Free courses

Produced by The Open University, a world leader in open and distance learning, all OpenLearn courses are free to study. We offer nearly 1000 free courses across 9 different subject areas. Our courses are available to start right away.

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Grid List Results: 414 items
Step up to leadership free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Money & Business

Step up to leadership

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

Free course
4 hrs
The importance of interpersonal skills free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Money & Business

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 hrs
Careers education and guidance free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Education & Development

Careers education and guidance

Successful transitions – whether from lower secondary to upper secondary, into work-based training or university, or into work at any age – are life-enhancing for individuals and crucial to our future social and economic well-being. They are also an indicator of a good school. This free course, Careers education and guidance (CEG), discusses ...

Free course
8 hrs
Teaching mathematics free course icon level 2: intermediate icon Badge icon

Education & Development

Teaching mathematics

This free course, Teaching mathematics, has been designed for non-specialist mathematics teachers of 8 to 14 year olds, teaching assistants, home schoolers and parents and draws on the established provision of mathematics education at the Open University. It can also be used as Continuing Professional Development by individuals or groups ...

Free course
24 hrs
Global perspectives on primary education free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Education & Development

Global perspectives on primary education

This free course, Global perspectives on primary education, provides an introduction to comparative education studies and will compare and contrast primary schooling around the world. You will look into classrooms and hear from teachers, teacher educators and policy makers from a range of education settings and countries. You will also learn ...

Free course
9 hrs
You and your money free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Money & Business

You and your money

An important aspect of personal finance is the way in which individuals and households manage their debt, how much it costs and the different types of credit they can or cannot access. This free course, You and your money, explores these issues, with respect to the wider, changing, social and economic context.

Free course
12 hrs
Fire ecology free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Fire ecology

This course explores the role of fire as a natural disturbance in ecosystems. It introduces the concept of a fire regime and its influence on the type and distribution of organisms that occur in fire prone ecosystems. It also looks at some of the adaptations of plants that have evolved in these ecosystems and how animals either avoid or exploit ...

Free course
4 hrs
Blood and the respiratory system free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Blood and the respiratory system

‘Don’t hold your breath’ is an expression you’ve probably heard many times, but may not have thought too much about. In this free course, Blood and the respiratory system, you’ll study why respiration is so important for life, including how air enters and leaves the lungs, how oxygen is transported in the blood, the many dynamic factors that ...

Free course
10 hrs
Understanding organisational value free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Money & Business

Understanding organisational value

All organisations must find new ways that benefit both their stakeholders and society. This means constantly improving their processes, goods and services. In the 21st century, new ideals of collaboration, inclusion, and equality are challenging more narrow market-based notions. This free course, Understanding organisational value, will explore ...

Free course
7 hrs
Planning a better future free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Education & Development

Planning a better future

Planning a better future is an introductory course for anyone considering changing jobs, wondering how to move up the ladder or return to work after a break, and those who might be looking to aspire to better things.

Free course
15 hrs
Cynllunio dyfodol gwell free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Education & Development

Cynllunio dyfodol gwell

Mae Cynllunio dyfodol gwell yn gwrs rhagarweiniol ar gyfer unrhyw un sy'n ystyried newid swydd, sydd eisiau gwybod sut i symud i fyny'r ysgol neu ddychwelyd i'r gwaith ar ôl seibiant, a rhai sy’n awyddus i anelu at bethau gwell.

Free course
15 hrs
Supporting children's development free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Education & Development

Supporting children's development

Supporting children’s development is an introductory course for anyone who is interested in children’s development, especially support staff in schools, such as teaching assistants. It builds on your knowledge and skills to develop a deeper understanding of children from the early years to school leavers. You will be introduced to some core ...

Free course
15 hrs