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With thousands of free learning resources across OpenLearn – from quick quizzes and interactive games to full-length online courses – it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where our Top 10s come in.
These lists give you a real-time snapshot of what’s most popular right now on OpenLearn. Think of them as your shortcut to the hottest topics and most in-demand courses, chosen not by us but by the learners already exploring them.
Whether you want to dip into a bite-sized activity or commit to something bigger, the Top 10s are a great place to start.
Top 10 articles, hubs, interactives and videos
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DIY: Generate your own electricity
Do you want to make your own electricity? Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own generator.
Read now2
Level: 1 Introductory
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Sperm counts
How much sperm does a man make? Would you explode if you don't release your sperm? Explore the male reproductive system in this article and video.
Read now3
Level: 1 Introductory
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Geology toolkit
Discover the unique landscape of Great Britain and Ireland with our interactive Geology Toolkit, featuring a geology timeline, rock analyser, rock cycle, landscape features and safety tips.
Take part now5
Level: 1 Introductory
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12 famous Confucius quotes on education and learning
What's your favourite Confucius quote on education and learning? Look at these examples...
Take part now6
Level: 1 Introductory
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Measure the speed of light with your microwave
But did you know that a humble kitchen staple can do more than reheat leftovers? With a bar of chocolate and a stationary turntable, you can actually measure the speed of light using your microwave.
Watch now7
Level: 1 Introductory
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Year of the Horse: Chinese Lunar New Year
Happy Chinese New Year of the Horse! As the Lunar New Year approaches once again, millions of people across the world prepare to welcome a new zodiac cycle with festive celebrations, family gatherings, and expressions of hope for the year ahead.
Read now8
Level: 1 Introductory
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Free online English Literature / Creative Writing courses
Discover these free English Literature and Creative Writing courses on OpenLearn.
Read now9
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Hitler's rise and fall: Timeline
Track the key events in Adolf Hitler's life, including his childhood in Austria, his decisions as Fuehrer of Germany, his leadership in the Second World War, and his eventual suicide.
Read now10
Level: 1 Introductory
Top 10 courses
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What is politics?
This free course, What is politics?, introduces you to the world of politics. It is dedicated primarily to answering the question of what politics is. Although the question might seem rather simple, it elicits various, often contradictory responses. As you will realise, in politics as in much of the humanities and social sciences definitive ...
Learn more1
Level: 2 Intermediate
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Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging
This course takes the real-life cases of a number of different people to explore what it is like to have the label ‘learning disability’. The course also considers how it feels to support someone with a learning disability, as a family member, a friend, an advocate or a paid worker. Through these human stories the course considers the ...
Learn more2
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting
Learn about the essential numerical skills required for accounting and bookkeeping. This free course, Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting, explains the fundamental rules of double-entry bookkeeping and how they are used to produce the balance sheet and the profit and loss account.
Learn more3
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding autism
Learn about autism, one of the most challenging long-term conditions of the century. This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by individuals and families, and why it has become a global concern. The course explains how understanding of the autism spectrum and approaches to diagnosis and care ...
Learn more4
Level: 1 Introductory
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Welsh history and its sources
This course is a teaching and learning resource for anyone interested in Welsh history. It contains study materials, links to some of the most important institutions that contribute to our understanding of the history of Wales, and a pool of resources that can help you understand Welsh history and the way it is studied. Included in the material ...
Learn more5
Level: 1 Introductory
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Information security
Information security underpins the commercial viability and profitability of enterprises of all sizes and the effectiveness of public sector organisations. This free course begins by explaining why information security and its management are important for any modern organisation and to every individual. You need to be familiar with an ...
Learn more6
Level: 3 Advanced
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Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Protect your digital life with this free course introducing the essentials of cyber security. Learn how to spot online threats, keep your information safe and understand key topics like malware, network security and identity theft — helping you stay secure at home, at work, and beyond.
Learn more7
Level: 1 Introductory
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Data analysis: visualisations in Excel
Evidence comes in the form of qualitative or quantitative data about the world around you. It is not always obvious, however, how to structure, aggregate, analyse or interpret the data to help you make decisions. In this free course, you will look at how to use data to make decisions in a systematic way using Microsoft Excel. Microsoft Excel ...
Learn more8
Level: 1 Introductory
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Succeeding in postgraduate study
This course will help you to become familiar with the requirements and demands of postgraduate study and to develop the skills and confidence to pursue your learning further.
Learn more9
Level: 3 Advanced
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Leadership and followership
Explore what makes a good leader, recognise common leadership challenges, and identify the skills you need to develop if you want to enhance your own leadership experience.
Learn more10
Level: 1 Introductory
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