You will get the most from OpenLearn if you create an account (this is also free). Creating an account will give you full access to a range of features that are not available to guests, such as enrolling on free courses. From your MyOpenLearn profile, you will be able to track your progress and download an activity record.
Many courses offer learners the chance to gain a digital badge on completion of the course, which can be shared as evidence of achievement.
Based on your answers, one or more of these free online courses could be useful for your career.
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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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introducing the voluntary sector
Learn more to access more details of Introducing the voluntary sectorThis free course, Introducing the voluntary sector, will guide you through some of the distinctive features and values of the voluntary sector, how organisations are funded and involve volunteers and other ‘stakeholders’ in their work. It will also provide you with knowledge and skills you can apply to your own work or volunteering as well as ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Talk the talk
Learn more to access more details of Talk the talkThis free course introduces the mechanics of effective, persuasive oral presentations, by giving you the opportunity to analyse examples and then create your own. Using resources such as TED Talk videos, you will see how experts deliver professional talks and famous speeches, observe what works, and identify how language connects ideas and keeps...
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Planning a better future
Learn more to access more details of Planning a better futurePlanning 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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Working in the voluntary sector
Learn more to access more details of Working in the voluntary sectorThis free online course, Working in the voluntary sector, will introduce you to some of the main activities carried out by volunteers and staff, will give you some background on how different organisations work and will provide you with knowledge and skills you can apply to your own work or volunteering, as well as to your every day life.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Using voluntary work to get ahead in the job market
Learn more to access more details of Using voluntary work to get ahead in the job marketThis free course, Using voluntary work to get ahead in the job market, explores how engaging in voluntary work can enhance your employment opportunities
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,...
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
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 ...
Level: 1 Introductory
If haven't got time for a course right now, these shorter resources might also interest you...
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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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Success in Interviews - How to Use Psychology to Gain that Job!
Read now to access more details of Success in Interviews - How to Use Psychology to Gain that Job!Interviews can feel very daunting, especially if it has been a while since your last one, or the job is one you are really excited about. There are ways to help overcome nerves and anxiousness, ensuring that you present your strengths in the best, and most confident way possible.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Reframing Self-Limiting Beliefs
Read now to access more details of Reframing Self-Limiting BeliefsSelf-limiting beliefs can often creep into our thoughts and lower our self-regard (respect and acceptance for ourselves, despite any shortcomings). However, even in challenging times, it is possible to consciously change how we think about ourselves, reframing unhelpful beliefs and building more confidence to achieve goals and positively move ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Wellbeing for Work
Read now to access more details of Wellbeing for WorkWellbeing for Work is one of the five themes in the Applying Psychology to Work hub. The hub provides tools, resources and short courses to help develop skills and knowledge towards or enhancing current employment experiences or preparing for new roles or positions.
Level: 1 Introductory
Outside of work, you may find these useful too...
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Everyday English 1
Learn more to access more details of Everyday English 1Improve your essential speaking and listening, reading and writing skills for work, study and everyday life.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Everyday maths 1 (Wales)
Learn more to access more details of Everyday maths 1 (Wales)This free course will develop and improve your essential maths skills for work, study and everyday life. The course has four sessions, which cover the following topics: numbers, measurement, shapes and space, and handling data. There will be plenty of examples to help you progress, together with opportunities to practise your understanding. A...
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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Succeed with learning
Learn more to access more details of Succeed with learningThis course is for people who want to feel more confident about their learning skills. Informal in approach, the course builds on each person's own qualities, knowledge and skills to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of learning and of their own potential. It introduces some core ideas about learning and academic study, and some ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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University Ready
Learn more to access more details of University ReadyA collection of resources to help you get started with higher education. Ar gael yn Gymraeg
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Your Wellbeing MOT
Take part now to access more details of Your Wellbeing MOTDo you consider yourself to be healthy? Check out our interactive quiz where you will get feedback on your lifestyle, diet and physical activity.
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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Succeed with maths: part 1
Learn more to access more details of Succeed with maths: part 1If you feel that maths is a mystery that you want to unravel then this free course is for you. It will guide you through how numbers are put together, give you confidence with using percentages, fractions and negative numbers and provide you with problem solving skills for your everyday life and the wider world.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Wellbeing and mental health collection
Read now to access more details of Wellbeing and mental health collectionThe mental health and wellbeing collection (Wales) provides a hub of free, bilingual resources that aim to promote positive wellbeing and support good mental health.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Everyday English 2
Learn more to access more details of Everyday English 2This course will inspire you to improve your current English skills and help you to communicate more effectively in everyday work and life.
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.
Level: 3 Advanced
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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.
