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.
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level 3: advanced icon
Society, Politics & Law
Introducing key global development challenges
Global development is at a critical turning point. This course introduces ‘challenges’ as a spur to thinking critically and creatively about development’s future on a global scale. You will identify how the four key challenges of conflict, governance, justice, and transformation cut-across all areas of global development. These touch upon all ...
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Society, Politics & Law
Applying social work law to asylum and immigration
This course will present an overview of the policy and law that relates to social work with people involved in the asylum and immigration system and will introduce you to the ways in which social work practitioners can support people with insecure immigration status, refugees and asylum seekers more effectively. It will highlight some of the ...
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Languages
Introduction to Ukrainian language and culture
Building on the experience developed since the launch of the Open Centre for Languages and Cultures, this free short course provides an introduction to Ukrainian languages and culture. This course is for everybody who is interested in finding out about Ukraine and its people and wants to get a first insight into its rich cultural heritage. ...
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Society, Politics & Law
Cyflwyniad i greu newid gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol
Ac yntau wedi’i ysgrifennu mewn cyfnod heriol - yn amgylcheddol, yn economaidd, yn wleidyddol, yn gymdeithasol ac o ran iechyd, mae ‘Cyflwyniad i wneud newid gwleidyddol a chymdeithasol’ yn rhoi sylfaen i chi ar gyfer rhai o’r sgiliau dinasyddiaeth a’r wybodaeth wleidyddol allweddol sydd eu hangen arnoch i ymyrryd yn y byd wrth iddo newid o’ch ...
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level 1: introductory icon
Society, Politics & Law
Introduction to making political and social change
Written in a moment of multiple crises – environmental, economic, political, social and health-related – ‘An Introduction to making political and social change’ gives you a grounding in some of the key citizenship skills and information you will need to intervene in the world as it changes around you. This free course explores how you can make ...
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Society, Politics & Law
Innovation in policing
This free course, Innovation in policing, explores the concept of innovation from the perspective of police and policing. It considers the ways in which innovation can apply in policing and how those working in policing and related fields can become more innovative.
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level 3: advanced icon
Society, Politics & Law
Introducing global development
This course will introduce you to ideas of global development and the interconnectedness of the world when it comes to understanding the most pressing social, economic, political, and environmental issues of this time. It will highlight the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and outline key global development issues such as ...
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level 2: intermediate icon
Society, Politics & Law
George Orwell and Nineteen Eighty-Four
This course will introduce you to the work and writings of George Orwell through a study of his novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984). By studying the book, well-known for its depiction of a totalitarian state, and the techniques, language and oppressive methods used by such states, you will gain a wider understanding of the meaning of ...
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Education & Development
Why riot? Community, choices, aspirations
This free course was made in the summer of 2021 in the aftermath of street disturbances in working class areas of Northern Ireland. It was produced with young people from Belfast and local community activists, for young people aged 14+. The course aims to help young people think about what community means to them; to identify issues they are...
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Society, Politics & Law
Understanding devolution in Wales
This 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 ...
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level 1: introductory icon
Society, Politics & Law
Deall datganoli yng Nghymru
Mae'r cwrs am ddim hwn yn dilyn y ffordd y mae setliad datganoli Cymru wedi cael ei drawsnewid yn yr 20 mlynedd ers y refferendwm ar ddatganoli yn 1997. Byddwch yn ystyried y ffordd y daeth Cynulliad â chefnogaeth mwyafrif bach iawn o'r cyhoedd a phwerau deddfu cyfyngedig yn Senedd â'r pŵer i osod trethi. Byddwch yn archwilio rhai o'r heriau ...
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level 2: intermediate icon
Society, Politics & Law
Applying social work law with children and families
This course will introduce you to the law as it applies to social work with children and families in the United Kingdom. You will learn about varying definitions of childhood and family and then explore underpinning principles of the law relating to child rights and parental responsibilities. You will look at the key legislation relating to ...