Find out more about The Open University's Open degree.
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
-
-
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 now2
Level: 1 Introductory
-
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 now3
Level: 1 Introductory
-
-
The Valentine's rose trade story in a dozen roses
Roses, the flower of love and romance, are a summer flower. So is Valentine’s Day to blame for such huge international trade in cut rose stems? Professor David Gowing and Dr Yoseph Araya explore the history of the rose.
Read now5
Level: 1 Introductory
-
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 now6
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Life through a lens
Humans have changed their view of the world through lenses, we see further and closer thanks to the power of this wonderful invention, could you imagine life without lenses?
Take part now7
-
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 now8
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Lesbianism and the criminal law of England and Wales
There has never been a specific criminal offence of lesbianism – but does that really mean that women have never been prosecuted for same-sex relationships? This article separates myth from reality.
Read now9
-
Do you have a photographic memory?
Can you hold an image in your mind by just looking at it for a brief amount of time? Try our photographic memory test and see whether you have eidetic memory.
Take part now10
Level: 1 Introductory
Top 10 courses
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 more5
Level: 3 Advanced
-
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 more6
Level: 1 Introductory
-
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
-
Effective communication in the workplace
Improve your workplace relationships and boost your professional impact with this free course on effective communication. Discover how to express yourself clearly, understand others better, and adapt your communication skills for a range of situations, from everyday conversations to the digital workplaces of the future.
Learn more8
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Gamified Intelligent Cyber Aptitude and Skills Training (GICAST)
This free course, Gamified Intelligent Cyber Aptitude and Skills Training (GICAST), will help you to understand online security and start to protect your digital life, whether at home or work. You will learn how to recognise the threats that could harm you online and the steps you can take to reduce the chances that they will happen to you.
Learn more9
Level: 1 Introductory
-
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 more10
Level: 3 Advanced
What next?
Sign-up for a free OU account to join the OpenLearn community and access more features.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest content.