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
Advice on studying with a mental health condition
What happens when you declare a mental health condition at university? Are there any concerns when it comes to studying with a mental health problem? Open University student, Patrice Belton, sheds some light in these videos.
Watch nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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2
Sex stats for the British population
There are lots of myths and misunderstandings about sex and it can be tricky to get to the truth. This easy to use interactive tool gives you access to robust data collected by Natsal-3, a survey collected from thousands of adults living all over Britain.
Take part nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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3
Black and Minority Ethnic students: Mental wellbeing and study support
Check out these FREE resources collated by the Black student and Mental Health declarations working group set up as part of The Open University’s Access and Participation Plan.
Watch nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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4
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 nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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5
Free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK and Ireland
From free courses in the English language to articles on mental health and wellbeing, here are some free online resources from The Open University.
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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6
Perseus: what’s in a name?
As the Perseid Meteor Shower reaches its annual peak, Dr Joanna Paul, a Lecturer in Classical Studies, lifts the lid on the details behind its namesake, Perseus, a mythological character whose story has been told time and time again.
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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7
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 nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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8
Soft skills training
Learn to recognise the importance of soft skills and how you can improve skills in yourself and your organisation, with free courses from OpenLearn, endorsed by Google.
Read now -
9
DIY: Measuring latitude and longitude
How do you measure latitude or longitude? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to work out your latitude and longitude.
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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10
How can you take your teaching online?
A number of schools and universities have closed to most pupils due to COVID-19, but how can you quickly move your teaching online? Check out our FREE remote learning resources.
Read nowLevel: 1 Introductory
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
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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3
Cànan nan Gàidheal (Gaelic language)
’S e dùthaich ioma-chànanach a tha ann an Alba an-diugh. Tha a’ Ghàidhlig, Albais agus Beurla, còmhla ri cànain Eòrpach agus eile a tha nise san dùthaich, uile a’ toirt buaidh air mar a tha sluagh Alba a’ bruidhinn ri chèile agus ris a’ chòrr dhen t-saoghal. Chaidh an t-aonad seo - a tha ri fhaotainn an Gàidhlig agus am Beurla - a ...
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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4
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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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
Financial accounting and reporting
This free course, Financial accounting and reporting, discusses how accountants act as processors and purveyors of information for decision making and the needs of those who use accounting information. It also looks at the role performed by accountants and notes the need to be aware of relevant regulatory and conceptual frameworks.
Learn moreLevel: 2 Intermediate
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7
Midlife MOT: wealth, work and wellbeing
Introducing your Midlife MOT. Your midlife years – that is, when you’re between about 40 and 60 – will probably be a very hectic time indeed. You might have ended up in a challenging job, or you might be working hard to get one. You could be looking after the kids, your parents or maybe both. Maybe you’re putting time and energy into a whole new...
Learn moreLevel: 1 Introductory
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8
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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9
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 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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