
The Open University in Wales has partnered with Welsh colleges to develop the National Enrichment Programme, helping students develop the skills and confidence for their ongoing learning and next steps after college.
You'll find everything you need to get the most out the NEP on this page, so remember to check back for updates.
Video talks and workshops
Watch NEP talks and workshops
The NEP offers a series of digital workshops and expert talks covering a wide range of interesting subjects. All past videos are available below, download the NEP timetable for details of what's still to come.
Learn something new right now
Get inspired by our selection of recommended free online courses and other resources below from OpenLearn. All OpenLearn resources are free and you can study whenever you want, at your own pace. Grab the NEP learner guide for help getting started. You might also find it useful to keep track of what you're learning and reflect as you go, we've got some templates that can help.
Don't forget you'll get the most out of OpenLearn if you create an account.
Tap / click to expand each section:
New to OpenLearn
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Applying to university - your step-by-step guide
The university application process may feel complex and overwhelming - follow this guide to get started and stay on track.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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60 Second Adventures In Astronomy: The rotating moon
Discover how the Moon's orbit means we always see its best side...
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Mental health in society
In this free course, Mental health in society, you will explore and critically reflect on mental health. You will explore the relationship between the lived experiences of individuals, and the society and environment in which they live. Different perspectives, approaches and models of understanding and critiquing mental health will be explored ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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How can the arts improve health and wellbeing?
What evidence is there supporting the potential of the arts to aid health and wellbeing in both formal and informal settings?
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Dyscalculia, maths anxiety and numerophobia in nursing practice
Students, Nursing Associates and registered nurses can experience dyscalculia, maths anxiety and numerophobia, but they can be reassured that effective support is available.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Exploring youth violence: what would you do?
Urban youth violence is a global problem that goes beyond policing and is best understood when viewed from a political economic and youth development perspective.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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The trailblazers of 2024 launch women’s sport into an exciting 2025
Women’s sport continued to rise in popularity in 2024. Review the key players for 2024 and explore the potential up-and-comers for 2025 in this article.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
In the news
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Saint David's Day collection | Casgliad Dydd Gŵyl Dewi
As we celebrate St David's Day, the patron saint of Wales, you can learn more about Welsh language, culture and society with these free online learning resources.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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The story of the Welsh national anthem
How did ‘Hen Wlad fy Nhadau’ become the national anthem for Wales?
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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An expert’s take on AI
Got any burning questions about Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Mike Richards, Senior Lecturer in Computing at The Open University, explains all in this article for National Coding Week.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Year of the Snake: Chinese Lunar New Year
Happy Year of the Snake! Learn more about what this year means and how to say some traditional New Year greetings to celebrate.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introducing key global development challenges
Global development is at a critical turning point. This course introduces ‘challenges’ as a spur to thinking critically and creatively about development’s future on a global scale. You will identify how the four key challenges of conflict, governance, justice, and transformation cut-across all areas of global development. These touch upon all ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Changemakers
Do you have issues you care about, affect you or your community or family? Small actions can lead to big changes.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts
This free course, Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts, aims to describe what goes into making and selling t-shirts. Which resources, which markets, who is involved, the income people get, the income and value they create are all discussed. You will explore these questions at different stages of the production of a t-shirt, and ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
Digital skills
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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.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Gamified Intelligent Cyber Aptitude and Skills Training (GICAST)
This free course, Gamified Intelligent Cyber Aptitude and Skills Training (GICAST), 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.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Learning from major cyber security incidents
As a society, we are now almost always connected to the internet and rely on it for many different day-to-day activities. However, this dependency on the internet can make us vulnerable to attacks.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Simple coding
Have 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.
Free course
2 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Internet of everything
The internet of everything (IoE) is the networked connection of people, process, data and things. As more people, data and things come online, we develop processes to harness the vast amounts of information being generated by all these connected people and things. The goal of this free course is to introduce you to fundamental concepts and ...
Free course
15 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Seeing the internet
How do we see the internet? Gillian Rose explores why some artists and campaigners think it's important that the internet is made more visible.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to computational thinking
You will learn about algorithms and abstraction in this free course, Introduction to computational thinking, and encounter some applications of computational thinking in various disciplines, ranging from biology and physics to economics and sport science.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Data and processes in computing
This free course, Data and processes in computing, will help you to understand the forms of data that are handled by software and look at the various processes that can be applied to the data. These ideas are demonstrated through the use of a supermarket till and illustrate how simple data sets can be manipulated.
Free course
14 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Introducing ICT systems
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) systems now dominate our everyday lives. This free course, Introducing ICT systems, will explain what constitutes such a system and how ICT systems work. You will also look at how ICT systems convey, store and manipulate data, and how they process data. Finally you will learn how these systems ...
Free course
9 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Successful IT systems
Information technology (IT) systems are a critical part of our world, in business and the public and voluntary sectors. They are often highly complex and interconnected combinations of technology, organisations and people. Success and failure of IT systems can be seen in many different settings. Many are highly successful; others fail, sometimes...
Free course
9 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Introducing ethics in Information and Computer Sciences
Although ethics is often viewed as an academic specialism or an add-on to training programmes in technology and science, it is in fact an area of the utmost relevance to professionals and, indeed, everyone. This free course, Introducing ethics in Information and Computer Sciences, draws upon examples taken from dialogues, plays and the media to ...
Free course
40 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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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 ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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What is Blockchain?
Professor John Domingue and Doctor Alexander Mikroyannidis help decode the meaning of "blockchain". How do blockchain technologies work, and what do they do? Read the article to find the answers.
Article
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A very brief history of AI
When was artificial intelligence (AI) first developed? This article looks at the first wave of AI - in particular ELIZA, one of the very first chatbots.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Tips for using a large language model
How should you use Chat GPT and other language models for work, study and life? This article gives you eight top tips for using this sort of artificial intelligence.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Digital forensics
Digital evidence features in just about every part of our personal and business lives. Legal and business decisions hinge on having timely data about what people have actually done. This free course, Digital forensics, is an introduction to computer forensics and investigation, and provides a taster in understanding how to conduct investigations...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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An introduction to software development
Software development is the practice of organising the design and construction of software, the beating heart of much technology fundamental to our personal and professional life. This free introductory course, An introduction to software development, discusses the engineering nature of software development, its challenges and some ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Software and the law
In this free course, Software and the law, you'll look at the laws relevant to software and its use, taking a global perspective. A major part of this course is devoted to intellectual-property law, the issue of who owns software and digital content and how that ownership can be protected using instruments like copyright and patents. We also...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Approaches to software development
This free course, Approaches to software development, presents an engineering approach to the development of software systems – a software engineering approach. The course pays particular attention to issues of software quality, in terms of both product (what is built) and process (how we build it).
Free course
9 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
Citizenship
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Changemakers
Do you have issues you care about, affect you or your community or family? Small actions can lead to big changes.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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6 ways to make your voice heard in Wales
One of the fundamental principles of democracy is that the voice of citizens should be heard. Wales’ democracy, now more than two decades old, is no different.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Active Citizenship in Wales
Free online resources to help you think critically about society and politics in Wales, and to help you use your voice as a citizen.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to making political and social change
Written in a moment of multiple crises – environmental, economic, political, social and health-related – ‘An Introduction to making political and social change’ gives you a grounding in some of the key citizenship skills and information you will need to intervene in the world as it changes around you. This free course explores how you can make ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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How a new First Minister of Wales is appointed
An overview of what happens when it’s time to appoint a new First Minister of Wales, who leads the Welsh Government.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Diary of a new Life Peer
In 2024, Carmen Smith became the youngest person ever to be appointed as a life peer in the House of Lords, as Baroness Smith of Llanfaes. Here, she recounts what being nominated and then taking up her seat was like. What did the process involve? Who did she meet along the way? And what does she hope to accomplish as a member of the House of Lords?
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Does prison work?
Does prison work and what purpose does it serve? This free course allows you to listen to a discussion on the purpose, efficacy and regulation of prisons. Does prison benefit those serving the sentence or simply satisfy a public demand?
Free course
1 hour
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Inequality: Have your say
Does the pursuit of growth increase inequality? How much inequality is too much inequality? Take an interactive tour through the different positions on these matters in our fictional country Economica, and have your say!
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Learning from the Global South
Voices from the Global South is a series of six short films made to stimulate thinking about and reflection on the difference that geography makes to understanding the climate crisis and its impact.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding refugee experiences: Refugee Week
To celebrate refugee contributions to the UK and promote a better understanding of refugee experiences and creativity, here are a range of resources from The Open University.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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How does the media impact politics?
