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
57 genders (and none for me?) - Part two
Meg Barker points to some of the problems with Facebook's new range of gender options.
Read now: 57 genders (and none for me?) - Part two57 genders (and none for me?) - Part two -
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
What are the benefits of interdisciplinary study?
It seems to be a buzzword in education and one that gets thrown around quite a lot these days. But what does 'interdisciplinary' study really mean? And why is it so desirable?
Read now: What are the benefits of interdisciplinary study?What are the benefits of interdisciplinary study?Level: 1 Introductory
-
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 introduction to the Chinese education system
This article outlines the structure of the Chinese education system and the study hours expected at a Chinese school.
Read now: A brief introduction to the Chinese education systemA brief introduction to the Chinese education systemLevel: 1 Introductory
-
6
Investigating Psychology Featuring:
Investigate the conceptual and historical issues in Psychology with this interactive feature.
Take part now: Investigating PsychologyInvestigating PsychologyLevel: 1 Introductory
-
7
Do animals have sex for fun?
How was it for Fido? Do animals approach sex in more than a - well, animalistic - way?
Read now: Do animals have sex for fun?Do animals have sex for fun? -
8
What is technology?
It might seem a straightforward question, but technology is about more than gadgets and gizmos. Andy Lane explains what it means to different people.
Read now: What is technology?What is technology?Level: 1 Introductory
-
9
DIY: Measuring Latitude and Longitude
How do you measure latitude or longitude? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to work out your latitude and longitude.
Read now: DIY: Measuring Latitude and LongitudeDIY: Measuring Latitude and LongitudeLevel: 1 Introductory
-
10
World-Changing Women: Nur Jahan
In the 17th century Nur Jahan exerted power over her Emperor husband, allowing her to give opportunities to orphaned girls and architectural developments in India. This article outlines her remarkable leadership...
Read now: World-Changing Women: Nur JahanWorld-Changing Women: Nur JahanLevel: 1 Introductory
Take one of our most popular courses
-
1
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
-
2
Being an OU student
Featuring:
The induction course for new OU students, covering the essentials for starting your undergraduate studies.
Learn: Being an OU student moreBeing an OU studentLevel: 1 Introductory
-
3
Succeeding in postgraduate study
This free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, will help you to become familiar with the requirements and demands of postgraduate study and to develop the skills and confidence to pursue your learning further.
Learn: Succeeding in postgraduate study moreSucceeding in postgraduate studyLevel: 3 Advanced
-
4
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 -
5
English: skills for learning
Featuring:
Develop the English reading and writing skills needed for university success.
Learn: English: skills for learning moreEnglish: skills for learningLevel: 1 Introductory
-
6
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
-
7
Effective communication in the workplace
Featuring:
This free course, Effective communication in the workplace, explores the importance of communication as a skill in the workplace. It aims to increase your understanding of communication skills and to help you to consider how your communication could be perceived by others. You'll cover areas such as verbal and non-verbal communication, written communication and using your communication skills to overcome challenging situations.
Learn: Effective communication in the workplace moreEffective communication in the workplaceLevel: 1 Introductory
-
8
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
-
9
Understanding operations management
Operations management is one of the central functions of all organisations. This free course, Understanding operations management, will provide you with a basic framework for understanding this function, whether producing goods or services or in the private, public or voluntary sectors. In addition, this OpenLearn course discusses the role of operations managers and the importance of focusing on suppliers and customers.
Learn: Understanding operations management moreUnderstanding operations managementLevel: 3 Advanced
-
10
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
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.