Unlock a world of free learning with no cost and real value. The The Open University’s OpenLearn platform offers hundreds of free online courses — and many come with a free statement of participation or digital badge. We’ve hand-picked 30 standout free courses you can enrol in today, in order to boost your skills, explore new interests or upgrade your résumé. Each listing includes a direct link, study length (where available) and level (introductory/intermediate/advanced).
1. Introduction to Cyber Security: Stay Safe Online
Link: Visit Course
Duration: Approximately 24 hours
Level: Introductory (Level 1)
Overview:
Learn how to protect yourself and your data online. This popular cybersecurity course introduces concepts like online identity, malware, network protection, and safe browsing. It’s ideal for both beginners and professionals who want to enhance their digital security knowledge.
2. Information Security
Link: Visit Course
Duration: Around 10 hours
Level: Advanced (Level 3)
Overview:
This course dives deeper into how organisations safeguard critical information. You’ll explore risk management, confidentiality, integrity, and availability — the core pillars of the information security framework. It’s a great step for learners aiming for cybersecurity or IT management careers.
3. IT in Everyday Life
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Technology is everywhere — from mobile apps to cloud computing. This course shows how IT impacts daily life, from communication to shopping and education. Perfect for learners looking to strengthen their digital literacy and understand how IT transforms modern living.
4. Digital Forensics
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 10–12 hours (varies)
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Ever wondered how investigators track cybercrimes? This fascinating course explores digital evidence collection, preservation, and analysis. Ideal for anyone curious about cybersecurity investigations, ethical hacking, or IT law.
5. Learning to Teach: Mentoring and Tutoring Student Teachers
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 5 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
If you’re passionate about education, this course guides you through effective mentoring and tutoring techniques for trainee teachers. You’ll learn how to support new educators, build confidence, and create reflective teaching environments.
6. Developing Reading for Pleasure: Engaging Young Readers
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 6 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful ways to develop literacy and imagination in children. This course explores classroom and home strategies that help children fall in love with books, nurture curiosity, and build lifelong reading habits.
Ideal for teachers, parents, and early-years educators.
7. Accessibility of eLearning
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 8 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Learn how to design and deliver inclusive online learning experiences. This course focuses on accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and inclusive design strategies for digital education. Perfect for instructional designers, online tutors, or anyone building eLearning materials.
8. Forensic Science and Fingerprints
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 10 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Step into the world of forensic science and discover how fingerprints help solve real-world crimes. You’ll learn about fingerprint analysis, evidence collection, and how forensic data supports justice systems. Great for anyone fascinated by crime investigation and science.
9. Microbes – Friend or Foe?
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 2 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Microbes are everywhere – but are they always harmful? In this short course, you’ll explore bacteria, viruses, and fungi, their essential roles in ecosystems, and how they can both help and harm humans. A great beginner’s guide to microbiology.
10. Discovering Chemistry
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 12 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Explore the basic principles of chemistry – from atoms and molecules to reactions and bonding. This course helps beginners understand the foundations of chemistry through engaging visuals and interactive materials. Excellent for students or science enthusiasts.
11. Climate Change: Transitions to Sustainability
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 12 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Understand the science behind climate change and explore how societies can transition toward sustainability. You’ll learn about renewable energy, carbon footprints, and global policy challenges. A must-take for students interested in environmental science and sustainable development.
12. Project Governance and Project Management Office (PMO)
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 6 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Discover how projects are guided from initiation to completion. This course explains the vital role of governance, performance measurement, and the PMO (Project Management Office) in ensuring successful outcomes. Ideal for business professionals or aspiring project managers.
13. Developing Your Skills as an HR Professional
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 9 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Human Resource professionals are at the heart of organisational growth. This course helps you understand core HR skills — from recruitment and employee relations to communication and ethics. A great option for anyone considering a career in HR or people management.
14. Step Up to Leadership
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 4 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Leadership isn’t just a position — it’s a mindset. Learn how to motivate teams, build confidence, and make ethical decisions as a leader. Perfect for early-career professionals or entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their leadership potential.
15. Supply Chain Sustainability
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 8 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Sustainability is transforming global business. This course introduces you to green logistics, ethical sourcing, and responsible supply chain management. You’ll explore how companies balance profitability with environmental and social impact.
16. Business Communication: Writing Effectively
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 10 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
In today’s competitive job market, strong writing skills are essential. This course teaches you how to write clear, concise, and professional business documents. From emails to reports, you’ll master communication that gets results.
17. The Psychology of Learning
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 8 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
How do people learn? This fascinating course delves into the cognitive and emotional processes behind learning. It’s particularly valuable for teachers, trainers, and parents who want to enhance how they share knowledge and motivate others.
18. Understanding Homelessness and Housing
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 12 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
This course explores the complex social and economic causes of homelessness. Learn about housing policy, community support systems, and how governments and NGOs work to address this issue. Great for social work and urban development students.