What is the media's relationship to politics and society? This short film explores the link between media and politics in more detail.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Fake news in Wales
The ways in which information is reported, explained and shared in Wales, especially as the Senedd has gained more power, highlight several important issues about the effects that ‘fake news’ can have for a democratic society.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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The age of offence
From ‘cancel culture’ to ‘wokeness’ to the ‘culture wars’, many of the terms that define our age are related to the idea of ‘offence’. Watch this documentary series to explore the role which offensive language plays in our language and politics.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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The history of female protest and suffrage in the UK
This free course focuses on one example of democratic protest: the campaign to extend the vote to women in the UK. In the course you'll be introduced to two key figures in the campaign, Ada Nield Chew and May Billinghurst, and you'll look at the ways in which the Women's Social and Political Union, the National Union of Women's Suffrage ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Historical perspectives on race
Race is not biological. It is a social construction. Yet we know that in our contemporary world and in history, this construction has real consequences. From enslavement and colonisation to resistance and revolution, the stories of people of colour are often left untold in accounts of the past. This free course, Historical perspectives on race, ...
Free course
12 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Good hair: perceptions of racism
How does racism manifest itself in schools and workplaces? Explore the policies that discriminate against Black and Minority Ethnic communities in this immersive film interactive.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Race and Ethnicity Hub
This award-winning hub offers fresh perspectives on race, racism and ethnicity through free courses, articles, interactives and audio/visual materials.
Collection
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How To Be A Better LGBTQI+ Ally
So you think you're supportive? But are you really an LGBTQI+ ally? Test yourself by using our immersive film-based interactive.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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My experience of being a South Asian LGBTQI+ ally
Priya Holland reflects on the importance of offering support to LGBTQI+ people and challenging unconscious bias.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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LGBTQ Hub
Collection of free resources exploring sexuality and LGBTQ+ history across the core faculty areas within The Open University.
Collection
Environment and sustainability
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An introduction to energy resources
Energy resources are essential for any society, be it one dependent on subsistence farming or an industrialised country. There are many different sources of energy, some well-known such as coal or petroleum, others less so, such as tides or the heat inside the Earth. Is nuclear power a salvation or a nightmare? This free course, An introduction ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Can renewable energy sources power the world?
We ask the question ‘Can renewable energy sources power the world?’ as a response to the growing awareness that increased use of renewable energy technologies is making a major contribution to global efforts to limit anthropogenic climate change. The course begins by examining the environmental concerns that have caused a rise in interest in ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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The science of nuclear energy
This free course, The science of nuclear energy, will delve into the science behind nuclear power and explain what happens inside a nuclear reactor and what it means for an element to be radioactive. It will explore some of the risks of producing nuclear power and examine the arguments for and against including it in future energy planning as ...
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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What is a digital carbon footprint?
With increasing awareness of carbon footprints, how much does our digital lifestyle contribute? This article examines the impact.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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How we can all tackle our digital carbon footprints
It might seem daunting but there are lots of steps we can take as individuals to reduce our digital carbon footprint. We can help you make a start.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Plastics in our ocean
Test your knowledge about plastics in our oceans, and learn about how they impact the environment by clicking on the image below...
Activity
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Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts
This free course, Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts, aims to describe what goes into making and selling t-shirts. Which resources, which markets, who is involved, the income people get, the income and value they create are all discussed. You will explore these questions at different stages of the production of a t-shirt, and ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Transport and sustainability
This free course, Transport and sustainability, explores the issues around sustainable transport and how the role of technology and society can interact to lower the overall impact of transport.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment
Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment is a free course. It begins with an introduction to water and goes on to briefly outline the major sources of water pollution (these being sewage works, manufacturing and industrial plants, the farming and animal husbandry sectors, landfill sites and urban surface water run-off). It considers ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Introducing Climate Psychology: facing the climate crisis
This free course introduces the emerging field of Climate Psychology. It is now widely accepted that facts about climate change, taken alone, do not promote change. There is growing recognition that deeper psychological perspectives, beyond traditional psychological approaches, could enrich environment movements. Additionally, evidence is ...
Free course
12 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Climate change: transitions to sustainability
Human societies have to take urgent action to end their dependences on fossil fuels. We have to alter the whole path of our development and decision making in order to make our societies both environmentally adaptable and sustainable. This free course, Climate change, takes on the task of trying to chart some of the ways in which it might be ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Waste management and environmentalism in China
This free course, Waste management and environmentalism in China, is an introduction to waste generation and waste management processes currently being practiced in China. This course explores how the Chinese can deal with increasing volumes of waste, drawing parallels with the UK experience of waste management. It also discusses the conceptual ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Working with our environment: an introduction
Global warming: are we responsible? Is our environmental impact damaging the planet? This free course, Working with our environment: an introduction, examines the use of ozone-depleting technology, the impact of fossil fuel use and explores how the development of technology can influence the direction of a society. From the Industrial Revolution...
Free course
11 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Learning our way to a better environment
How can our capacity for learning help us understand more about managing our environment? This short video looks at developing a more sustainable relationship between humans and the environment.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Environment: treading lightly on the Earth
Environment: treading lightly on the Earth focuses on the problem of greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. This free course will give you an understanding of the nature and importance of carbon footprints of individuals and households. It will enable you to measure your own carbon footprint and explore what you could do to reduce ...
Free course
15 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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The Open University's Carbon Calculator
Have a go at our carbon calculator test to check your consumption and how you might be able to reduce your carbon footprint.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Neighbourhood nature
There is a fascinating world of nature all around us which we can see if we know how to look for it. Wherever you live, be it in a city or the countryside, you will find areas that support a range of wildlife. This free course, Neighbourhood nature, will provide you with basic scientific and observational skills so that you can go into your ...
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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Sustainability Hub
Learn about living sustainably with this collection of free courses, articles, interactives and films from The Open University.
Collection
Personal and social education
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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.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Managing my money for young adults
This 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.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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A Support Net: Can you help someone in need?
All of us will experience personal challenges, but could you make a positive impact on someone's life? Try our wellbeing interactive 'A Support Net' to see if you can help four people.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Exploring youth violence: what would you do?
Urban youth violence is a global problem that goes beyond policing and is best understood when viewed from a political economic and youth development perspective.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
-
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 ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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How Healthy Are You?
How healthy are you? Have a go at this interactive quiz on diet, physical activity and lifestyle choices and see if you need to make some personal changes.
Activity
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.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Ministry of Sharing: Are you a safe sharer?
Are you a model citizen or a menace to society when it comes to divulging personal details? Take the test from the Ministry of Sharing and find out whether you share too much information.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Is your social media use impacting your future?
Are you aware of how your use of social media could impact your future? Dr Gemma Ryan-Blackwell highlights the importance of being mindful of your digital footprint.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Time to look again at HIV and relationships
Dr Tom Witney spoke to 30 gay and bisexual men in relationships where one partner was HIV positive and the other HIV negative. Watch this animated video to see the participants' thoughts and relationships brought to life.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
Help with studying
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University Ready
A collection of resources from all of Wales' universities to help you get started with higher education. Ar gael yn Gymraeg
Collection
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Let’s Talk About Uni – a podcast about real student experiences
Are you wondering if university is right for you? Listen to students from all of Wales’ universities as they share their experiences.
Audio
Level: 1 Introductory
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Taking your first steps into higher education
What is university study like? Is it for me? If you are asking yourself these questions, this free course is for you. Taking your first steps into higher education provides insights into how subjects are studied at university. This introduction to carefully selected materials helps you decide what you might want to study. You will be ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Free course
15 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Revision and examinations
Do you get stressed at the thought of an examination? Does the idea of revision fill you with dread? This free course, Revision and examinations, will provide a host of tips to help you improve your revision and examination techniques and enable you to manage your time effectively by creating a timetable for your revision.
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Time management and study
Whether you’re a full or part-time student, studying is likely to mean adding another commitment to your life. Having a lot to balance can sometimes affect our wellbeing and leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Study skills: one-minute tips
Check out our series of one-minute animations exploring revision tips, beating procrastination, what’s involved in a remote exam and other study skills.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefits
This free course, Multidisciplinary study: the values and benefits, explores the advantages of studying more than one subject and will help you to decide if multidisciplinary study is for you. Featuring videos with students on the Open University’s ‘Open’ qualifications, you will learn about the unique skills you can gain from studying a ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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At a crossroads: navigating work and/or family alongside study
Balancing the demands of studying with family or employment responsibilities can be difficult. This interactive explores different challenges, including lack of understanding and support from family members and employers, time pressures, and dealing with the emotional side of navigating work, family and study. Based on the real-life experiences ...