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Everyday maths 2 (Wales)
Learn more to access more details of Everyday maths 2 (Wales)This free course, Everyday maths 2 (Wales), will build on your existing maths skills and help you to feel more confident tackling the maths you come across in everyday situations.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Succeed with maths: part 2
Learn more to access more details of Succeed with maths: part 2This free course, Succeed with maths: part 2, is a sequel to Part 1, in which you will continue to develop your mathematical knowledge and skills using everyday examples. The course takes a look at measurement of length, mass and volume, negative numbers and how to use these, scientific notation (based upon powers of 10), shapes and how to ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Numbers, units and arithmetic
Learn more to access more details of Numbers, units and arithmeticDo fractions and decimals make you apprehensive about maths? Do you lack confidence in dealing with numbers? If so, then this free course, Numbers, units and arithmetic, is for you. The course will explain the basics of working with positive and negative numbers and how to multiply and divide with fractions and decimals.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Diagrams, charts and graphs
Learn more to access more details of Diagrams, charts and graphsDiagrams, charts and graphs are used by all sorts of people to express information in a visual way, whether it's in a report by a colleague or a plan from your interior designer. This free course will teach you how to interpret these tools and how to use them yourself to convey information more effectively.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Exercise and mental health
Learn more to access more details of Exercise and mental healthEach 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 ...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Panic attacks: what they are and what to do about them
Learn more to access more details of Panic attacks: what they are and what to do about themPanic attacks: what they are and what to do about them is a free course that should be helpful to anyone who experiences panic or panic attacks, for their family and friends, and anyone more generally interested in mental health and mental health treatment. The course starts by exploring formal definitions of panic and panic attack. These ...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Understanding depression and anxiety
Learn more to access more details of Understanding depression and anxietyThis free course, Understanding depression and anxiety, explores the causes of these mental health issues, with a particular focus on stress. You will consider some risk and causal factors for some depression and anxiety disorders, and learn about the biology and psychology behind them.
Level: 2 Intermediate
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You and your money
Learn more to access more details of You and your moneyAn 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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding mortgages
Learn more to access more details of Understanding mortgagesUnderstanding mortgages is a free, short course produced in collaboration with MoneySavingExpert.com.
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.
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...
Level: 1 Introductory
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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.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Taking your first steps into higher education
Learn more to access more details of Taking your first steps into higher educationWhat is university study like? Is it for me? If you are asking yourself these questions, this free course is for you. Taking your first steps into higher education provides insights into how subjects are studied at university. This introduction to carefully selected materials helps you decide what you might want to study. You will be ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Am I ready to be a distance learner?
Learn more to access more details of Am I ready to be a distance learner?Distance learning can open up opportunities for study. You might have not studied for a while, you might be returning to education, or you might not have had the chance to study at a higher level before. This free course, Am I ready to be a distance learner?, will help to boost your confidence. You'll explore useful skills so you can discover ...
Level: 1 Introductory
Finally, you might want to explore some of these...
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Art and life in ancient Egypt
Learn more to access more details of Art and life in ancient EgyptAround 1350 BC, the Egyptian grain accountant Nebamun commissioned the walls of his tomb-chapel to be painted with scenes depicting his afterlife, and the world in which he lived. Nebamun worked in the temple of Amun at Karnak during the reign of Amenhotep III (c. 1390-1352 BC). Amenhotep was one of the most important kings of the 18th Dynasty, ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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The history of female protest and suffrage in the UK
Learn more to access more details of The history of female protest and suffrage in the UKThis free course focuses on one example of democratic protest: the campaign to extend the vote to women in the UK. In the course you'll be introduced to two key figures in the campaign, Ada Nield Chew and May Billinghurst, and you'll look at the ways in which the Women's Social and Political Union, the National Union of Women's Suffrage ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Political ordering
Learn more to access more details of Political orderingThis free course, Political ordering, asks questions about what states are and how they are involved in the processes of governing and ordering social life. Building from an awareness of just how much of everyday life involves the state, the course questions whether states have this authority to govern. It also asks about situations in which ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Roaring Twenties? Europe in the interwar period
Learn more to access more details of Roaring Twenties? Europe in the interwar periodWhile 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 ...
Level: 3 Advanced
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Understanding economic inequality
Learn more to access more details of Understanding economic inequalityThis free course, Understanding economic inequality, explores the causes of economic inequality in modern times and its consequences for success for the economy. The course will encourage you to reflect on your personal experiences of inequality before looking at how the issue is approached in economics. You will study some of the different...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding devolution in Wales
Learn more to access more details of Understanding devolution in WalesThis free course charts the transformation of the Welsh devolution settlement in the 20 years following the referendum on devolution in 1997. You will consider how an Assembly with minimal public support and limited law-making powers became a Parliament with the power to set taxes. You will explore some of the biggest challenges facing ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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The American Civil Rights Movement
Learn more to access more details of The American Civil Rights MovementIn this free course, The American Civil Rights Movement, you will learn about the mass movement for racial equality in the United States that reached its zenith during the 1950s and 1960s. During this turbulent period in United States history, black Americans sought to overturn deeply entrenched systems of racial segregation and ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introducing the Classical world
Learn more to access more details of Introducing the Classical worldHow do we learn about the world of the ancient Romans and Greeks? This free course, Introducing the Classical world, will provide you with an insight into the Classical world by introducing you to the various sources of information used by scholars to draw together an image of this fascinating period of history.
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Getting started on classical Latin
Learn more to access more details of Getting started on classical LatinThis course has been developed in response to requests from learners who had had no contact with Latin before and who felt they would like to spend a little time preparing for the kind of learning that studying a classical language involves. The course will give you a taster of what is involved in the very early stages of learning Latin and will...
Level: 1 Introductory
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The Byzantine icon
Learn more to access more details of The Byzantine iconThis course is a short journey into the rich world of Byzantine artistic production via its most illustrious representative – the icon.
Level: 1 Introductory
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The Enlightenment
Learn more to access more details of The EnlightenmentThe 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, ...
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts
Learn more to access more details of Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirtsThis free course, Exploring economics: the secret life of t-shirts, aims to describe what goes into making and selling t-shirts. Which resources, which markets, who is involved, the income people get, the income and value they create are all discussed. You will explore these questions at different stages of the production of a t-shirt, and ...
Level: 1 Introductory
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