLevel: 1 Introductory
What next?
Sign-up for a free OU account to join the OpenLearn community and access more features.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest content.
Newsletter
This discussion is closed: you can't post new comments.