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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All my own work
Plagiarism comes in all shapes and forms. Step into the shoes of a university student to learn the challenges and temptations facing her during her assignment, and help make it all her own work.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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English: skills for learning
Develop the English reading and writing skills needed for university success.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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How to be a critical reader
In this free course you will focus on how to be a critical reader. Reading critically is an essential skill at university. It means being aware of your own purposes and opinions as you read and being able to recognise the writer's purposes and opinions in their writing.
Free course
7 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Extending and developing your thinking skills
Diagrams, mind-maps, tables, graphs, time lines, flow charts, sequence diagrams, decision trees: all can be used to organise thought. This free course, Extending and developing your thinking skills, will introduce you to a variety of thinking skills. Asking and answering questions is at the heart of high-quality thinking. Questions naturally ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Developing good academic practice
This free course, Developing good academic practice, is intended to help you develop good academic practices in your studies and when producing assignments and completing assessments. Although designed as a course to work through, the content can also be used to dip in and out of, if you feel you need to improve your skills in a particular area.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
Careers and employability
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Personal branding for career success
This free course, Personal branding for career success, considers what a personal brand is and whether you currently have one. You’ll look in detail at theories and examples of personal branding, and relevant marketing processes and practices. You’ll identify the values, skills, knowledge and expertise that you want to promote to employers, and ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding your sector
This 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.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Conversations and interviews
This free course, Conversations and interviews, explores how to ask and answer questions in interviews and conversations.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Skills to succeed in the workplace
Scottish football clubs have partnered with The Open University to provide a selection of free training courses to enhance your career prospects and opportunities.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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How to write a CV
A CV (curriculum vitae) is a brief account of your education, qualifications, skills and work-based experience, used mainly when applying for a job. Your CV is your first opportunity to tell an employer what you can do. A well written CV can make the difference between getting an interview and not being considered for the role.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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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,...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Effective communication in the workplace
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 ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Business communication: writing a SWOT analysis
This free course, Business communication: writing a SWOT analysis, is designed to develop your writing skills for business. You will be taken step by step through the process of writing a SWOT analysis, with clear advice on selecting key information from a case study text, making concise notes, choosing an appropriate structure and using ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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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...
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Groups and teamwork
Are you always the quiet one when it comes to group discussion? This free course, Groups and teamwork, will help you improve your working relationships with other people in groups of three or more. The course also deals with project life cycles, project management and the role of the leader.
Free course
20 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Hybrid working: starting in the workplace
Starting in a new workplace – whether it’s your first 'proper' job after finishing your education, or the next step in developing your career – can be exciting and scary. If it’s a hybrid organisation, and your first day is in a remote location rather than a physical workplace, that can be even more disorientating. This course aims to help you ...
Free course
7 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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A freelance career in the creative arts
A freelance career in the creative arts is a free badged course which lasts 8 weeks, with approximately 3 hours’ study time each week. You can work through the course at your own pace, so if you have more time one week, there’s nothing to stop you pushing on and completing another week’s study. This course has a specific focus on the ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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First steps in innovation and entrepreneurship
This free course provides you with a short introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship, clarifying some key themes and terminology and helping you to examine your own views about these important subjects.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Entrepreneurship – from ideas to reality
This free course, Entrepreneurship: from ideas to reality, is about starting and running your own business. Using case studies it will take you through the decisions from generating initial ideas through to deciding what you will do and how to establish your business and grow it. It will guide you through business models, funding options, ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Can you manage a supply chain?
Test your skills of running a supply chain. Can you complete the ordering process, without ending up with too much stock? Your profits and reputation are at stake!
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
Vocational subjects
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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.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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My career goal: Construction
Are you driven to find out how things work, and want to know how they're made? Construction could be for you. Here's some advice on using your practical mind and hands-on skills to build bigger and better things.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Energy in buildings
Themes covered in this free course, Energy in buildings, include reducing heating demand in buildings, heating systems and fuel emissions, and reducing electricity use by appliances. The course looks at the importance of energy in buildings in the UK, investigate heat loss and how to prevent it, ways of increasing building efficiency, ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Electronic applications
Electronics is fundamental to modern life. Take for example this free course, Electronic applications. An interactive website with videos and interactive software will show how electronic systems pervade everything we do; review some basic ideas of signal processing, control and communications; and allow you to use a digital filter to remove ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Manupedia
A collection of information about some of the processes used to convert materials into useful objects.
External link
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My career goal: Hair and beauty
Do you have a passion for helping clients to look their best? These resources will help you to perfect your craft and make your mark in the beauty industry - perhaps by starting your own business.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Afrodite: Untangling the Routes of Black Women’s Hair
Hair discrimination is an issue that affects Black women’s experiences at work, in education and in society in general. Lurraine Jones looks at the politicisation of Black hair and microaggressions experienced by Black women.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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My career goal: Nail technician
Have you ever thought that your eye for crafting fine-looking nails could become your career? Here's some advice on turning your passion into a job - or maybe even your own business…
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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‘Making Food Allergies Your Business’ Podcast Series on safer dining
In the ever-evolving food industry, understanding food allergies has become crucial. This research and knowledge exchange project educates on what food allergies are and how they can severely affect health and wellbeing, and restrict social freedoms such as eating out of the home.
Audio
Level: 1 Introductory
Health, sports and psychology
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So, you want to be a nurse? A brief introduction to nursing
This free course, So you want to be a nurse? A brief introduction to nursing, provides an overview of what nursing entails. Focusing on nursing in the UK specifically, but also looking at its place globally, you will learn about the four fields of nursing in the UK, what nurse training involves, as well as what makes a great nurse. This ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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COVID-19: Immunology, vaccines and epidemiology
This free badged course, COVID-19: Immunology, vaccines and epidemiology, explains how antibodies protect against viral infections and how the incidence of antibodies can be used to track an epidemic. The course incorporates an interactive on-line assay (ELISA) of the type that is used to detect antibodies against COVID-19 infection. The samples...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Type 2 diabetes across the globe: What's going on?
Journey across the world and uncover why there is a global epidemic of type 2 diabetes and bust some of the myths around it.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Starting with psychology
The most 'important and greatest puzzle' we face as humans is ourselves (Boring, 1950, p. 56). Humans are a puzzle, one that is complex, subtle and multi-layered, and it gets even more complicated as we evolve over time and change within different contexts. When answering the question 'what makes us who we are?' psychologists put forward a ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Forensic psychology
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.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Social psychology and politics
Why are social psychologists interested in politics, and how can they help us understand things like social movements, protest and activism? This free course, Social psychology and politics, moves away from a state-centric study of politics and, using insights from social psychology, explores the role of identity, personality and culture for ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Introduction to child psychology
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and studying these changes is endlessly stimulating. In this free course, Introduction to child psychology, you will be introduced to the discipline of child psychology and some of the key questions that guide the understanding of childhood. These questions include 'What influences children's...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Physical and mental health for young children
This free course will increase your knowledge and skills and show you ways that adults, both parents and professionals, can play an active role in supporting and promoting good health in babies and young children.
Free course
20 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Exploring sport coaching and psychology
This free course, Exploring sport coaching and psychology, investigates how scientific and management ideas contribute to success while also taking you on a journey through unique sporting case studies and insights that will change how you view and study sport. You will consider how the mind, the body, the environment and training techniques all...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Supporting female performance in sport and fitness
Do you support women’s performance in sport or fitness as a coach or parent? Are you a female athlete who wants to optimise your performance using recent research insights? If so, then this free course is for you. It addresses the problem of sports science research traditionally being male dominated and the assumption that if it works for men ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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The business of football
This free course, The business of football, was produced by The Open University working in partnership with The English Football League Trust. If you are fascinated by men's and women's football and interested in discovering more about business and management, then this engaging and stimulating course is for you.
