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
Order your free 'The Planets' poster
Introductory level
Discover more about our Solar System’s planets and moons, with The Open University's FREE 'The Planets' poster. Read now: Order your free 'The Planets' poster
Everyday Skills in maths and English 
Introductory level
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... Read now: Everyday Skills in maths and English
Hitler's rise and fall: Timeline
Introductory level
Track the key events in Hitler's life, from his childhood in Austria to his suicide in the bunker in Berlin. Read now: Hitler's rise and fall: Timeline
Sperm counts
Introductory level
Getting to grips with the numbers behind the man's part of the reproductive system. THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS FRANK DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCE Read now: Sperm counts
Aeroplane Design and Engineering
Introductory level
Ever wondered what happens to lost luggage or why plane windows are the shape they are? Take a tour of our interactive aeroplane to find out. Read now: Aeroplane Design and Engineering
12 famous Confucius quotes on education and learning Featuring:
Introductory level
What's your favourite Confucius quote on education and learning? Look at these examples and let us know what you think by voting in our poll. Take part now: 12 famous Confucius quotes on education and learning
Different cultures, different childhoods
Introductory level
A 'normal' childhood depends on where you live and when you're born. Heather Montgomery wonders how some common British practices might look to other cultures. Read now: Different cultures, different childhoods
What is technology?
Introductory level
It might seem a straightforward question, but technology is about more than gadgets and gizmos as Andy Lane explains Read now: What is technology?
Free courses for teachers and student teachers
The links below provide access to a series of free, short Open University courses aimed at supporting initial teacher education, teacher professional development and classroom practice. Read now: Free courses for teachers and student teachers
Starting your small business
Featuring:
This course is suitable for anyone who has set up a business recently or who is thinking about setting up a small new business, or becoming self-employed. Watch now: Starting your small business
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.
This discussion is closed: you can't post new comments.