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Learn for free with OU’s OpenLearn in 2020

Brown sparrow perched on branch near red fruits

People across Scotland are making resolutions this month to learn something new or get back into education and the good news is The Open University has hundreds of free courses available online. 

OpenLearn is The Open University’s home for learning online. All the courses are free and fit easily into daily life: there are no requirements and no start or end dates, the courses are completely flexible. 

There are around 1000 courses to choose from across languages, history and the arts; health, sports and psychology; money and business; nature and environment; science, maths and technology and education and development. 

Susan Stewart, director of The Open University in Scotland, said:

“OpenLearn courses increase confidence and help people develop the skills they need to enter higher education - they are the perfect introduction to a subject and learning. 

“If you have ever wanted to learn a new language or find out more about the Second World War, wondered how evolution works and how Scotland’s canal network was built, there is a course for you on OpenLearn. 

“OpenLearn is a fantastic resource and I would encourage people across Scotland to try what’s on offer, whether it’s just for fun or to find out whether they’d like to take an Open University course in the future.” 

Some of the most popular courses on OpenLearn for people in Scotland include Forensic Psychology, Understanding Autism and Introduction to Cyber Security: Stay Safe Online. 

OpenLearn comprises around 1000 short courses, which range from one hour to one day of study. Thousands of articles, quizzes and interactive games, videos and audio, and posters bring subjects to life.

Once complete, students gain a statement of participation to share their achievement with others. Resources are available on YouTube, to download on Kindle and more. 

Find out more and sign up here.

  • Photo (top left) by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

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