Workplace learning

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  Leadership and followership

  This free course, Leadership and followership, will help you to 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.

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  Introducing the voluntary sector

  This 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 ...

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  Making creativity and innovation happen

  The trailer below explores one aspect that will be covered in the course: the paradox of choice.

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  Workplace learning with coaching and mentoring

  In this free course, Workplace learning with coaching and mentoring, you will consider theoretical and practical issues in planning and managing learning and talent development programmes in your organisation. You will also explore ideas about coaching and mentoring; both are prominent learning and development tools in contemporary ...

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  Talk the talk

  This free course introduces the mechanics of effective, persuasive oral presentations, by giving you the opportunity to analyse examples and then create your own. Using resources such as TED Talk videos, you will see how experts deliver professional talks and famous speeches, observe what works, and identify how language connects ideas and keeps...

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  Step up to leadership

  This free course is one in a series focusing on leadership, decision-making and communication in the context of policing with the community. This particular course focuses on the challenge of leadership and leading change in an ever-changing policing context. It provides insights to help individuals become more effective leaders of teams ...

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  Digital thinking tools for better decision making

  Ever since the very beginning of humanity, tools have played a pivotal role in who we are and what we do. Tools for recording, processing and communicating information have a time-honoured history – from the clay tokens used in Mesopotamia to mechanical calculating machines. The invention of the digital computer has boosted the scale, speed and ...

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  Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world

  This free course, Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world, will develop your confidence and skills for life online, whether study, work or everyday life. It explores a range of digital skills and practices, including digital identity, digital well-being, staying safe and legal, finding and using information and online tools, and dealing ...

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  The importance of interpersonal skills

  To succeed in management you need good interpersonal skills, you need to understand how to deal with other people. This free course, The importance of interpersonal skills, will help you gain an awareness of your own skills and understand that an awareness of the interpersonal skills of others can help us enormously in dealing with the work ...

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  Pwysigrwydd sgiliau rhyngbersonol

  Er mwyn llwyddo fel rheolwr, mae angen sgiliau rhyngbersonol da arnoch, mae angen i chi ddeall sut i ymdrin â phobl eraill. Bydd yr uned hon yn eich helpu i feithrin ymwybyddiaeth o'ch sgiliau ac i ddeall y gall ymwybyddiaeth o sgiliau rhyngbersonol pobl eraill fod o gymorth mawr i ni wrth ymdrin â'r tasgau gwaith rydym yn gyfrifol ...

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  Using data to aid organisational change

  This free course explores how to use data to inform a change you would like to make within your business or organisational context. It looks at the type of evidence you can gather to inform your proposed change, and how to evaluate data with a view to using it as part of this transformation. Specifically, you will learn about internal and ...

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  Working in diverse teams

  This free badged course, Working in diverse teams, will help you consider your experience of working in teams and the different roles you play in them. It will increase your confidence in marketing this key skill to employers as well improve your ability to perform well in teams you are currently part of.

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Special interest

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  Croeso: Beginners' Welsh

  This free course, Croeso: Beginners' Welsh, is taken from Croeso, a beginners' language module that concentrates on Welsh as a tool for communication, but it also provides some insights into Welsh societies and cultures through printed and audio materials. It will be of interest to all those who want to improve their language skills in order to ...

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  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.

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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.

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  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.

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  Internships and other work experiences

  In 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,...

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  Understanding and managing risk

  This free course, Understanding and managing risk, provides an introduction to financial risk management. The processes of risk identification, risk measurement and risk management are explored. The course then goes on to examine reputational risk and operational risk. It concludes with an examination of the subject of behavioural finance and ...

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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.

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  Academi Arian MSE

  Mae'r Brifysgol Agored wedi ymuno â MoneySavingExpert (MSE) i gynhyrchu'r cwrs rhad ac am ddim newydd hwn i roi'r sgiliau a'r wybodaeth i chi feistroli eich arian. Ysgrifennwyd y cwrs gan y Brifysgol Agored, gyda chyngor ac arweiniad MSE.

