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
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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
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Electrochemical Grinding (ECG)
An electrolyte is pumped into a small gap between the workpiece and a rotating abrasive grinding wheel. Metal is removed from the electrically conductive workpiece by electrochemical attack and abrasion. Protruding abrasive grit particles on the grinding wheel remove electrochemical oxidation from the surface of the workpiece.
Read now: Electrochemical Grinding (ECG)Electrochemical Grinding (ECG) -
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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 -
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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
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Black History Month
In recognition of Black History Month we have pulled together some content about some inspirational individuals and events for you to explore.
Read now: Black History MonthBlack History MonthLevel: 1 Introductory
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Open door to success
The Department for Work & Pensions has partnered with The Open University to offer free training tools designed to help people find a job, advance their career or grow their business.
Read now: Open door to successOpen door to success -
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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
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Electron beam welding
Heat is produced by a high energy beam of electrons directed at the joint to be welded. Heat transfer is very localised, not by surface conduction, but within the workpiece itself, so no filler is required. Results in a narrow weld zone and HAZ. Process carried out either under vacuum, or non-vacuum.
Read now: Electron beam weldingElectron beam welding -
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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
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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)
Take one of our most popular courses
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Understanding autism
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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
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The science of nutrition and healthy eating
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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
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Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
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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
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Forensic psychology
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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
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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
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Everyday maths 1
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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 -
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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
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Developing good academic practice
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This free course, Developing good academic practice, is intended to help you develop good academic practices in your studies and when producing assignments and completing assessments. Although designed as a course to work through, the content can also be used to dip in and out of, if you feel you need to improve your skills in a particular area.
Learn: Developing good academic practice moreDeveloping good academic practiceLevel: 2 Intermediate
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How to be a critical reader
In this free course you will focus on how to be a critical reader. Reading critically is an essential skill at university. It means being aware of your own purposes and opinions as you read and being able to recognise the writer's purposes and opinions in their writing.
Learn: How to be a critical reader moreHow to be a critical readerLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Leadership and followership
This free course, Leadership and followership, will help you to explore what makes a good leader, recognise common leadership challenges, and identify the skills you need to develop if you want to enhance your own leadership experience.
Learn: Leadership and followership moreLeadership and followershipLevel: 1 Introductory
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