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
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
-
2
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
-
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
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? -
5
Olympic selection: who goes, who decides?
Choosing the right athletes to send to the Olympics is a difficult and controversial process. Who goes, who decides?
Read now: Olympic selection: who goes, who decides? Olympic selection: who goes, who decides?Level: 1 Introductory
-
6
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 -
7
My OpenLearn account
Have questions concerning your OpenLearn account? Look no further, we're here to help!
Read now: My OpenLearn accountMy OpenLearn account -
8
Methods of studying children: the background
How do psychologists study child development? This article inspired by the OU/BBC series 'Child of our Time' explores...
Read now: Methods of studying children: the backgroundMethods of studying children: the backgroundLevel: 1 Introductory
-
9
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
-
10
Are you driven to distraction? Featuring:
Can you drive safely and work effectively at the same time? If you ever need to make your vehicle a mobile office, by having hands free phone conversations, how confident are you that neither your work, nor your driving suffers?
Take part now: Are you driven to distraction?Are you driven to distraction?Level: 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
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
-
3
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
-
4
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
-
5
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
-
6
English: skills for learning
Featuring:
English: skills for learning, is a free course for anybody who is thinking of studying for a university degree and would like to develop the English reading and writing skills needed to succeed. You will learn through a range of engaging activities aimed at extending your existing language skills.
Learn: English: skills for learning moreEnglish: skills for learningLevel: 1 Introductory
-
7
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
-
8
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
-
9
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
-
10
Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world
Featuring:
This free course, Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world, will develop your confidence and skills for life online, whether study, work or everyday life. It explores a range of digital skills and practices, including digital identity, digital well-being, staying safe and legal, finding and using information and online tools, and dealing with information overload. The importance of developing a critical approach to life online is emphasised throughout, whether consuming or creating information. You'll be encouraged to reflect on your own situation and to apply what you learn to real-life scenarios, using a digital skills plan to keep a record of progress.
Learn: Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world moreDigital skills: succeeding in a digital worldLevel: 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.