
The Gain4Growth concept was created, planned, and initiated by Coleg Gwent to inspire and support meaningful advancement for our learners. It represents the vision and dedication of our organisation to change lives through learning.

Through Gain4Growth, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your strengths, recognise areas for development, and track your progress over time. The programme is self-paced and learner-directed, allowing you to engage in a way that works best for you. It’s not a test or extra workload - it’s a way of helping you get more out of your studies and feel more confident in your abilities.
Hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg. / Also available in Welsh.
Get started
Explore the skills framework by selecting the areas most relevant to you, ranging from Level 4 competencies through to graduate-level skills. Hover over each skill area to learn more about what it involves and how it can support your growth.
As you work through the platform, you can complete activities and explore development opportunities designed to help you build a clearer understanding of your abilities, identify areas for further growth, and develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to achieve your goals.
Jump to:
Level 4: Awareness of expectations
Level 4: Meeting expectations
Level 5: Developing academic skills
Level 5: Self-management
Level 6: Advanced critical thinking
Level 6: Communication
Graduate: Extended professional development
OpenLearn support

Level 4 - Awareness of expectations
An introduction to the key expectations of study, helping learners understand how academic systems operate, what is required for successful learning, and how to manage both study and personal responsibilities. It also supports awareness of academic integrity and the responsible use of AI in learning. Tap / click to expand each section.
Student life and confidence development
An overview of the skills and knowledge needed to manage life as a student, including wellbeing, finances, relationships, and balancing study with everyday responsibilities.
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Five tips for making friends at university
Watch now to access more details of Five tips for making friends at universityStarting university can be nerve-wracking, with unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar surroundings. One comfort however, is that you will not be the only one.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Midlife MOT: wealth, work and wellbeing
Learn more to access more details of Midlife MOT: wealth, work and wellbeingIntroducing your Midlife MOT. Your midlife years – that is, when you’re between about 40 and 60 – will probably be a very hectic time indeed. You might have ended up in a challenging job, or you might be working hard to get one. You could be looking after the kids, your parents or maybe both. Maybe you’re putting time and energy into a whole new...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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At a crossroads: navigating work and/or family alongside study
Take part now to access more details of At a crossroads: navigating work and/or family alongside studyBalancing 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 ...
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Level: 1 Introductory
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This Student Life
Listen now to access more details of This Student LifeWhat is it like to study a distance learning course? What are the challenges of being a modern student? This Student Life is a drama following three students through their experiences on DD102. Each episode takes a look at life from the perspective of contemporary students studying social sciences
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Awareness of AI
An introduction to artificial intelligence and its role in learning, including how it can be used responsibly, its limitations, and the differences between human and AI-generated work.
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An introduction to artificial intelligence
Learn more to access more details of An introduction to artificial intelligenceArtificial Intelligence (AI) represents great opportunity, but also significant disruption for modern societies and cultures. This free online short course investigates the historical, ethical and social issues surrounding this technology. It is aimed at people interested in understanding where this technology has come from, the kinds of ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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An expert’s take on AI
Read now to access more details of An expert’s take on AIGot 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
Foundations of academic writing
An introduction to the key skills needed for effective academic writing, including structure, clarity, use of appropriate language, and correct referencing.
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Write it right: seven common writing mistakes
Watch now to access more details of Write it right: seven common writing mistakesTutors told us about common writing mistakes which can impact the grades students receive for their Open University assignments.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Essay and report writing skills
Learn more to access more details of Essay and report writing skillsWriting 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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English: skills for learning
Learn more to access more details of English: skills for learningDevelop the English reading and writing skills needed for university success.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Academic Skills - Key words in essay titles
Take part now to access more details of Academic Skills - Key words in essay titlesWhen you’re assigned an essay, it’s important to look at the title closely. Understanding key terms is the key to writing effectively.
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Quick guide to Harvard referencing (Cite Them Right)
Learn more to access more details of Quick guide to Harvard referencing (Cite Them Right)There are different versions of the Harvard referencing style. This guide is a quick introduction to the commonly used Cite Them Right version.
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Personal finances
An introduction to personal finances.
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The Financial Five a Day Podcast Series
Listen now to access more details of The Financial Five a Day Podcast SeriesDo you want to improve your financial nutrition? This podcast series will inspire you to think more purposefully about your personal finance and money habits.