Free course
15 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
2 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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The athlete’s journey: transitions through sport
The athlete’s journey through sport can be characterised by several transitions and periods of change. This course is designed to help you understand that journey, whether in reference to a professional or recreational athlete, and the nature of support they may need at different times. The course also provides practical guidance, whether ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Learning from sport burnout and overtraining
Sport can place high levels of stress on athletes, coaches and others involved. If unable to cope with these stresses they may be vulnerable to developing burnout. This free course, Learning from sport burnout and overtraining, examines burnout in sport from various perspectives including both the coach’s and athlete’s perspective. Drawing on ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Studying medicine bilingually
Are you interested in studying medicine at university? Then if so, this unit is for you. It introduces a number of the factors that you need to think about when applying to study medicine, and outlines some of the particular advantages of studying medicine bilingually at university.
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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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...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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The MMR vaccine: public health, private fears
A decade ago, the possibility of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism hit the media. Fear of the vaccine spread rapidly and, despite an almost unanimous consensus that the claim was unfounded, still persists today. In this free course, The MMR vaccine: public health, private fears, we'll examine why this controversy took on such a life of ...
Free course
20 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Introducing ageing
Everyone is ageing, whatever their current age, and we live in a world where many people are living much longer than previous generations. This is often seen as a problem. But is it? This free course, Introducing ageing, will help you to think about this issue by introducing you to some key ideas in studying later life.
Free course
11 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
History and The Arts
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Herodotus and the invention of history
With the information explosion online, how can you tell fake news from the real thing, or be more sensitive to how information can be weaponised? In the fifth-century BCE, a Greek by the name of Herodotus faced a similar challenge when he set out to examine why his people, the Greeks, and the Persians went to war with each other. Chief among his...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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What do historians do?
What do historians do? In this free course you will explore some of the ways that historians work to develop our understanding of the past. You will learn about three aspects of the historian’s craft through three topic areas: landscapes, infant health and criminal justice. Through the activities in the course, you will experience a wide range ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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The American Civil Rights Movement
In this free course, The American Civil Rights Movement, you will learn about the mass movement for racial equality in the United States that reached its zenith during the 1950s and 1960s. During this turbulent period in United States history, black Americans sought to overturn deeply entrenched systems of racial segregation and ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Art and life in ancient Egypt
Around 1350 BC, the Egyptian grain accountant Nebamun commissioned the walls of his tomb-chapel to be painted with scenes depicting his afterlife, and the world in which he lived. Nebamun worked in the temple of Amun at Karnak during the reign of Amenhotep III (c. 1390-1352 BC). Amenhotep was one of the most important kings of the 18th Dynasty, ...
Free course
30 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Empires: power, resistance, legacies
Empires have existed throughout most of human history. They have spanned the globe. They have influenced the way we are governed, our systems of trade, how we use technology, our relationships with the natural world. They have shaped how we have seen, mapped and divided the world. They have profoundly affected how we have understood and ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Behind The Reputation
In this interactive, you’ll uncover the real people behind the icons. Does the reality of the life of Van Gogh, Queen Elizabeth I and Charles Dickens match up with their reputation?
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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O' Fortuna: Can you survive Early Modern Europe?
Pit yourself against fate by embarking on a journey into Europe during one of its most volatile periods: 1500-1700. Can your historical knowledge outwit tempestuous Fortuna?
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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The legacy of the Victorian prison treadmill
Professor Rosalind Crone examines the dark history of the penal treadmill and asks what lessons we can learn for prisons today.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Wales and music: a conversation with Huw Stephens
Music has come to play a significant role in Welsh identity. It has been and remains central to the way many Welsh people think about themselves collectively as a nation, and the way in which the Welsh are perceived outside Wales.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Discovering music through listening
This free course, Discovering music through listening, will introduce you to the musical elements used by musicians to create a piece of music: pulse, tempo, metre, harmony, structure, texture, timbre and dynamics. You'll learn how to identify the different musical elements by taking a particular approach to listening to the music, known as ...
Free course
9 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Listening for form in popular music
This free course, Listening for form in popular music, explores form, or how music is organised in time. It looks at three strategies for communicating form – through the use of specialist terms (such as ‘chorus’ and ‘bridge’), alphabetic designations (for example AABA), and visual diagrams. It also considers how the form of a song works with ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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An introduction to music theory
Gain an understanding of the basic building blocks of musical theory and notation. This free course, An introduction to music theory, will introduce you to music staves, clefs, rhythmic and pitch values, rhythmic metre and time signatures. This OpenLearn course provides an introduction to music theory pitched at a level equivalent to Grades 1–3 ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introducing music research
Introducing music research provides you with insights into the wide variety of possibilities for studying music at postgraduate level. In this free course you will explore diverse musical topics through four themes: inclusions and exclusions, practice, technology, and community. You will encounter music from different times, places and genres ...
Free course
12 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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The business of film
This free 12-hour course explores the intriguing world of film production, and illuminates the processes of film development, distribution and finance.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Recording music and sound
This free course, Recording music and sound, provides an historical introduction to music and sound recording in the creative industries and offers some guidance about making your own recordings. Many of the processes that have been developed and the issues that have been raised in the first 150 years of recording are still relevant today, and a...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Design in a nutshell
Get the lowdown on 6 key design movements and share your design alter-ego
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Visions of protest: graffiti
This free course, Visions of protest: graffiti, introduces students to contrasting understandings of graffiti. It draws on a wide range of graffiti examples, including mystery zebras in Hackney, fish graffiti in Morecambe, 'tags' in a Milton Keynes underpass, a McDonald's advert and exhibits at a highly established art gallery, the Tate Modern....
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Agatha Christie and the golden age of detective fiction
In this free course you’ll examine one of Agatha Christie’s most significant works, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926), and explore the evolution of British detective fiction in relation to Christie’s background, literary modernism and the development of middlebrow fiction.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Creative writing and critical reading
This free course, Creative writing and critical reading, explores the importance of reading as part of a creative writer’s development at the postgraduate level. You will gain inspiration and ideas from examining other writers’ methods, as well as enhancing your critical reading skills. Examples will cover the genres of fiction, creative ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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What is poetry?
Have you always wanted to try to write poetry but never quite managed to start? This free course, What is poetry?, is designed to illustrate the techniques behind both the traditional forms of poetry and free verse. You will learn how you can use your own experiences to develop ideas and how to harness your imagination.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Exploring Homer’s Odyssey
This free course introduces Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, the Odyssey, which tells of Odysseus’ long journey home after fighting in the Trojan War, and his eventual reunion with his wife Penelope. Odysseus is famous for his cunning and his courage, and for the exploits he undertakes on his travels; meanwhile Penelope is renowned for her ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started on classical Latin
This free course, Getting started on classical Latin, has been developed in response to requests from learners who had had no contact with Latin before and who felt they would like to spend a little time preparing for the kind of learning that studying a classical language involves. The course will give you a taster of what is involved in the ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
Languages
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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 ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Free course
48 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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A short introduction to the English language
This free course, A short introduction to the English language, will look at the role language plays in our lives, with a particular focus on the English language. It will examine the history and the future of the language, from the Anglo-Saxons and Shakespeare to social media communication and stand-up comedy.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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How to learn a language
Learn about the concepts and skills required to learn languages successfully. This free course, How to learn a language, introduces the skills and strategies for language learning, setting realistic goals when learning languages and keeping motivated, practise speaking skills and vocabulary learning strategies. It will enable you to evaluate ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Spanish 1
If you want to learn a new language for work or for leisure, this free course will introduce you to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world – Spanish. Whether this is the first time that you are learning Spanish, or you have already picked up some words and phrases from travelling across the Spanish-speaking world, this course ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Beginners’ Tamil: a taster course
This free course, Beginners’ Tamil: a taster course, provides a brief introduction to the Tamil language and its scripts and sounds. You will learn how to greet people and introduce yourself, as well as how to count from one to ten. You will also be introduced to Tamil society and culture and will learn about the food and music popular in ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course
Learn about Mandarin Chinese as a tool for communication and gain insights into Chinese society and culture. This free course, Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course, provides a brief introduction to the Chinese language, its scripts and sounds, and how words are formed. You will hear short conversations where people greet each other and introduce ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Chinese 1
Have you always wanted to learn how to speak Mandarin Chinese? Are you fascinated by the sound, the script and its ancient civilisation? If so, this introduction will get you started on the essentials of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Chinese through a variety of online activities. A perfect introduction for absolute ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to Arabic
In this free course you will learn the Arabic alphabet, vowels, and also a little bit about the history of the Arabic language.
