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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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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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 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 now: What is the evidence that King Edward VIII was a Nazi sympathiser?What is the evidence that King Edward VIII was a Nazi sympathiser?Level: 1 Introductory
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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 now: Hitler's rise and fall: TimelineHitler's rise and fall: TimelineLevel: 1 Introductory
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Slip Slide Collide Featuring:
Want to learn more about the Earth's tectonic plates? Start your journey into the surface of the Earth with these three quick-fire challenges in our science game.
Take part now: Slip Slide Collide Slip Slide CollideLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Order your free 'Perfect Planet' poster
Discover how different forces work together to keep our planet perfectly balanced with The Open University's FREE 'Perfect Planet' poster.
Read now: Order your free 'Perfect Planet' posterOrder your free 'Perfect Planet' posterLevel: 1 Introductory
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What was The Schlieffen Plan?
France to the west, Russia to the east; Germany had a strategic plan to prevent full-scale war in the early 20th century. So why did it fail?
Read now: What was The Schlieffen Plan?What was The Schlieffen Plan?Level: 1 Introductory
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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 -
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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
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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Supporting children's mental health and wellbeing
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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
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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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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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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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Effective communication in the workplace
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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
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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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English: skills for learning
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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
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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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