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  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.

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  Eating for the environment

  This free course, Eating for the environment, will explore the links between food, nutrition and environmental sustainability.

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  Citizen science and global biodiversity

  This free course, Citizen science and global biodiversity, deals with the importance of biodiversity and explores how anyone can contribute to and be involved in identifying and recording wildlife, as a citizen scientist. It looks at what citizen science is, and how citizen science facilitates public involvement in scientific research ...

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  iSpot: Your place to share nature

  Global biodiversity is in decline and the spotlight is on all of us to act to help monitor and protect the variety of ecosystems to reduce deterioration. This loss affects ecosystems, species and habitats on which all life on earth depends. What can and should we be doing to help sustain nature? 

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  Understanding devolution in Wales

  This free course charts the transformation of the Welsh devolution settlement in the 20 years following the referendum on devolution in 1997. You will consider how an Assembly with minimal public support and limited law-making powers became a Parliament with the power to set taxes. You will explore some of the biggest challenges facing ...

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  Deall datganoli yng Nghymru

  Mae'r cwrs am ddim hwn yn dilyn y ffordd y mae setliad datganoli Cymru wedi cael ei drawsnewid yn yr 20 mlynedd ers y refferendwm ar ddatganoli yn 1997. Byddwch yn ystyried y ffordd y daeth Cynulliad â chefnogaeth mwyafrif bach iawn o'r cyhoedd a phwerau deddfu cyfyngedig yn Senedd â'r pŵer i osod trethi. Byddwch yn archwilio rhai o'r heriau ...

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  Start writing fiction

  Have you always wanted to write, but never quite had the courage to start? This free course, Start writing fiction, will give you an insight into how authors create their characters and settings. You will also be able to look at the different genres for fiction.

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Wellbeing

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  Introduction to Green Social Prescribing — Mental Health and the Workplace Environment

  How workplaces can begin to make use of ideas from green social prescribing to enhance wellbeing.  

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  Cyflwyniad i Bresgripsiynu Cymdeithasol Gwyrdd — Iechyd Meddwl ac Amgylchedd y Gweithle

  Sut y gall gweithleoedd ddechrau defnyddio syniadau yn ymwneud â phresgripsiynu cymdeithasol gwyrdd i wella llesiant.  

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  Work and mental health

  Although being at work during periods of mental illness can be difficult for those with mental health problems, most people with these difficulties could take paid employment if it were not for numerous barriers in the workplace and the wider community (Centre for Mental Health, 2013). In this free course, Work and mental health, you will look ...

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  Exploring the relationship between anxiety and depression

  This free advanced level course, Exploring the relationship between anxiety and depression, serves as an introduction to masters level study in neurosciences and mental health. Focusing on anxiety and depression, you will consider key issues concerning diagnosis, causes and interventions, exploring how these conditions relate to each other. You ...

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  Exploring anxiety

  This free advanced level course, Exploring anxiety, serves as an introduction to masters level study in neurosciences and mental health. Focusing on anxiety, you will consider key issues concerning diagnosis, causes and interventions. You will also learn how to evaluate news items, and to go behind the headlines and begin to explore some of the ...

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  Exploring depression

  This free advanced level course, Exploring depression, serves as an introduction to masters level study in neurosciences and mental health. Focusing on depression, you will consider key issues concerning diagnosis, causes and interventions. You will also begin to explore theoretical models, biological and psychological explanations, and look at ...

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  Exploring issues in women's health

  This free course, Exploring issues in women's health, will introduce social model approaches to health and wellbeing, which take as their starting point not the scientific context of the body, but the social context in which women live. The focus is on women and the impact of social and cultural factors on women's health. The course touches...

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  Wellbeing and mental health collection

  The mental health and wellbeing collection (Wales) provides a hub of free, bilingual resources that aim to promote positive wellbeing and support good mental health.