Audio
Level: 1 Introductory
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MSE’s Academy of Money
Learn more to access more details of MSE’s Academy of MoneyThe Open University has joined forces with MoneySavingExpert (MSE) 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
Learn more to access more details of Managing my money for young adultsAs a young adult, it is essential to effectively manage 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

Level 4 - Meeting expectations
This area supports learners in developing the core skills needed to meet academic and professional expectations. It focuses on building confidence in writing, using digital tools effectively, preparing for assessments, and developing the practical skills required for academic success and future professional practice. Tap / click to expand each section.
Digital literacy
An overview of the skills needed to effectively use digital technologies for learning, including accessing information, working online, and using digital tools safely and responsibly.
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Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world
Learn more to access more details of Digital skills: succeeding in a digital worldBuild your confidence online with this free course designed to help you thrive in the digital world. Explore key skills such as managing your digital identity, staying safe, finding reliable information, and maintaining digital well-being — all while developing a critical, reflective approach to life online.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Microsoft training
Learn more to access more details of Microsoft trainingLearn new skills and discover the power of Microsoft products with step-by-step guidance.
External link
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Google for Education Learning Centre
Learn more to access more details of Google for Education Learning CentreLearn practical digital skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow with free video lessons.
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Preparing for assessment and exams
Guidance on developing effective study habits, managing time, and using revision strategies to prepare confidently for assessments and exams.
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Study skills: one-minute tips
Watch now to access more details of Study skills: one-minute tipsCheck out our series of one-minute animations exploring revision tips, beating procrastination, what’s involved in a remote exam and other study skills.
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Level: 1 Introductory
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Beating procrastination with the Pomodoro Technique
Watch now to access more details of Beating procrastination with the Pomodoro TechniqueShort bursts of action can help motivate you while you study. This short animation tells you more about the Pomodoro Technique.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Finding pockets of time to study
Watch now to access more details of Finding pockets of time to studyCould you study while you wait, travel or do chores? This animation explains how to make the most of your pockets of time throughout the day.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Revision and examinations
Learn more to access more details of Revision and examinationsDo 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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Top tips for exam revision and preparation
Watch now to access more details of Top tips for exam revision and preparationHow can you best prepare for an exam? This short animation gives you some top revision tips.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
Professional practice
An overview of the skills needed to succeed in the workplace, including communication, work experience, career planning, and gaining relevant experience for future employment.
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Personal branding for career success
Learn more to access more details of Personal branding for career successStand out for the right reasons with this free course on personal branding. Learn how to identify your strengths, showcase your skills authentically, and use the right tools to build a professional image that attracts opportunities - whether you’re advancing in your current role or seeking something new.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding your sector
Learn more to access more details of Understanding your sectorThis 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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Internships and other work experiences
Learn more to access more details of Internships and other work experiencesIn 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
Learn more to access more details of Effective communication in the workplaceImprove your workplace relationships and boost your professional impact with this free course on effective communication. Discover how to express yourself clearly, understand others better, and adapt your communication skills for a range of situations, from everyday conversations to the digital workplaces of the future.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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How to write a CV
Read now to access more details of How to write a CVA 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
Building academic skills
An overview of the skills needed to succeed in higher-level study, including critical thinking, independent learning, and engaging effectively with academic material.
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Extending and developing your thinking skills
Learn more to access more details of Extending and developing your thinking skillsDiagrams, 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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How to be a critical reader
Learn more to access more details of How to be a critical readerIn 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
Academic integrity
Guidance on producing your own work honestly and responsibly, including understanding plagiarism, and good academic practice.
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All my own work: exploring academic integrity
Learn more to access more details of All my own work: exploring academic integrityAre you currently studying? This free course, All my own work: exploring academic integrity, is designed to help you build confidence in producing your own work for academic purposes. You will explore what plagiarism is and how to avoid it, and learn how and when to reference. The course also includes an interactive to work through, which will ...
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Using Turnitin effectively: building integrity into your writing
Learn more to access more details of Using Turnitin effectively: building integrity into your writingThis short online course introduces you to Turnitin and demonstrates how it can be used formatively to enhance your learning and strengthen your understanding of academic integrity. Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of honest education and assessment, reflecting your commitment to producing and submitting work that is authentically ...
