Find out more about The Open University's Open degree.
With thousands of free learning resources across OpenLearn – from quick quizzes and interactive games to full-length online courses – it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where our Top 10s come in.
These lists give you a real-time snapshot of what’s most popular right now on OpenLearn. Think of them as your shortcut to the hottest topics and most in-demand courses, chosen not by us but by the learners already exploring them.
Whether you want to dip into a bite-sized activity or commit to something bigger, the Top 10s are a great place to start.
Top 10 articles, hubs, interactives and videos
-
-
-
Sperm counts
How much sperm does a man make? Would you explode if you don't release your sperm? Explore the male reproductive system in this article and video.
Read now3
Level: 1 Introductory
-
DIY: Generate your own electricity
Do you want to make your own electricity? Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own generator.
Read now4
Level: 1 Introductory
-
What is the evidence that King Edward VIII was a Nazi sympathiser?
Was Edward VIII a Nazi sympathiser? Damning evidence in the archives suggests he wanted England bombed to force an Anglo-German alliance?
Read now5
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Hitler's rise and fall: Timeline
Track the key events in Adolf Hitler's life, including his childhood in Austria, his decisions as Fuehrer of Germany, his leadership in the Second World War, and his eventual suicide.
Read now6
Level: 1 Introductory
-
12 famous Confucius quotes on education and learning
What's your favourite Confucius quote on education and learning? Look at these examples...
Take part now7
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Artificial intelligence: implications for social work writing
From case notes and formal reports to basic emails, a crucial but time-consuming part of a social worker’s job is writing. Dr Gillian Ferguson and Dr Maria Leedham look at the opportunities and drawbacks of implementing artificial intelligence into the role.
Read now8
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Ta, cheers, much obliged: A brief history of 'thanks' in English
There's more to just saying thank you than you think. Philip Seargeant delves into the fascinating linguistics of expressing gratitude.
Read now9
-
Tennis Grand Slams – what are they and why are there only four of them?
Simon Rea looks at the history of tennis Grand Slams and explains how they got their name.
Read now10
Level: 1 Introductory
Top 10 courses
-
Understanding autism
Learn about autism, one of the most challenging long-term conditions of the century. This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by individuals and families, and why it has become a global concern. The course explains how understanding of the autism spectrum and approaches to diagnosis and care ...
Learn more1
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging
This course takes the real-life cases of a number of different people to explore what it is like to have the label ‘learning disability’. The course also considers how it feels to support someone with a learning disability, as a family member, a friend, an advocate or a paid worker. Through these human stories the course considers the ...
Learn more2
Level: 1 Introductory
-
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.
Learn more3
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Information security
Information security underpins the commercial viability and profitability of enterprises of all sizes and the effectiveness of public sector organisations. This free course begins by explaining why information security and its management are important for any modern organisation and to every individual. You need to be familiar with an ...
Learn more4
Level: 3 Advanced
-
The science of nutrition and healthy eating
Examine 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 informed about the choices you make about the food you eat.
Learn more5
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Investigating a murder with forensic psychology
In this course, you’ll explore the way suspects are dealt with during a police investigation and learn about how psychology can help the police with their enquiries.
Learn more6
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Effective communication in the workplace
Improve 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.
Learn more7
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Succeeding in postgraduate study
This 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.
Learn more8
Level: 3 Advanced
-
Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Protect your digital life with this free course introducing the essentials of cyber security. Learn how to spot online threats, keep your information safe and understand key topics like malware, network security and identity theft — helping you stay secure at home, at work, and beyond.
Learn more9
Level: 1 Introductory
-
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 ...
Learn more10
Level: 2 Intermediate
What next?
Sign-up for a free OU account to join the OpenLearn community and access more features.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest content.
