Free learning for everyone
You can do these short courses at any time and at your own pace. We have suggested some OpenLearn Badged Open Courses which are 24 hours of learning with an Open University Digital Badge and Certification of Participation. These courses are designed to advance your career prospects, the OU has something for everyone.
If you are interested in studying one of our accredited modules or qualifications, you can find more information at http://www.open.ac.uk/scotland/study/courses-and-qualifications. In addition, you may be eligible for the Part-Time Fee Grant depending on your financial circumstances.
If you have any questions about your study options or to reserve a place on one of our accredited modules/qualifications, please email: Scotland-engagement@open.ac.uk
-
Effective communication in the workplace
Learn more to access more details of Effective communication in the workplaceImprove 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.
-
Entrepreneurship – from ideas to reality
Learn more to access more details of Entrepreneurship – from ideas to realityTurn your business ideas into reality with this free course on entrepreneurship. Explore practical steps for starting and growing a business, from developing ideas and choosing a business model to funding, location, and assessing your own skills and risk approach — all illustrated with real-life case studies.
-
Internships and other work experiences
Learn more to access more details of Internships and other work experiencesIn this free course, Internships and other work experiences, you’ll begin by learning more about what an internship is and how it might differ from other forms of work experience. You’ll find out what you can gain personally and professionally, and consider the practicalities of obtaining work experience, from how to choose what’s right for you,...
-
Personal branding for career success
Learn more to access more details of Personal branding for career successStand out for the right reasons with this free course on personal branding. Learn how to identify your strengths, showcase your skills authentically, and use the right tools to build a professional image that attracts opportunities - whether you’re advancing in your current role or seeking something new.
-
Succeed in the workplace
Learn more to access more details of Succeed in the workplaceDo you want to change jobs, are you just starting in the job market or may be returning after a break? If so, then this free course, Succeed in the workplace, is for you. It will help you explore career opportunities. You will also gain the skills to write strong CVs and application forms, and to handle different types of interviews. By the end ...
-
Understanding your sector
Learn more to access more details of Understanding your sectorThis free course, Understanding your sector, will help you to understand the difference between sectors, industries and professions. It will also help you to gain the inside knowledge to impress in applications and at interviews and to put together an action plan that is tailored to you.
-
Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world
Learn more to access more details of Digital skills: succeeding in a digital worldBuild your confidence online with this free course designed to help you thrive in the digital world. Explore key skills such as managing your digital identity, staying safe, finding reliable information, and maintaining digital well-being — all while developing a critical, reflective approach to life online.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Introducing computing and IT
Learn more to access more details of Introducing computing and ITExplore how computing and IT shape our digital world with this free introductory course. Learn how computers work, how data is stored and deleted, and why online safety and data security matter while gaining a deeper understanding of how technology influences the way we live and think.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Learn more to access more details of Introduction to cyber security: stay safe onlineProtect 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.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Simple coding
Learn more to access more details of Simple codingHave you ever wanted to try out simple coding? Want to understand the basics of what it entails? This course introduces you to the skills, concepts and jargon of coding.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Preparing for your digital life in the 21st Century
Learn more to access more details of Preparing for your digital life in the 21st CenturyGet ready for life in the digital age with this free course, Preparing for your digital life in the 21st Century, which explores how technology shapes our world. Learn what it means to live a ‘digital life’, understand the role of information and communication technologies, and discover how computers work behind the scenes.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Everyday English 1
Learn more to access more details of Everyday English 1This free course, Everyday English 1, will develop and improve your essential speaking and listening, reading and writing skills for work, study and everyday life.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Everyday English 2
Learn more to access more details of Everyday English 2This free course, Everyday English 2, will inspire you to improve your current English skills and help you to communicate more effectively in everyday work and life.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Everyday maths 1
Learn more to access more details of Everyday maths 1This 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 ...
-
Everyday maths 2
Learn more to access more details of Everyday maths 2This free course, Everyday maths 2, will build on your existing maths skills and help you to feel more confident tackling the maths you come across in everyday situations.
-
MSE’s Academy of Money
Learn more to access more details of MSE’s Academy of MoneyThe 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.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Managing my money for young adults
Learn more to access more details of Managing my money for young adultsThis free course, Managing my money for young adults, will help you start to think about managing your finances. You will learn how to budget effectively, and will be encouraged to start thinking about your financial future.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Succeed with maths: part 2
Learn more to access more details of Succeed with maths: part 2This free course, Succeed with maths: part 2, is a sequel to Part 1, in which you will continue to develop your mathematical knowledge and skills using everyday examples. The course takes a look at measurement of length, mass and volume, negative numbers and how to use these, scientific notation (based upon powers of 10), shapes and how to ...
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Introducing the voluntary sector
Learn more to access more details of Introducing the voluntary sectorThis free course, Introducing the voluntary sector, will guide you through some of the distinctive features and values of the voluntary sector, how organisations are funded and involve volunteers and other ‘stakeholders’ in their work. It will also provide you with knowledge and skills you can apply to your own work or volunteering as well as ...
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Working in the voluntary sector
Learn more to access more details of Working in the voluntary sectorThis free online course, Working in the voluntary sector, will introduce you to some of the main activities carried out by volunteers and staff, will give you some background on how different organisations work and will provide you with knowledge and skills you can apply to your own work or volunteering, as well as to your every day life.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Collaborative leadership in voluntary organisations
Learn more to access more details of Collaborative leadership in voluntary organisationsThis free course, Collaborative leadership in voluntary organisations, will help you to reflect on and develop collaborative leadership practices that will make a difference. The course is aimed at people who work within voluntary organisations as paid staff or as volunteers or for people who work regularly with voluntary organisations, such as ...
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Developing leadership practice in voluntary organisations
Learn more to access more details of Developing leadership practice in voluntary organisationsThis free course, Developing leadership practice in voluntary organisations, provides an opportunity for people who work within voluntary organisations, as paid employees or staff, to develop energetic, practical and thoughtful leadership practice.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Difference and challenge in teams
Learn more to access more details of Difference and challenge in teamsThis free course looks at how teams ‘travel’ together on a journey of development. Those journeys are hardly ever smooth. The course encourages you to recognise difference and challenge amongst individuals in the team who are pulling in different directions. It will help you identify where such challenges can be embraced for the benefit of your ...
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Managing virtual project teams
Learn more to access more details of Managing virtual project teamsMany projects are now ‘virtual’, i.e. some or all of the team are located remotely and may be working in different time zones. The project manager needs all the traditional soft skills, and more. This free course, Managing virtual project teams, looks at knowledge and techniques which underpin team selection and then consider the additional ...
Level: 3 Advanced
-
Leadership challenges in turbulent times
Learn more to access more details of Leadership challenges in turbulent timesWelcome to Leadership challenges in turbulent times, a free course offered by the Open University. We are excited to join you on your journey to explore leadership in the turbulent times that we live in.
Level: 2 Intermediate
Rate and Review
Rate this article
Review this article
Log into OpenLearn to leave reviews and join in the conversation.
Article reviews