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.

Grid List Results: 136 items
The moral equality of combatants free course icon level 3: advanced icon

History & The Arts

The moral equality of combatants

This free course introduces and explores the idea of the moral equality of combatants and discusses the question of the basis of liability to killing in war. It invites students to understand and assess the epistemological argument for the moral equality of combatants and other arguments for and against this idea.

Free course
16 hrs
What is poetry? free course icon level 1: introductory icon

History & The Arts

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 hrs
What is heritage? free course icon level 1: introductory icon

History & The Arts

What is heritage?

What is heritage? This free course will introduce you to the concept of heritage and its critical study, exploring the role of heritage in both past and contemporary societies.

Free course
10 hrs
The Enlightenment free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

History & The Arts

The Enlightenment

The free course will examine the Enlightenment. To help understand the nature and scale of the cultural changes of the time, we offer a 'map' of the conceptual territory and the intellectual and cultural climate. We will examine the impact of Enlightenment on a variety of areas including science, religion, the classics, art and nature. Finally, ...

Free course
16 hrs
The body in antiquity free course icon level 3: advanced icon

History & The Arts

The body in antiquity

This free course, The body in antiquity, will introduce you to the concept of the body in Greek and Roman civilisation. In recent years, the body has become a steadily growing field in historical scholarship, and Classical Studies is no exception. It is an aspect of the ancient world that can be explored through a whole host of different types ...

Free course
5 hrs
Studying the arts and humanities free course icon level 1: introductory icon

History & The Arts

Studying the arts and humanities

This free course is an introduction to studying the arts and humanities. It takes you through a series of exercises designed to develop your approach to study and learning at a distance and improve your confidence as an independent learner.

Free course
4 hrs
National identity in Britain and Ireland, 1780–1840 free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

History & The Arts

National identity in Britain and Ireland, 1780–1840

What is a ‘nation’? What is a ‘state’? Where have these ideas come from and how have they developed over time? This free course, National identity in Britain and Ireland, 1780-1840, explores how the United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland was formed. It then moves to analyse the distinctions between the terms ‘nation’ and ‘state’. Finally, it ...

Free course
4 hrs
Speeches and speech-making free course icon level 1: introductory icon

History & The Arts

Speeches and speech-making

This free course, Speeches and speech-making, explores an aspect of language use where 'voices' and 'texts' converge: the art of speech-making.

Free course
1 hr
Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

History & The Arts

Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus

What does Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus tell us about the author and the time at which the play was written? This free course, Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus, will help you to discover the intricacies of the play and recognise how a knowledge of the historical and political background of the time can lead to a very different ...

Free course
15 hrs
Roaring Twenties? Europe in the interwar period free course icon level 3: advanced icon

History & The Arts

Roaring Twenties? Europe in the interwar period

While recognising the shadows cast by two world wars (one concluded and one imminent) over European society during the 1920s and 1930s, this free course, Roaring Twenties? Europe in the interwar period, demonstrates how a number of specific features indicate that the interwar period was a distinctive and important moment of modernity in the ...

Free course
14 hrs
Religious diversity: rethinking religion free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

History & The Arts

Religious diversity: rethinking religion

Religion is not necessarily what you think it is! This free course, Religious diversity: rethinking religion, introduces you to a selection of the vast variety of religious beliefs and practices in Britain today. Having some familiarity with religion and belief is increasingly required to make sense of issues of local, national and international...

Free course
12 hrs
The Roman Empire: introducing some key terms free course icon level 3: advanced icon

History & The Arts

The Roman Empire: introducing some key terms

This free course, The Roman Empire: Introducing some key terms, will define basic concepts and terms that are essential for an understanding of the culture and identity of the Roman Empire. Terms such as 'Roman Empire' and 'imperium' will be introduced in the context of the formation and expansion of the empire, and the course will provide you ...

Free course
14 hrs