There are over 1,000 courses to choose from with no start-dates, so you can begin right away or at a time that suits you. Some courses are based on The Open University degree materials and others are made specifically for OpenLearn, but all are designed to help boost your confidence and gain new skills.
Whatever your ambition, start by exploring our range of courses and content to find a topic that inspires you. As pioneers of distance learning for over 50 years, we’re here to keep on moving you forwards.
Explore subjects
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Science, Maths and Technology
Discover the latest in Science, Maths andTechnology content on OpenLearn.
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Money and business
Discover the latest in Money and business content on OpenLearn.
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History and the Arts
Discover the latest in History and the Arts content on OpenLearn.
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Nature and Environment
Discover the latest in Nature and Environmentcontent on OpenLearn.
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Society, Politics and Law
Discover the latest in Society, Politics and Lawcontent on OpenLearn.
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All our free courses
Discover all of the free courses on OpenLearn.
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Distance learning
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Being an OU student
The induction coursefor new OU students, covering the essentials for starting your undergraduatestudies.
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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 ...
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What are the benefits of interdisciplinary study?
It seems to be a buzzword in education and one that gets thrown around quite a lot these days. But what does 'interdisciplinary' study really mean? And why is it so desirable?
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Study skills
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All my own work
Plagiarism comes in all shapes and forms. Step into the shoes of a universitystudent to learn the challenges and temptations facing herduring herassignment, and help make it all her own work.
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Developing good academic practice
This 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.
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How to be a critical reader
In 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.
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Essay and report writing skills
Writing 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.
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Digital thinking tools for better decision making
Ever since the very beginning of humanity, tools have played a pivotal role in who we are and what we do. Tools for recording, processing and communicating information have a time-honoured history – from the clay tokens used in Mesopotamia to mechanical calculating machines. The invention of the digital computer has boosted the scale, speed and ...
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Student life
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Managing my money for young adults
This free course, Managing my money for young adults, will help you start to think about managing your finances. You will learn how to budget effectively, and will be encouraged to start thinking about your financial future.
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Is being a student good for your mental health?
Why do students suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety when compared to those who are not at university? Dr Jonathan Leach investigates...
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How can I cope with exam stress
The exam period brings with it extra challenges - but if you manage your stress, you can make it through. Teena Clouston has some tips, and you may turn your papers over now.
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Why friendships are vital to your wellbeing
It's well-documented that loneliness can cause depression and have negative effects on health and lifespans, equal to that of smoking. Explore why friends are good for your wellbeing,then invite them round for a catch up - it's important!
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FREE Mental Health Tips and Resources
The last three years have seen people's mental health and wellbeing tested like almost never before. Concerns over health, isolation, family, finance, careers and education have affected us all in one way or another, so it's vital we all take the time to consider our own mental health and wellbeing, as well as those around us. Here are some FREE...
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Time management and study
Whether you’re a fullor 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.
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