This free course explores the term 'motivation' and factors affecting motivation. This includes looking at the most influential theories of motivation that contribute to understanding the causes of motivation. The motivation of sports people and people working in sport and fitness environments are used to help understand the theories presented.

Motivation is sometimes reported to be the key factor in educational achievement - but what is motivation? If we understand motivation a little better, we might get better at helping students to succeed.

Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment, whilst at the same time accepting your feelings, thoughts, and body’s sensations. But why does mindfulness matter?

The last three years have seen people's mental health and wellbeing tested like almost never before. Concerns over health, isolation, family, finance, careers and education have affected us all in one way or another, so it's vital we all take the time to consider our own mental health and wellbeing, as well as those around us. Here are some FREE...

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

Over the past century there has been a radical shift in responses to people who experience mental health problems. In this free course, Making sense of mental health problems, you will learn about how key perspectives in the field have made sense of mental health problems. By directly relating key perspectives to a case study, you will reflect ...

Millennials have been dubbed “the burnout generation”, Rajvinder Samra looks at how the prolonged stress of this can be avoided.  

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 ...

This free course, Making sense of ourselves, introduces you to well-known psychological topics by asking and answering everyday questions, such as Why don’t we like one another? Why would I hang around with you? Do you see what I see? What’s the point of childhood? You’ll learn how psychologists can go about addressing these questions using ...

How can we avoid the stress and anxiety associated with the digital age? Dr Gini Harrison and Dr Mathijs Lucassen give us five tips...

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 ...

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

What can you do if you're not comfortable talking about mental health issues with your peers? Dr Jonathan Leach and Dr Mathijs Lucassen set out six ways of getting the support you need.

From talking to someone to binge studying on the good days, from planning your day to embracing even the smallest achievement, here’s some sage advice from those who’ve been there…

Find out how you can support colleagues who may be having more than just a bad day in the office.

Mental health isn't just the absence of illness, it's how we feel about ourselves. Find out how exercise can help.

One OU student shares her top tips for managining studies and mental health during a pandemic.

The art of studying, in itself, is a learning curve. Students share their experience

She was told she was statistacally more likely to go to prison than university. Read Justine' story and find out how she proved her doubters wrong.

Zahra Alidina knew from a young age that she wanted to be a barrister and wasted no time in pursuing her dream.

It’s pretty likely you’ve heard of burnout – and you may have even experienced it. But here's how you embark on a journey of recovery, according to an OU psychologist.

Explore the Winter blues, practical ways to manage your mood, and how to deal with the expectations many have around Christmas time.