19. Introduction to Cyber Security
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 24 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Cyber threats are on the rise — but this free course can help you stay protected. Learn how hackers operate, how to secure your personal data, and how organisations defend against cyberattacks. It’s ideal for beginners entering tech or IT fields.
20. English Grammar in Context
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 15 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Sharpen your English skills through grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure exercises. This course helps both students and professionals write with clarity and confidence — useful for anyone preparing for international exams or improving workplace communication.
21. Introduction to Law
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 12 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Ever wondered how laws are made, interpreted, and applied? This foundational course introduces you to the structure of the legal system, major branches of law, and how justice operates in society. Perfect for beginners or students exploring a career in law or governance.
22. Sustainable Energy
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 20 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Explore how the world can meet its energy needs without harming the planet. This course covers renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and global challenges in achieving sustainability. A great choice for engineering, science, and policy students.
23. Understanding Fair Trade in a Global Economy
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 10 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
What does “fair trade” really mean? This course explains how ethical trading supports farmers, artisans, and workers around the world. Learn how fair trade certification impacts supply chains and consumer choices.
24. The Digital Scholar
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 12 hours
Level: Advanced
Overview:
In the digital era, research and education are changing rapidly. This course guides learners through digital literacy, open access publishing, and online academic collaboration. Great for educators, researchers, and students in higher education.
25. Global Development: Challenges and Opportunities
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 15 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
This course dives into issues shaping our world — poverty, education, gender equality, and environmental justice. Learn about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the strategies that help countries achieve progress.
26. Design Thinking
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 10 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Creative problem-solving is one of the most sought-after skills in the modern workplace. This course introduces you to Design Thinking — an innovative approach to tackling challenges using empathy, ideation, and prototyping. Ideal for entrepreneurs, designers, and business innovators.
27. Health and Wellbeing in the Modern World
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 14 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
This course explores how lifestyle, environment, and society impact health and mental wellbeing. Learn about nutrition, stress management, and public health challenges — valuable knowledge for anyone working in healthcare or wellness sectors.
28. Introduction to Mental Health Science
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 12 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
Gain a scientific understanding of mental health — from biological causes to treatment approaches. This course offers insights into psychology, neuroscience, and therapy practices. Perfect for students in psychology, healthcare, or social science.
29. Learning to Teach: Becoming a Reflective Practitioner
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 10 hours
Level: Intermediate
Overview:
A must-take for educators and aspiring teachers. It explores how reflective practice helps teachers improve classroom effectiveness and student engagement. You’ll learn observation, self-assessment, and continuous professional development strategies.
30. Managing My Financial Journey
Link: Visit Course
Duration: 8 hours
Level: Introductory
Overview:
Learn to manage your finances like a pro. This course covers budgeting, saving, credit management, and long-term financial planning. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or professional, it offers practical tools for smart money management.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Lifelong Learning Starts Today
Education is no longer confined to classrooms — it’s now at your fingertips, accessible anytime, anywhere. The Open University’s free online courses empower learners across the world to upgrade their knowledge, build new skills, and earn certificates without financial barriers.
Whether you’re a student exploring future career paths, a professional aiming to upskill, or a lifelong learner curious about the world, these 30 courses offer something valuable for everyone. From sustainability and digital innovation to leadership, law, and mental health, the Open University helps you grow both personally and professionally.
Top 10 FAQs about Open University Free Courses
1. Are Open University courses really free?
Yes, all OpenLearn courses from The Open University are 100% free. You can access all lessons, quizzes, and materials without paying any fee.
2. Do I get a certificate after completing a free Open University course?
Yes. After finishing a course, you’ll receive a free Statement of Participation, which you can download as a PDF and showcase on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
3. Are these certificates recognized by employers?
While OpenLearn certificates are not formal academic degrees, they are well-respected and show your initiative to learn. Many employers value them as evidence of continuous professional development (CPD).
4. Do I need to apply or can I start learning immediately?
No application is needed. Simply click on the course link, sign up for a free OpenLearn account, and start learning instantly.
5. Are these courses suitable for beginners?
Yes. Most courses are introductory or intermediate level, making them ideal for beginners. Each course page mentions the skill level before you enroll.
6. How long does it take to complete a course?
Course durations range from 4 hours to 24 hours, depending on the topic. You can learn at your own pace and even pause or resume anytime.
7. Can I access the courses on mobile or tablet?
Yes. All OpenLearn courses are mobile-friendly and work perfectly on laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
8. Do I need any prior qualifications to join?
No qualifications or prior knowledge are required for most courses. Anyone interested in the subject can enroll and start learning.
9. Are the courses available worldwide?
Yes. Learners from all countries can access OpenLearn’s free courses without any restrictions — making it a global platform for open education.
10. How can these courses help my career?
These free courses help you:
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Strengthen your resume and LinkedIn profile
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Learn job-relevant skills (leadership, communication, digital literacy, etc.)
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Prepare for higher education or specialized training
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Gain confidence for career advancement