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Italian 1
Are you fascinated by the Italian culture and lifestyle, cuisine, historic cities, art and beautiful landscapes? Have you always loved the sound and musicality of the Italian language? Perhaps you’ve visited an Italian city and wished you could chat with local people. Or maybe you would like to be able to read a menu, talk about yourself, or ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with French 1
Whether you want to visit, work or live in a French-speaking environment, you will get more out of the experience if you can communicate effectively with people. In this short course you will begin to develop your reading and listening skills in French and learn to speak and write the language to communicate in everyday situations. You will...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with German 1
Almost 100 million people speak German as their main language. Most of them live in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, making German one of the most widely-used languages in Europe. Although now associated with economic success and advances in science and technology, German has a long-standing reputation as the language of poets and thinkers, die...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to Ukrainian language and culture
Building on the experience developed since the launch of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures, this free short course provides an introduction to Ukrainian languages and culture. This course is for everybody who is interested in finding out about Ukraine and its people and wants to get a first insight into its rich cultural heritage. ...
Free course
25 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Describing language
This free course introduces you to the basics of describing language. Using examples from English, you’ll learn how words are built, how they fit together to make sentences, and what labels like noun, verb and adjective mean. You’ll see how language patterns in regular ways and how the meaning of a sentence is more than the sum of its parts. ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis
This free course, A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis, is an introduction to the history of writing, and the key role it plays in human communication. It tracks this history from the invention of writing around 5500 years ago to the mass popularity of emojis today.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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English Loanwords – Interactive World Map
Explore the fascinating origins of some words in the English language with this interactive world map. Simply select the book items to uncover the word and its history.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Exploring languages and cultures
Explore the multiple relationships between languages and cultures. In this free course you will learn about the benefits and challenges of meeting people from different cultures and the ways in which language and human communities shape each other. You will look at the role of intercultural competence at the workplace, reflect on the use of ...
Free course
14 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Language and creativity
This free course is an introduction to the relationship between language and creativity, to the roles that linguistic creativity plays in culture and society, and to the different approaches to its study.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Language in the real world
This free course, Language in the real world, explains and illustrates why a knowledge about how language works (i.e. ‘linguistics’) is helpful – some might say essential – for different aspects of our everyday lives. It provides an introduction to ideas around what language is and to the field of Applied Linguistics, which is dedicated to ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
Science, maths and technology
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Everyday maths 1 (Wales)
This free course will develop and improve your essential maths skills for work, study and everyday life. The course has four sessions, which cover the following topics: numbers, measurement, shapes and space, and handling data. There will be plenty of examples to help you progress, together with opportunities to practise your understanding. A...
Free course
48 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Numbers, units and arithmetic
Do fractions and decimals make you apprehensive about maths? Do you lack confidence in dealing with numbers? If so, then this free course, Numbers, units and arithmetic, is for you. The course will explain the basics of working with positive and negative numbers and how to multiply and divide with fractions and decimals.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Mathematics for science and technology
Maths is intimately entwined with science and technology, whether it is used to analyse data collected on plants in the Amazon rainforest, to calculate the trajectory of a comet or design a bridge to connect two countries. This means that science and technology go hand-in-hand with maths, and that a firm grasp of maths is crucial for studying ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Perplex: Classic puzzles, past and present
Test your puzzle-solving ability with incredibly immersive and interactive puzzles from The Open University and UKMT
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introducing vectors for engineering applications
Applied mathematics is a key skill for practicing engineers and mathematical modelling is an ever-increasing field within engineering. This free course, Introducing vectors for engineering applications, covers one aspect of a Level 1 engineering module, the application of vectors and vector algebra, using examples inspired by engineering ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Language, notation and formulas
Communication is as vital in mathematics as in any language. This free course, Language, notation and formulas, will help you to express yourself clearly when writing and speaking about mathematics. You will also learn how to answer questions in the manner that is expected by the examiner.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Dynamics
This free course is concerned with moving objects, that is, dynamics. Section 1 introduces concepts like position, velocity and acceleration, which describe the way an object moves. Section 2 discusses Newton’s laws of motion, which predict the motion of an object when the forces acting on it are known. Section 3 shows how Newton’s second law of...
Free course
16 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Understanding science: what we cannot know
This free course, Understanding science: what we cannot know, investigates the boundaries of our understanding across numerous scientific fields. It asks whether it's possible that we will one day know everything, or whether some knowledge will always lie beyond the bounds of human comprehension.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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15 minutes on Mars
Have you ever looked up into the night sky at the red planet and wanted to know more? Now here’s your chance to explore Mars.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Moons of our Solar System
In this free course, Moons of our Solar System, explore the many moons of our Solar System. Find out what makes them special. Should we send humans to our Moon again?
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Life Beyond Earth: The Big Debate
A panel of Open University experts go head-to-head to debate whether life is more likely on Mars or on the icy moons of the gas planets.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Microgravity: living on the International Space Station
This free badged open course, Microgravity: living on the International Space Station, will help you to consider microgravity environments in more detail than before! You will make direct comparisons of some important physical values between the International Space Station (ISS), the Earth and the Moon.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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What do genes do?
This free course, What do genes do?, explores how information contained in DNA is used, explaining the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein. Also introduced are the concepts of transcription (as occurs between DNA and RNA) and translation.
Free course
2 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Gene testing
This free course, Gene testing, looks at three different uses of genetic testing: pre-natal diagnosis, childhood testing and adult testing. Such tests provide genetic information in the form of a predictive diagnosis, and as such are described as predictive tests. Pre-natal diagnosis uses techniques such as amniocentesis to test fetuses in the ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Migration
Migration is a free course looking at the migrations of animals, with special reference to birds, and also introducing the themes of movement, selection and homeostasis.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Studying natural sciences bilingually
Thinking of studying a Natural Sciences course? Considering studying through the medium of Welsh and want to know what the benefits are? Not sure whether your Welsh is good enough? If you’re reading this article, it’s quite possible you’ve thought about these questions. This article aims to answer these questions, and show how studying ...
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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Discovering chemistry
Chemistry lies at the centre of our modern life, playing a part in areas as diverse as the development of new drugs and materials, analysing our environment through to more mundane activities such as washing your clothes and making your tea. But to truly understand the role chemistry plays you need to have a sound grasp of a number of ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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The science of alcohol
Alcohol plays a considerable part in the daily lives of humanity and has done for thousands of years. This free course, The science of alcohol, looks at the science behind the processes of brewing, distilling and vinification, and how many of our beverages are made. A historical aspect is also covered showing how the modern production techniques...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Could you be a code breaker?
Test your problem-solving skills and try to crack our secret messages using clues.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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An introduction to geology
In this free course, An introduction to geology, you will explore basic geological processes, focusing on how, where and why different rocks and natural resources form across the Earth.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Particle physics
This free course, Particle physics, will give you an overview of current concepts and theories in the field. You will learn about the fundamental components of matter – known as leptons and quarks – and the composite particles, such as protons and neutrons, which are composed of quarks. You will see that all particle reactions may be described ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
-
An introduction to electronics
Electronics is fundamental to modern life. Using an interactive website, videos, and easy-to-use electronic circuit design and simulation software, this free course, An introduction to electronics, will show how electronic devices and systems pervade everything we do, and teach some of the basic ideas.
Free course
10 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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An introduction to design engineering
This free course, An introduction to design engineering, looks at the way in which engineers use ideas and approaches from the discipline of design thinking to inform their work. The complexity that people bring to design problems is introduced, along with some basic methods of dealing with such complexity.
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
Courses 10 hours or less
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Learning from major cyber security incidents
As a society, we are now almost always connected to the internet and rely on it for many different day-to-day activities. However, this dependency on the internet can make us vulnerable to attacks.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Simple coding
Have 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.
Free course
2 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introducing ICT systems
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) systems now dominate our everyday lives. This free course, Introducing ICT systems, will explain what constitutes such a system and how ICT systems work. You will also look at how ICT systems convey, store and manipulate data, and how they process data. Finally you will learn how these systems ...
Free course
9 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Digital forensics
Digital evidence features in just about every part of our personal and business lives. Legal and business decisions hinge on having timely data about what people have actually done. This free course, Digital forensics, is an introduction to computer forensics and investigation, and provides a taster in understanding how to conduct investigations...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Successful IT systems
Information technology (IT) systems are a critical part of our world, in business and the public and voluntary sectors. They are often highly complex and interconnected combinations of technology, organisations and people. Success and failure of IT systems can be seen in many different settings. Many are highly successful; others fail, sometimes...