Free course
4 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Academic Practice Films
Watch now to access more details of Academic Practice FilmsFrom a summary of referencing to top tips from a student, this series of five short videos explores academic integrity in more depth.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Good Academic Practice Collection
Read now to access more details of Good Academic Practice CollectionExplore our range of free resources on developing good academic practice and discover how to build them into your studies.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Developing good academic practice
Learn more to access more details of Developing good academic practiceThis 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

Level 5: Developing academic skills
This area focuses on strengthening learners’ academic abilities through building confidence, thinking creatively, and engaging effectively with feedback. It also supports ongoing professional development, helping learners refine their skills and apply them in both academic and real-world contexts. Tap / click to expand each section.
Confidence
Building belief in your own abilities and developing the self-assurance to approach learning, challenges, and new situations positively.
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Learning How To Learn: Words from the Wise
Read now to access more details of Learning How To Learn: Words from the WiseConsidering distance learning? Be inspired by some of the world's greatest writers, philosophers and leaders throughout history with these reflective quotes on learning and self-development.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
Creative thinking
Developing the ability to generate ideas, think imaginatively, and approach tasks in new and innovative ways. This includes exploring different perspectives and applying creativity to problem-solving and communication.
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Facilitating creative thinking
Listen now to access more details of Facilitating creative thinkingHow do you solve your problems? This album follows two facilitators as they lead a 2-day workshop in creative problem-solving, providing a chance to adopt a new approach to the difficulties we encounter in our daily lives. Their reflections on time-keeping and good facilitation provide insight whilst the group tackle problems they’ve experienced...
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Design and Creativity
Listen now to access more details of Design and CreativityWe encounter designed products every day, from bus tickets to buildings. We travel on, wear and even eat products that have been designed. What it is like to be a designer? What are the design processes that generate products? The 28 video tracks on this album reveal the importance of creativity in the design process and explore the products and...
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Responding to feedback
Developing the ability to understand, reflect on, and act upon feedback to improve your work and support your personal and academic growth.
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Giving and Receiving Powerful Feedback
Read now to access more details of Giving and Receiving Powerful FeedbackHave you thought about how you give feedback? Giving feedback in a more structured way using the AID (Action, Impact, Desired outcome) model may help for both highlighting positive behaviour, and challenging behaviour that needs developmental action.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Dealing with feedback when you are neurodivergent
Read now to access more details of Dealing with feedback when you are neurodivergentWhy is receiving feedback different when you’re neurodivergent and how can you get better at dealing with it?
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
Professional development
Building the skills, experience, and awareness needed to grow personally and succeed in a professional environment, including teamwork, communication, and engaging with opportunities such as volunteering.
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Skills to succeed in the workplace
Read now to access more details of Skills to succeed in the workplaceScottish 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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Build your personal brand
Take part now to access more details of Build your personal brandDiscover tools to help you to understand what makes you uniquely you - and how to share it with the world.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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The importance of interpersonal skills
Learn more to access more details of The importance of interpersonal skillsTo 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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Volunteering in the community
Read now to access more details of Volunteering in the communityVolunteering in the community can have a big impact. Read stories from OU staff on why they volunteer, what it means and how others can get involved.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Volunteering in the education sector
Read now to access more details of Volunteering in the education sectorEver thought about volunteering in education? Read stories from OU staff on why they volunteer, what it means and how others can get involved.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Volunteering with a personal or professional focus
Read now to access more details of Volunteering with a personal or professional focusHave you considered using your professional skills or personal experiences to volunteer and develop your skills further? Read stories from OU staff on why they volunteer, what it means and how others can get involved.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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What is the national learning hub for volunteers?
Read now to access more details of What is the national learning hub for volunteers?The national learning hub for volunteers takes you on a journey with tools, resources and courses, to help you gain the confidence and recognition you deserve as a volunteer or someone working with volunteers.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory

Level 5: Self-management
This area focuses on developing the ability to manage time, workload, and personal responsibilities effectively. It also includes building awareness of sustainability and global issues, becoming a more self-directed learner, and using AI in an ethical and responsible way to support independent study. Tap / click to expand each section.
Time and workload management strategies
Resources to help you manage your time and workload more efficiently.
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Time management and study
Read now to access more details of Time management and studyWhether 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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Motivation and goal setting - Academic Study Skills
Take part now to access more details of Motivation and goal setting - Academic Study SkillsA guide to help find what motivates you and to set the goals that will get you through your studies.
