Free online courses
Fancy trying a FREE online course?
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are designed by universities to bring short learning opportunities to large numbers of people, worldwide. Courses are usually accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop. You do not need qualifications to start a MOOC. Many courses are free or available for a small fee.
Most MOOCs do not usually offer formal qualifications, although some do offer certification - if you pay a small fee. Whether you get a certificate or not, the knowledge gained from doing one could prepare you for a higher education level course or help you choose a subject. Alternatively, you can take a MOOC just for the pleasure of trying something new or to develop an area of interest.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn (an organisation owned by The Open University) offers a diverse selection of free, high-quality online courses from some of the world’s leading universities and other institutions.
Their aim is to connect learners from all over the globe with educators and with each other. It’s possible to take a free course or pay for further options.
A wide range of course topics is available through FutureLearn – here are just a few examples:
- Introduction to Forensic Science
- Shakespeare’s Hamlet: Text, Performance and Culture
- Exploring our Oceans
- Preparing for University
Coursera and edX
Coursera and edX are similar to FutureLearn. They offer free courses, free course trials or free access to certain aspects of course content. It may be possible to upgrade by purchasing full courses or for a certificate.
Here are a few examples courses on offer by Coursera:
Here are a few examples courses available through edX:
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps offer free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. They are available for adults aged 19 or over who are either in work or recently unemployed and live in England. Some Skills Bootcamps have additional eligibility criteria.
There are many options to study a variety of subjects online as well as face to face. For a list of courses
Short courses to develop skills that will be useful in a job
The National Careers Service website offers lots of short courses that help to develop skills students will need in employment. For example:
Practical maths
Computer essentials
Personal growth and well-being