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With thousands of free learning resources across OpenLearn – from quick quizzes and interactive games to full-length online courses – it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where our Top 10s come in.
These lists give you a real-time snapshot of what’s most popular right now on OpenLearn. Think of them as your shortcut to the hottest topics and most in-demand courses, chosen not by us but by the learners already exploring them.
Whether you want to dip into a bite-sized activity or commit to something bigger, the Top 10s are a great place to start.
Top 10 articles, hubs, interactives and videos
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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 nowArticle
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 nowArticle
Level: 1 Introductory
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One minute methods - a collection
Watch our short animations on methods which look at child development.
Watch nowVideo
Level: 1 Introductory
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Do you have a photographic memory?
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 nowActivity
Level: 1 Introductory
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What is the evidence that King Edward VIII was a Nazi sympathiser?
Was Edward VIII a Nazi sympathiser? Damning evidence in the archives suggests he wanted England bombed to force an Anglo-German alliance?
Read nowArticle
Level: 1 Introductory
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Are you a focused driver?
Take our interactive test and find out if you’re alert when behind the wheel. Your attention will be put to the test.
Take part nowActivity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Art, Loot and Empire: The Benin Bronzes
How did the West African artworks known as the Benin Bronzes end up in European museums? And why does it matter?
Watch nowVideo
Level: 1 Introductory
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Tennis Grand Slams – what are they and why are there only four of them?
Simon Rea looks at the history of tennis Grand Slams and explains how they got their name.
Read nowArticle
Level: 1 Introductory
Top 10 courses
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Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging
This course 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. Through these human stories the course considers the ...
Learn moreFree course
24 hours
Level: 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 moreFree course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 moreFree course
10 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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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 moreFree course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Effective communication in the workplace
Improve your workplace relationships and boost your professional impact with this free course on effective communication. Discover how to express yourself clearly, understand others better, and adapt your communication skills for a range of situations, from everyday conversations to the digital workplaces of the future.
Learn moreFree course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Everyday English 1
Improve your essential speaking and listening, reading and writing skills for work, study and everyday life.
Learn moreFree course
48 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Leadership and followership
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 moreFree course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Protect your digital life with this free course introducing the essentials of cyber security. Learn how to spot online threats, keep your information safe and understand key topics like malware, network security and identity theft — helping you stay secure at home, at work, and beyond.
Learn moreFree course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Succeeding in postgraduate study
This course 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 moreFree course
24 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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The science of nutrition and healthy eating
Examine 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 moreFree course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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