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Sustainability and global awareness
Recognising the impact of human activity on the environment and understanding the importance of sustainable and responsible decision-making in a global context.
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Climate change
Learn more to access more details of Climate changeClimate change is a key issue on today's social and political agenda. This free course explores the basic science that underpins climate change and global warming.
Free course
18 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Working with our environment: an introduction
Learn more to access more details of Working with our environment: an introductionGlobal 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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Waste Management
Listen now to access more details of Waste ManagementHow much do you think about what you throw away? A waste management cycle is essential for a sustainable future. This album considers the policy and legislation that is driving waste management processes across the EU. By modelling the overall environmental impacts of solid waste disposal methods, the UK government has now created a hierarchy ...
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Can renewable energy sources power the world?
Learn more to access more details of 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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Could we control our climate?
Learn more to access more details of Could we control our climate?Climate crisis is one of the grand challenges we face as a society, but it can be hard to approach as a subject. Not only can the science at times seem dauntingly complex, but the solutions are also far from clear. This leaves many people feeling confused, guilty, anxious, angry, or else completely switched off from the subject. This course ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
Self-directed learning
Developing the ability to take ownership of your learning by using effective approaches to reading, note-taking, and analysing information. This supports greater independence, confidence, and adaptability in managing your studies successfully.
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Reading and note taking – preparation for study
Learn more to access more details of Reading and note taking – preparation for studyReading and note taking are two essential study skills. How do you read? This free course, Reading and note taking preparation for study, will introduce you to different techniques to help you to alter the way you read according to the type of material you are studying. You will also learn the techniques behind successful note taking and how to...
Free course
12 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Grammar matters
Learn more to access more details of Grammar mattersGrammar matters because, combined with vocabulary choice, it is our main way of making meaning. This free course introduces you to one approach used to understand how meanings relate systematically to different aspects of grammar and shows how this deeper understanding can be applied to make everyday communication more effective.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Interpreting data: Boxplots and tables
Learn more to access more details of Interpreting data: Boxplots and tablesThis free course, Interpreting data: Boxplots and tables, is concerned with two main topics. In Section 1, you will learn about another kind of graphical display, the boxplot. A boxplot is a fairly simple graphic, which displays certain summary statistics of a set of data. Boxplots are particularly useful for assessing quickly the location, ...
Free course
16 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Extending and developing your thinking skills
Learn more to access more details of Extending and developing your thinking skillsDiagrams, 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
Ethical and applied use of AI
Understanding how to use AI tools responsibly and ethically while managing your own learning and workload effectively. This includes making informed decisions about when and how to use AI, alongside developing independence, organisation, and self-discipline.
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Academic versus AI
Read now to access more details of Academic versus AIWe wondered how easy it was to tell the difference between the work of a real-life human, and a machine… so you tell us!
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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AI fluency
Learn more to access more details of AI fluencyAI fluency is a beginner-friendly learning path designed to build confidence and understanding in artificial intelligence. Through a series of practical sessions, learners explore AI fundamentals, generative AI, responsible AI principles, and the real world impact of AI across work, accessibility, and society. The course also introduces ...
Free course
5 hours
Level: 1 Introductory

Level 6: Advanced critical thinking
This area develops higher-level thinking skills, enabling learners to analyse complex information, assess risk, and make informed professional judgements. It also supports further academic development and builds the skills needed to engage with research and evidence in a more critical and independent way. Tap / click to expand each section.
Risk assessment and professional judgement
Developing the ability to evaluate risks, make informed decisions, and apply critical thinking to complex situations. This includes using evidence, judgement, and analysis to respond effectively in academic and professional contexts.
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Health and safety in the laboratory and field
Learn more to access more details of Health and safety in the laboratory and fieldHealth, safety and risk assessment are of paramount importance both in the laboratory and the field. This free course, Health and safety in the laboratory and field, will help make you more aware of the hazards and risks involved wherever you undertake your research, as well as giving you an overview of the legal requirements attached to this ...
Free course
1 hour
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding and managing risk
Learn more to access more details of Understanding and managing riskThis free course, Understanding and managing risk, provides an introduction to financial risk management. The processes of risk identification, risk measurement and risk management are explored. The course then goes on to examine reputational risk and operational risk. It concludes with an examination of the subject of behavioural finance and ...
