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?
Top 10 articles, interactives and videos
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1
Sperm counts
How much sperm does a man make? Would you explode if you don't release your sperm? Explore the male reproductive system in this article and video.
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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2
PhotoFit Me
Would you make a good eyewitness? Photofit Me explores how we remember faces and challenges you to construct the face of a culprit or to recreate the face of a celebrity or even a friend! Test yourself with our interactive and see how good your face recognition abilities are.
Take part nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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3
Could you be a code breaker?
Test your problem-solving skills and try to crack our secret messages using clues.
Take part nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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5
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 nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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6
Explore free courses on sport and fitness
Did you know that OpenLearn is full of content exploring the fascinating and exciting world of sport and fitness?
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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7
Sustainability Hub
The way we live impacts our Earth, it is changing the climate and threatening livelihoods, species and ecosystems. It is clear our current strategies of supporting our way of life can't continue. Globalisation means it isn't always easy to see the impacts our behaviour has on others and the natural world, or what we can to make more sustainable ...
Read now -
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Children's University - Free online courses
Discover free online courses you can use to earn Children's University stamps.
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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9
Hitler's rise and fall: Timeline
Track the key events in Adolf Hitler's life, including his childhood in Austria, his decisions as Fuehrer of Germany, his leadership in the Second World War, and his eventual suicide.
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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10
The Jewels of Heuro
Algorithms make the world go round. Can you master them to capture the fabled Jewels of Heuro and escape the Temple of Algoritmo alive?
Take part now
Top 10 courses
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1
Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging
This free course, Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging, takes the real-life cases of a number of different people to explore what it is like to have the label ‘learning disability’. The course also considers how it feels to support someone with a learning disability, as a family member, a friend, an advocate or a paid worker...
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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2
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 moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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3
Information security
Information security underpins the commercial viability and profitability of enterprises of all sizes and the effectiveness of public sector organisations. This free course begins by explaining why information security and its management are important for any modern organisation and to every individual. You need to be familiar with an ...
Learn moreLevel: 3 Advanced
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4
The science of nutrition and healthy eating
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 ...
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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5
Understanding autism
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 ...
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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6
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 moreLevel: 3 Advanced
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7
Everyday English 1
This free course, Everyday English 1, will develop and improve your essential speaking and listening, reading and writing skills for work, study and everyday life.
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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8
Introduction to adolescent mental health
This free course provides an introduction to adolescent mental health. The course is designed to encourage a greater understanding of mental health issues as well as to explore the variety of strategies that can be employed to support young people.
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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9
Effective communication in the workplace
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 ...
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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10
Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
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 moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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