Free course
9 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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An introduction to software development
Software development is the practice of organising the design and construction of software, the beating heart of much technology fundamental to our personal and professional life. This free introductory course, An introduction to software development, discusses the engineering nature of software development, its challenges and some ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Software and the law
In this free course, Software and the law, you'll look at the laws relevant to software and its use, taking a global perspective. A major part of this course is devoted to intellectual-property law, the issue of who owns software and digital content and how that ownership can be protected using instruments like copyright and patents. We also...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Approaches to software development
This free course, Approaches to software development, presents an engineering approach to the development of software systems – a software engineering approach. The course pays particular attention to issues of software quality, in terms of both product (what is built) and process (how we build it).
Free course
9 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Introduction to making political and social change
Written in a moment of multiple crises – environmental, economic, political, social and health-related – ‘An Introduction to making political and social change’ gives you a grounding in some of the key citizenship skills and information you will need to intervene in the world as it changes around you. This free course explores how you can make ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Does prison work?
Does prison work and what purpose does it serve? This free course allows you to listen to a discussion on the purpose, efficacy and regulation of prisons. Does prison benefit those serving the sentence or simply satisfy a public demand?
Free course
1 hour
Level: 2 Intermediate
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The history of female protest and suffrage in the UK
This free course focuses on one example of democratic protest: the campaign to extend the vote to women in the UK. In the course you'll be introduced to two key figures in the campaign, Ada Nield Chew and May Billinghurst, and you'll look at the ways in which the Women's Social and Political Union, the National Union of Women's Suffrage ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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An introduction to energy resources
Energy resources are essential for any society, be it one dependent on subsistence farming or an industrialised country. There are many different sources of energy, some well-known such as coal or petroleum, others less so, such as tides or the heat inside the Earth. Is nuclear power a salvation or a nightmare? This free course, An introduction ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts
This free course, Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts, aims to describe what goes into making and selling t-shirts. Which resources, which markets, who is involved, the income people get, the income and value they create are all discussed. You will explore these questions at different stages of the production of a t-shirt, and ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment
Effects of pollutants on the aquatic environment is a free course. It begins with an introduction to water and goes on to briefly outline the major sources of water pollution (these being sewage works, manufacturing and industrial plants, the farming and animal husbandry sectors, landfill sites and urban surface water run-off). It considers ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Climate change: transitions to sustainability
Human societies have to take urgent action to end their dependences on fossil fuels. We have to alter the whole path of our development and decision making in order to make our societies both environmentally adaptable and sustainable. This free course, Climate change, takes on the task of trying to chart some of the ways in which it might be ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Waste management and environmentalism in China
This free course, Waste management and environmentalism in China, is an introduction to waste generation and waste management processes currently being practiced in China. This course explores how the Chinese can deal with increasing volumes of waste, drawing parallels with the UK experience of waste management. It also discusses the conceptual ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Neighbourhood nature
There is a fascinating world of nature all around us which we can see if we know how to look for it. Wherever you live, be it in a city or the countryside, you will find areas that support a range of wildlife. This free course, Neighbourhood nature, will provide you with basic scientific and observational skills so that you can go into your ...
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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Revision and examinations
Do you get stressed at the thought of an examination? Does the idea of revision fill you with dread? This free course, Revision and examinations, will provide a host of tips to help you improve your revision and examination techniques and enable you to manage your time effectively by creating a timetable for your revision.
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Multidisciplinary study: the value and benefits
This free course, Multidisciplinary study: the values and benefits, explores the advantages of studying more than one subject and will help you to decide if multidisciplinary study is for you. Featuring videos with students on the Open University’s ‘Open’ qualifications, you will learn about the unique skills you can gain from studying a ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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How to be a critical reader
In this free course you will focus on how to be a critical reader. Reading critically is an essential skill at university. It means being aware of your own purposes and opinions as you read and being able to recognise the writer's purposes and opinions in their writing.
Free course
7 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Extending and developing your thinking skills
Diagrams, mind-maps, tables, graphs, time lines, flow charts, sequence diagrams, decision trees: all can be used to organise thought. This free course, Extending and developing your thinking skills, will introduce you to a variety of thinking skills. Asking and answering questions is at the heart of high-quality thinking. Questions naturally ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Developing good academic practice
This free course, Developing good academic practice, is intended to help you develop good academic practices in your studies and when producing assignments and completing assessments. Although designed as a course to work through, the content can also be used to dip in and out of, if you feel you need to improve your skills in a particular area.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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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 ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Conversations and interviews
This free course, Conversations and interviews, explores how to ask and answer questions in interviews and conversations.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Business communication: writing a SWOT analysis
This free course, Business communication: writing a SWOT analysis, is designed to develop your writing skills for business. You will be taken step by step through the process of writing a SWOT analysis, with clear advice on selecting key information from a case study text, making concise notes, choosing an appropriate structure and using ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Hybrid working: starting in the workplace
Starting in a new workplace – whether it’s your first 'proper' job after finishing your education, or the next step in developing your career – can be exciting and scary. If it’s a hybrid organisation, and your first day is in a remote location rather than a physical workplace, that can be even more disorientating. This course aims to help you ...
Free course
7 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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First steps in innovation and entrepreneurship
This free course provides you with a short introduction to innovation and entrepreneurship, clarifying some key themes and terminology and helping you to examine your own views about these important subjects.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
-
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.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Energy in buildings
Themes covered in this free course, Energy in buildings, include reducing heating demand in buildings, heating systems and fuel emissions, and reducing electricity use by appliances. The course looks at the importance of energy in buildings in the UK, investigate heat loss and how to prevent it, ways of increasing building efficiency, ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Electronic applications
Electronics is fundamental to modern life. Take for example this free course, Electronic applications. An interactive website with videos and interactive software will show how electronic systems pervade everything we do; review some basic ideas of signal processing, control and communications; and allow you to use a digital filter to remove ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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So, you want to be a nurse? A brief introduction to nursing
This free course, So you want to be a nurse? A brief introduction to nursing, provides an overview of what nursing entails. Focusing on nursing in the UK specifically, but also looking at its place globally, you will learn about the four fields of nursing in the UK, what nurse training involves, as well as what makes a great nurse. This ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Starting with psychology
The most 'important and greatest puzzle' we face as humans is ourselves (Boring, 1950, p. 56). Humans are a puzzle, one that is complex, subtle and multi-layered, and it gets even more complicated as we evolve over time and change within different contexts. When answering the question 'what makes us who we are?' psychologists put forward a ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Social psychology and politics
Why are social psychologists interested in politics, and how can they help us understand things like social movements, protest and activism? This free course, Social psychology and politics, moves away from a state-centric study of politics and, using insights from social psychology, explores the role of identity, personality and culture for ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Introduction to child psychology
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and studying these changes is endlessly stimulating. In this free course, Introduction to child psychology, you will be introduced to the discipline of child psychology and some of the key questions that guide the understanding of childhood. These questions include 'What influences children's...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
2 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Studying medicine bilingually
Are you interested in studying medicine at university? Then if so, this unit is for you. It introduces a number of the factors that you need to think about when applying to study medicine, and outlines some of the particular advantages of studying medicine bilingually at university.
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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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...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Herodotus and the invention of history
With the information explosion online, how can you tell fake news from the real thing, or be more sensitive to how information can be weaponised? In the fifth-century BCE, a Greek by the name of Herodotus faced a similar challenge when he set out to examine why his people, the Greeks, and the Persians went to war with each other. Chief among his...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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What do historians do?
What do historians do? In this free course you will explore some of the ways that historians work to develop our understanding of the past. You will learn about three aspects of the historian’s craft through three topic areas: landscapes, infant health and criminal justice. Through the activities in the course, you will experience a wide range ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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The American Civil Rights Movement
In this free course, The American Civil Rights Movement, you will learn about the mass movement for racial equality in the United States that reached its zenith during the 1950s and 1960s. During this turbulent period in United States history, black Americans sought to overturn deeply entrenched systems of racial segregation and ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Empires: power, resistance, legacies
Empires have existed throughout most of human history. They have spanned the globe. They have influenced the way we are governed, our systems of trade, how we use technology, our relationships with the natural world. They have shaped how we have seen, mapped and divided the world. They have profoundly affected how we have understood and ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Discovering music through listening
This free course, Discovering music through listening, will introduce you to the musical elements used by musicians to create a piece of music: pulse, tempo, metre, harmony, structure, texture, timbre and dynamics. You'll learn how to identify the different musical elements by taking a particular approach to listening to the music, known as ...