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  Exercise and mental health

  Each year thousands of pounds are spent on medications to treat conditions such as anxiety and depression. These medications often have negative side effects. Exercise is an alternative treatment that is low cost and has few side effects. In this free course, Exercise and mental health, we will look at the links between exercise and improved ...

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  Ymarfer corff ac iechyd meddwl

  Yn flynyddol caiff miloedd o bunnoedd eu gwario ar feddyginiaethau i drin cyflyrau megis gorbryder ac iselder. Mae gan y meddyginiaethau hyn sgil effeithiau negyddol yn aml. Mae ymarfer corff yn driniaeth amgen sy'n isel ei chost ac yn isel o ran niferoedd o sgil effeithiau. Fel rhan o'r cwrs rhad ac am ddim hwn, Ymarfer Corff ac Iechyd Meddwl, ...

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  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 ...

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Equalities

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  Exploring equality and equity in education

  This free course, Exploring equality and equity in education, considers the complexity of social justice as applied to education and reflects on the different purposes of, and value ascribed to, education in different countries and cultures. It discusses different conceptions of 'justice' and the distinction between equity and equality.

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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 ...

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  Modern slavery

  This free course, Modern slavery, is designed to develop an understanding of the international system of human rights protection in relation to modern slavery, but also encourage an appreciation of the influence of International Human Rights Law on the development of the domestic system of human rights protection.

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  Race and Ethnicity Hub

  Check out our FREE resources - from articles to courses - that explore the themes of race, racism and ethnicity.

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  LGBTQ hub

  Take a look at our collection of free resources focusing on LGBTQ+ history.

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Study tools, tips and learning with the OU

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  Succeed with learning

  This course is for people who want to feel more confident about their learning skills. Informal in approach, the course builds on each person's own qualities, knowledge and skills to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of learning and of their own potential. It introduces some core ideas about learning and academic study, and some ...

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  Skills for study

  Thinking about studying for the first time or after a long time away? Refresh your skills and prepare for success with these free courses.

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  Assistive technologies and online learning

  In this free course, Assistive technologies and online learning, you will explore some of the technology that disabled students use when accessing computers. We will take a look at the tools and techniques that make it possible for disabled students to engage with online learning.

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  Essay and report writing skills

  Writing reports and assignments can be a daunting prospect. Learn how to interpret questions and how to plan, structure and write your assignment or report. This free course, Essay and report writing skills, is designed to help you develop the skills you need to write effectively for academic purposes.

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  Being an OU student

  The induction course for new OU students, covering the essentials for starting your undergraduate studies.

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  Everyday skills in maths and English

  Do you want to improve your reading, writing or maths skills? Whether you want to improve your job prospects or simply help your children with their homework, we offer free bite-sized courses in maths and English. 

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  Free badged courses from the Social Partnerships Network

  Welcome to the Social Partnerships Network (SPN) portal. The SPN consists of a number of partners, including The Open University, who champions workplace and lifelong learning. Below you will find a series of free online courses aimed at those who wish to improve their skills, knowledge and career prospects in a number of specific areas. 

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  Am I ready to be a distance learner?

  Distance learning can open up opportunities for study. You might have not studied for a while, you might be returning to education, or you might not have had the chance to study at a higher level before. This free course, Am I ready to be a distance learner?, will help to boost your confidence. You'll explore useful skills so you can discover ...

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  Success is affordable

  Live in Wales? Get up to £4,500* maintenance funding on our paid courses.

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  Mae llwyddiant yn fforddiadwy

  Ydych chi'n byw yng Nghymru? Sicrhewch hyd at £4,500* o gyllid cynnal a chadw ar ein cyrsiau taledig.

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  Access courses

  The OU offers innovative and unique ways for people to return to formal education and work towards gaining a diploma or degree. Join the thousands of people who have studied with us.

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