Free course
20 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
Working as a researcher
Developing the skills to investigate topics, gather and analyse information, and use evidence to inform conclusions in academic and professional contexts.
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Practitioner research
Listen now to access more details of Practitioner researchHow does a researcher collate and analyse information? What are the best methods of investigating/examining a question?
Audio
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Working as a researcher | Developing research and study skills
Read now to access more details of Working as a researcher | Developing research and study skillsRead through the following sections and consider how you might use the ideas to help you develop as a researching professional.
Article
Further academic development
Further developing your academic skills to a higher level, including deeper critical thinking, refined research techniques, and more advanced written and analytical work.
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Succeeding in postgraduate study
Learn more to access more details of Succeeding in postgraduate studyThis course will help you to become familiar with the requirements and demands of postgraduate study and to develop the skills and confidence to pursue your learning further.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Quantitative and qualitative research in finance
Learn more to access more details of Quantitative and qualitative research in financeWhat are the key features of qualitative and quantitative research in finance? What do they involve in practical terms, and what they can produce? This free course, Quantitative and qualitative research in finance, explores the underpinning methodologies, then looks at how research data are produced and how they are analysed. The course also ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 3 Advanced

Level 6: Communication
This area focuses on advanced communication in academic and professional contexts, including working with others, applying ethical reasoning, and presenting ideas clearly. It supports collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovative problem-solving in real-world situations. Tap / click to expand each section.
Ethical reasoning and decision-making
Developing the ability to evaluate situations thoughtfully, make responsible and informed decisions, and communicate ideas clearly, professionally, and with integrity.
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Becoming an ethical researcher
Learn more to access more details of Becoming an ethical researcherThis free course, Becoming an ethical researcher, explores the ethics of planning, carrying out and reporting research which involves human participants. It will sensitise you to issues that a researcher should consider to support ethical and well-justified decision-making. A wide variety of research scenarios will be used to stimulate ...
Free course
18 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Ethics in science?
Learn more to access more details of Ethics in science?This free course, Ethics in science? discusses how scientists have a moral and ethical responsibility to consider whether they should carry out an experiment. In this short course you will learn of the first clinical trials undertaken for scurvy and small pox and gain an understanding of how much more rigorous today’s clinical trials are. You ...
Free course
3 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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An exploration of ‘doing’ ethics in design practice
Read now to access more details of An exploration of ‘doing’ ethics in design practiceSamantha Osys explores the location of ethics within design practice and how tools and methods function as boundary objects that help translate ethical concerns across teams.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
Collaborative working
Developing the ability to work effectively with others, contributing ideas, engaging in discussions, and supporting shared goals as part of a team.
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Conversations and interviews
Learn more to access more details of Conversations and interviewsThis 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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Facilitating group discussions
Learn more to access more details of Facilitating group discussionsGain an insight into facilitating meetings and discussions in the workplace. In this free course, Facilitating group discussions, you will look at some of the behaviours effective facilitators exhibit. Informative and engaging videos will introduce you to examples of facilitation in practice.
Free course
2 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Developing (as) a research team
Read now to access more details of Developing (as) a research teamJonty Rix looks at the advantages of selecting diverse groups from different backgrounds. Creating the perfect group is an impossible task, but gathering a wide range of people will enhance the research journey.
Article
Level: 1 Introductory
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Groups and teamwork
Learn more to access more details of Groups and teamworkAre 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
Entrepreneurship
Developing the ability to generate ideas, recognise opportunities, and apply initiative to turn concepts into practical outcomes in academic, professional, or business contexts.
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Business communication: writing a SWOT analysis
Learn more to access more details of Business communication: writing a SWOT analysisThis 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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Think like an entrepreneur
Take part now to access more details of Think like an entrepreneurEntrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business - it’s about spotting opportunities, solving problems, and creating value in ways others haven’t imagined.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Are you an entrepreneur and don't know it?
Take part now to access more details of Are you an entrepreneur and don't know it?Entrepreneurship is around you everyday and can take many different forms. Maybe YOU have entrepreneurial skills and you just don't know it yet.
Activity
Level: 1 Introductory
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Entrepreneurship – from ideas to reality
Learn more to access more details of Entrepreneurship – from ideas to realityTurn your business ideas into reality with this free course on entrepreneurship. Explore practical steps for starting and growing a business, from developing ideas and choosing a business model to funding, location, and assessing your own skills and risk approach — all illustrated with real-life case studies.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Understanding your customers
Learn more to access more details of Understanding your customersThis free course, Understanding your customers, is a short introduction to understanding customers. The course underlines the relevance of understanding customers as individuals, members of society and members of organisations. It clarifies some key marketing concepts and terminology and highlights some differences between consumer and ...