Free course
9 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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An introduction to music theory
Gain an understanding of the basic building blocks of musical theory and notation. This free course, An introduction to music theory, will introduce you to music staves, clefs, rhythmic and pitch values, rhythmic metre and time signatures. This OpenLearn course provides an introduction to music theory pitched at a level equivalent to Grades 1–3 ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Recording music and sound
This free course, Recording music and sound, provides an historical introduction to music and sound recording in the creative industries and offers some guidance about making your own recordings. Many of the processes that have been developed and the issues that have been raised in the first 150 years of recording are still relevant today, and a...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Visions of protest: graffiti
This free course, Visions of protest: graffiti, introduces students to contrasting understandings of graffiti. It draws on a wide range of graffiti examples, including mystery zebras in Hackney, fish graffiti in Morecambe, 'tags' in a Milton Keynes underpass, a McDonald's advert and exhibits at a highly established art gallery, the Tate Modern....
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Agatha Christie and the golden age of detective fiction
In this free course you’ll examine one of Agatha Christie’s most significant works, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926), and explore the evolution of British detective fiction in relation to Christie’s background, literary modernism and the development of middlebrow fiction.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Creative writing and critical reading
This free course, Creative writing and critical reading, explores the importance of reading as part of a creative writer’s development at the postgraduate level. You will gain inspiration and ideas from examining other writers’ methods, as well as enhancing your critical reading skills. Examples will cover the genres of fiction, creative ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Exploring Homer’s Odyssey
This free course introduces Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, the Odyssey, which tells of Odysseus’ long journey home after fighting in the Trojan War, and his eventual reunion with his wife Penelope. Odysseus is famous for his cunning and his courage, and for the exploits he undertakes on his travels; meanwhile Penelope is renowned for her ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started on classical Latin
This free course, Getting started on classical Latin, has been developed in response to requests from learners who had had no contact with Latin before and who felt they would like to spend a little time preparing for the kind of learning that studying a classical language involves. The course will give you a taster of what is involved in the ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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A short introduction to the English language
This free course, A short introduction to the English language, will look at the role language plays in our lives, with a particular focus on the English language. It will examine the history and the future of the language, from the Anglo-Saxons and Shakespeare to social media communication and stand-up comedy.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Spanish 1
If you want to learn a new language for work or for leisure, this free course will introduce you to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world – Spanish. Whether this is the first time that you are learning Spanish, or you have already picked up some words and phrases from travelling across the Spanish-speaking world, this course ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Beginners’ Tamil: a taster course
This free course, Beginners’ Tamil: a taster course, provides a brief introduction to the Tamil language and its scripts and sounds. You will learn how to greet people and introduce yourself, as well as how to count from one to ten. You will also be introduced to Tamil society and culture and will learn about the food and music popular in ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course
Learn about Mandarin Chinese as a tool for communication and gain insights into Chinese society and culture. This free course, Beginners’ Chinese: a taster course, provides a brief introduction to the Chinese language, its scripts and sounds, and how words are formed. You will hear short conversations where people greet each other and introduce ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Chinese 1
Have you always wanted to learn how to speak Mandarin Chinese? Are you fascinated by the sound, the script and its ancient civilisation? If so, this introduction will get you started on the essentials of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Chinese through a variety of online activities. A perfect introduction for absolute ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to Arabic
In this free course you will learn the Arabic alphabet, vowels, and also a little bit about the history of the Arabic language.
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with Italian 1
Are you fascinated by the Italian culture and lifestyle, cuisine, historic cities, art and beautiful landscapes? Have you always loved the sound and musicality of the Italian language? Perhaps you’ve visited an Italian city and wished you could chat with local people. Or maybe you would like to be able to read a menu, talk about yourself, or ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with French 1
Whether you want to visit, work or live in a French-speaking environment, you will get more out of the experience if you can communicate effectively with people. In this short course you will begin to develop your reading and listening skills in French and learn to speak and write the language to communicate in everyday situations. You will...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Getting started with German 1
Almost 100 million people speak German as their main language. Most of them live in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, making German one of the most widely-used languages in Europe. Although now associated with economic success and advances in science and technology, German has a long-standing reputation as the language of poets and thinkers, die...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis
This free course, A brief history of communication: hieroglyphics to emojis, is an introduction to the history of writing, and the key role it plays in human communication. It tracks this history from the invention of writing around 5500 years ago to the mass popularity of emojis today.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Language and creativity
This free course is an introduction to the relationship between language and creativity, to the roles that linguistic creativity plays in culture and society, and to the different approaches to its study.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Language in the real world
This free course, Language in the real world, explains and illustrates why a knowledge about how language works (i.e. ‘linguistics’) is helpful – some might say essential – for different aspects of our everyday lives. It provides an introduction to ideas around what language is and to the field of Applied Linguistics, which is dedicated to ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Numbers, units and arithmetic
Do fractions and decimals make you apprehensive about maths? Do you lack confidence in dealing with numbers? If so, then this free course, Numbers, units and arithmetic, is for you. The course will explain the basics of working with positive and negative numbers and how to multiply and divide with fractions and decimals.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introducing vectors for engineering applications
Applied mathematics is a key skill for practicing engineers and mathematical modelling is an ever-increasing field within engineering. This free course, Introducing vectors for engineering applications, covers one aspect of a Level 1 engineering module, the application of vectors and vector algebra, using examples inspired by engineering ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Language, notation and formulas
Communication is as vital in mathematics as in any language. This free course, Language, notation and formulas, will help you to express yourself clearly when writing and speaking about mathematics. You will also learn how to answer questions in the manner that is expected by the examiner.
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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What do genes do?
This free course, What do genes do?, explores how information contained in DNA is used, explaining the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein. Also introduced are the concepts of transcription (as occurs between DNA and RNA) and translation.
Free course
2 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Gene testing
This free course, Gene testing, looks at three different uses of genetic testing: pre-natal diagnosis, childhood testing and adult testing. Such tests provide genetic information in the form of a predictive diagnosis, and as such are described as predictive tests. Pre-natal diagnosis uses techniques such as amniocentesis to test fetuses in the ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Migration
Migration is a free course looking at the migrations of animals, with special reference to birds, and also introducing the themes of movement, selection and homeostasis.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Studying natural sciences bilingually
Thinking of studying a Natural Sciences course? Considering studying through the medium of Welsh and want to know what the benefits are? Not sure whether your Welsh is good enough? If you’re reading this article, it’s quite possible you’ve thought about these questions. This article aims to answer these questions, and show how studying ...
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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Particle physics
This free course, Particle physics, will give you an overview of current concepts and theories in the field. You will learn about the fundamental components of matter – known as leptons and quarks – and the composite particles, such as protons and neutrons, which are composed of quarks. You will see that all particle reactions may be described ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
-
An introduction to electronics
Electronics is fundamental to modern life. Using an interactive website, videos, and easy-to-use electronic circuit design and simulation software, this free course, An introduction to electronics, will show how electronic devices and systems pervade everything we do, and teach some of the basic ideas.
Free course
10 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
-
An introduction to design engineering
This free course, An introduction to design engineering, looks at the way in which engineers use ideas and approaches from the discipline of design thinking to inform their work. The complexity that people bring to design problems is introduced, along with some basic methods of dealing with such complexity.
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
Astudio trwy'r Gymraeg
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Adnoddau Rhaglennu
Cyfres o adnoddau aml-gyfrwng i ddysgu rhaglennu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.
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6 ffordd o sicrhau bod eich llais yn cael ei glywed yng Nghymru
Un o egwyddorion sylfaenol democratiaeth yw y dylai llais dinasyddion cael ei glywed. Mae’r un peth yn wir am ddemocratiaeth Cymru, sydd bellach dros ddau ddegawd oed.
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Dinasyddiaeth Weithgar yng Nghymru
Adnoddau ar-lein am ddim i'ch helpu i feddwl yn feirniadol am gymdeithas a gwleidyddiaeth yng Nghymru, ac i'ch helpu i ddefnyddio'ch llais fel dinesydd.
