Study skills
Studying can be daunting. These free courses will refresh your study skills and prepare you for success.
Education & Development
Dr David Hann on how to succeed as a distance learner
The Open University's Dr David Hann tells you how to become a successful distance learner in this extended interview from 'Go the Distance'.
Education & Development
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 ...
Society, Politics & Law
Note taking in relation to the Social Sciences
Do you find it difficult to know what is important when taking notes? This free course, Note taking in relation to the Social Sciences, will enable you to decide the value of taking notes and improve your understanding of the methods that can be used.
Digital & Computing
Presenting information
Tables and charts are a great way to present numerical information in a clear and concise form. This free course, Presenting information, explains how to use the Windows calculator to carry out basic operations and calculate percentages. You will then learn how to use charts and tables to represent and interpret information.
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.
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Education & Development
5 tried-and-tested study tips for dyslexic students
Studying with dyslexia can sometimes feel overwhelming – but the fact you’ve made it this far shows you have what it takes to succeed. From planning ahead to harnessing your creativity, here are five practical strategies to make studying more effective, less stressful, and more suited to the way you work best.
Education & Development
My unique path to university: more real stories
Hear from Simon and Hannah, Wrexham students who share their stories of studying later in life and being the first in their family to go to University.
Education & Development
Study skills: one-minute tips
Check 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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Health, Sports & Psychology
At a crossroads: navigating work and/or family alongside study
Balancing 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 ...
Education & Development
Academic Skills - Key words in essay titles
When you’re assigned an essay, it’s important to look at the title closely. Understanding key terms is the key to writing effectively.
Health, Sports & Psychology
Time management and study
Whether 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.
Education & Development
My unique path to university: real stories
Hear from USW students who are sharing their varied experiences, including young carers, those with autism, and those who have joined university later in life.
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At The Open University, we're pioneers of flexible learning that's respected by employers and affordable for you. That's why more than 170,000 students are studying with us right now.
Whatever subject you want to study, and whatever qualification you want, we've got the right course for you.
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