Free course
8 hours
Level: 2 Intermediate
Innovation and complex problem-solving
Developing the ability to think creatively, adapt to new challenges, and apply effective strategies to solve complex and unfamiliar problems with confidence and resilience.
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Developing career resilience
Learn more to access more details of Developing career resilienceDo you sometimes wish you were more resilient when faced with changes at work? Do you have career plans but feel unsure about progressing with them? If you do, then this free course, Developing career resilience, will help you to build your resilience and approach career-related change with greater confidence and motivation.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Technology, innovation and management
Learn more to access more details of Technology, innovation and managementDevelop a critical understanding of technological innovation and management. This free course, Technology, innovation and management, will provide you with an overview and introduction to a range of related concepts, ideas and debates. It adopts a broad definition of innovation and subscribes to the view that a fundamental feature of any ...
Free course
10 hours
Level: 3 Advanced

Graduate skills: Extended professional development
This area focuses on preparing learners for professional roles by developing career direction, confidence, and a strong sense of professional identity. It also builds leadership skills and the ability to influence others strategically in complex and evolving environments. Tap / click to expand each section.
Career development
Developing the skills, mindset, and experience needed to create opportunities, build a career, and succeed in the workplace.
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Succeed in the workplace
Learn more to access more details of Succeed in the workplaceDo you want to change jobs, are you just starting in the job market or may be returning after a break? If so, then this free course, Succeed in the workplace, is for you. It will help you explore career opportunities. You will also gain the skills to write strong CVs and application forms, and to handle different types of interviews. By the end ...
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Volunteer manager free courses
Learn more to access more details of Volunteer manager free coursesContinue your professional development and identify future training needs and opportunities.
Collection
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Conversations and interviews
Learn more to access more details of Conversations and interviewsThis 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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Wales: Culture and identity
Listen now to access more details of Wales: Culture and identityWales is a vibrant nation with its own language, musical heritage and strong cultural identity. Central to this identity and a source of national pride, is rugby, which is deeply embedded in the national consciousness and explored in ‘Rugby and welsh identity’. Away from the sports pitch, this collection also looks at place and belonging, gender...
Audio
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Welsh language - a valuable skill for work
Learn more to access more details of Welsh language - a valuable skill for workIn Wales, being able to speak Welsh can give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
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Learn Welsh
Learn more to access more details of Learn WelshWant to learn Welsh? You're not alone. More than 20,000 people were learning Welsh in 2026.
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Professional identity, confidence and autonomy
Developing a clear sense of your professional self, building confidence in your abilities, and taking responsibility for your own learning and decision-making.
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Five tips for tackling imposter syndrome
Watch now to access more details of Five tips for tackling imposter syndromeAre you feeling like you might not be good enough for university? Higher education students from Cardiff and the Vale College share their tips for overcoming self-doubt.
Video
Level: 1 Introductory
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Professionals negotiating different ways of knowing
Read now to access more details of Professionals negotiating different ways of knowingHow academic study can work alongside professional learning to resolve workplace challenges.
Article
Leadership and strategic influence
Developing the ability to lead, guide others, and make informed decisions, while influencing people and outcomes to achieve shared goals.
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Managing and managing people
Learn more to access more details of Managing and managing peopleThis free course, Managing and managing people, will introduce you to the world of management. We will be looking at a range of topics, including what managers do, what skills they require, and how you can develop as a manager.
Free course
8 hours
Level: 3 Advanced
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Collective leadership
Learn more to access more details of Collective leadershipThis free course, Collective leadership, will give you an insight into the importance of how to be a more effective leader, and how to better engage and work with ‘followers’ in an organisational setting.
Free course
6 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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Leadership and followership
Learn more to access more details of Leadership and followershipExplore what makes a good leader, recognise common leadership challenges, and identify the skills you need to develop if you want to enhance your own leadership experience.
Free course
24 hours
Level: 1 Introductory
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The following video guidance is also available for Gains4Growth learners:
This resource was developed by Coleg Gwent and The Open University in Wales with support from Medr.

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