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Cyflwyniad i greu newid gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol
Ac yntau wedi’i ysgrifennu mewn cyfnod heriol - yn amgylcheddol, yn economaidd, yn wleidyddol, yn gymdeithasol ac o ran iechyd, mae ‘Cyflwyniad i wneud newid gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol’ yn rhoi sylfaen i chi ar gyfer rhai o’r sgiliau dinasyddiaeth a’r wybodaeth wleidyddol allweddol sydd eu hangen arnoch i ymyrryd yn y byd wrth iddo newid o’ch ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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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12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Sut mae penodi Prif Weinidog newydd i Gymru
Trosolwg o’r hyn sy’n digwydd pan ddaw’n amser penodi Prif Weinidog newydd Cymru, sy’n arwain Llywodraeth Cymru.
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Dyddiadur Barwnes am Oes Newydd
Yn 2024, Carmen Smith oedd y person ieuengaf erioed i gael ei phenodi'n farwnes am oes yn Nhŷ'r Arglwyddi, fel y Farwnes Smith o Lanfaes. Yma, mae hi'n sôn am sut beth oedd cael ei henwebu a chymryd ei sedd wedyn. Sut broses oedd hi? Pwy wnaeth hi gyfarfod ar hyd y ffordd? A beth mae hi'n gobeithio ei gyflawni fel aelod o Dŷ'r Arglwyddi?
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Newyddion ffug yng Nghymru
Mae’r ffordd mae gwybodaeth yn cael ei hadrodd, ei hegluro a’i rhannu yng Nghymru, yn enwedig wrth i’r Senedd ennill rhagor o bŵer, yn tynnu sylw at faterion pwysig ynghylch yr effeithiau all ‘newyddion ffug’ eu cael ar gymdeithas ddemocrataidd.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Beth yw ôl troed carbon digidol?
Mae ymwybyddiaeth o olion troed carbon yn cynyddu, felly i ba raddau mae ein ffordd o fyw ddigidol yn cyfrannu atynt. Mae'r erthygl hon yn ystyried yr effaith.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Sut y gall pob un ohonom fynd i'r afael â'n hôl troed carbon digidol
Gall ymddangos yn llethol ond mae llawer o gamau y gallwn eu cymryd fel unigolion i leihau ein hôl troed carbon digidol. Gallwn eich helpu i ddechrau arni.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Cyfrifiannell Carbon Y Brifysgol Agored
Rhowch gynnig ar ein prawf cyfrifiannell carbon er mwyn gweld faint rydych chi'n ei ddefnyddio a sut y gallech leihau eich ôl troed carbon.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Rhwyd Gymorth: A allwch chi helpu rhywun mewn angen?
Bydd pob un ohonom yn wynebu heriau personol, ond a allech chi gael effaith gadarnhaol ar fywyd rhywun? Rhowch gynnig ar ein ‘Rhwyd Gymorth’ i weld a allwch chi helpu pedwar o bobl.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Casgliad llesiant a iechyd meddwl
Yn y casgliad Iechyd Meddwl a Lles (Cymru), mae hwb o adnoddau dwyieithog, rhad ac am ddim, sydd yn ceisio hybu lles cadarnhaol a chefnogi iechyd meddwl da.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Ystadegau rhyw ar gyfer poblogaeth Prydain
Mae llawer o fythau a chamddealltwriaethau am ryw a gall fod yn anodd canfod y gwirionedd. Mae'r adnodd rhyngweithiol hwn, sy'n hawdd ei ddefnyddio, yn rhoi mynediad i ddata cadarn a gasglwyd gan Natsal-3, sef arolwg o filoedd o oedolion ledled Prydain.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Barod ar gyfer prifysgol
Casgliad o adnoddau o bob un o brifysgolion Cymru i'ch helpu i ddechrau gydag addysg uwch. Available in English
Collection
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Sgwrsio am Brifysgol - podlediad am y profiad myfyrwyr go iawn
Ydych chi’n ystyried ai prifysgol yw’r dewis cywir i chi? Gwrandewch wrth i fyfyrwyr o holl brifysgolion Cymru rannu eu profiadau.
Audio
Level: 1 Introductory
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Rheoli amser ac astudio
Boed chi’n fyfyriwr llawn amser neu ran amser, mae astudio yn debygol o olygu ymrwymiad arall yn eich bywyd. Wrth i ni geisio cydbwyso llawer o bethau, gall hyn weithiau effeithio ar ein lles a gwneud i ni deimlo fod pethau’n ormod.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Gweithio hybrid: dechrau yn y gweithle
Gall dechrau mewn gweithle newydd – p'un ai dyna eich swydd gyntaf 'go iawn' ar ôl gorffen eich addysg, neu'r cam nesaf yn natblygiad eich gyrfa – fod yn gyffrous ac yn frawychus. Os mai sefydliad hybrid ydyw, a bod eich diwrnod cyntaf mewn lleoliad anghysbell yn hytrach na gweithle ffisegol, gall hynny fod hyd yn oed yn fwy dryslyd. Nod y cwrs...
Free course
7 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Felly, rydych chi eisiau bod yn nyrs? Cyflwyniad byr i nyrsio
Mae’r cwrs yma am ddim, Felly, rydych chi eisiau bod yn nyrs? Cyflwyniad byr i nyrsio, yn rhoi trosolwg o’r hyn y mae nyrsio’n ei olygu. Mae’n canolbwyntio ar nyrsio yn y DU yn benodol, a hefyd ar ei le yn y byd. Byddwch yn dysgu am bedwar maes nyrsio yn y DU, sut beth yw hyfforddiant nyrsys, yn ogystal â beth sy’n gwneud nyrsys gwych. Mae’r...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Dechrau gyda seicoleg
Y 'pos mwyaf a phwysicaf' rydym yn ei wynebu fel pobl yw ni ein hunain (Boring, 1950, tud. 56). Mae pobl yn bos - yn bos cymhleth, cynnil ac amlhaenog, a daw'n fwy cymhleth fyth wrth i ni esblygu dros amser a newid o fewn cyd-destunau gwahanol. Wrth ateb y cwestiwn 'Beth sy'n ein gwneud ni yn pwy ydym ni?', mae seicolegwyr yn ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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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, ...
Free course
2 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Astudio meddygaeth yn ddwyieithog
A oes gennych ddiddordeb mewn astudio meddygaeth yn y brifysgol? Os felly, mae’r uned hon i chi. Mae’n cyflwyno nifer o ffactorau yr ydych angen eu hystyried wrth wneud cais i astudio meddygaeth, ac yn amlinellu rhai o’r manteision o astudio meddygaeth yn ddwyieithog yn y brifysgol.
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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Etifeddiaeth melin draed carchardai oes Fictoria
Mae'r Athro Rosalind Crone yn archwilio hanes tywyll y felin draed gosbol ac yn gofyn pa wersi y gallwn eu dysgu ar gyfer carchardai heddiw.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Cymru a cherddoriaeth: sgwrs gyda Huw Stephens
Mae cerddoriaeth wedi dod i chwarae rôl sylweddol yn hunaniaeth Cymru. Mae wedi ac yn parhau i fod yn ganolog i'r ffordd y mae llawer o Gymry yn meddwl amdanynt eu hunain ar y cyd fel cenedl, a'r modd y mae'r Cymry yn cael eu gweld y tu allan i Gymru.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Sesiwn Blasu: Cymraeg - “Preseli”: Cerdd Gadarn Waldo Williams
Cyflwniad gan Yr Athro Mererid Hopwood o Brifysgol Aberystwyth.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Esboniadur
Adnodd cyfeiriol agored gan y Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Mathemateg bob dydd 1
Bydd y cwrs rhad ac am ddim hwn yn datblygu ac yn gwella eich sgiliau mathemateg hanfodol ar gyfer gwaith, astudio a bywyd bob dydd. Mae gan y cwrs bedair sesiwn, sy'n ymdrin â'r pynciau canlynol: rhifau, mesur, siapiau a gofod, a thrin data. Bydd digonedd o enghreifftiau i’ch helpu i symud ymlaen, ynghyd â chyfleoedd i ymarfer eich dealltwriaeth.
Free course
48 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Bywyd y tu hwnt i'r Ddaear: Y Ddadl Fawr
Mae panel o arbenigwyr Y Brifysgol Agored yn mynd benben â'i gilydd i drafod a yw bywyd yn fwy tebygol ar y blaned Mawrth neu ar leuadau rhewllyd y planedau nwy.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
NEP resources
Make the most of your independent study
Learn more about the NEP and get help with studying using the downloadable resources below.
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NEP learner guide
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1.1 MB)
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NEP timetable
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158.5 KB)
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Learning log and reflection template
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218.3 KB)
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