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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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Crime fiction
Explore the world of crime fiction with The Open University, a world leader in distance learning. Discover free courses, articles, video and audio resources, and interactive activities, free to study and available to start right away.
Read now3
Level: 1 Introductory
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Angel Breed
Understand the basic rules of genetics and see if you can breed the rarest fish in our biology game.
Take part now4
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 now5
Level: 1 Introductory
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Accredited CPD Courses for Career Growth
Explore CPD-accredited online courses endorsed by the CPD Standards Office (CPD-SO). Build your professional skills, earn verified CPD points and showcase your achievements to employers or professional networks.
Read now6
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 now7
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 now8
Level: 1 Introductory
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Free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK and Ireland
From free courses in the English language to articles on mental health and wellbeing, here are some free online resources from The Open University.
Read now9
Level: 1 Introductory
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Try something popular
Need inspiration? Start with what’s trending on OpenLearn: our Top 10s showcase the content learners are loving right now.
Watch now10
Top 10 courses
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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 more1
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 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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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 more4
Level: 1 Introductory
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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 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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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 more7
Level: 1 Introductory
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Everyday English 1
Improve your essential speaking and listening, reading and writing skills for work, study and everyday life.
Learn more8
Level: 1 Introductory
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The science of nutrition and healthy eating
Examine the science behind nutrition, covering aspects of biology, chemistry and physics as well as giving some insight into healthier eating. Reading food labels, choosing healthier foods, hydrating appropriately and understanding how we taste food will allow you to be more informed about the choices you make about the food you eat.
Learn more9
Level: 1 Introductory
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Project management: the start of the project journey
This course introduces projects, what they are, how they come about, responses to problems and planning. It explores the role of key players including the project manager, feasibility studies, decision making and project life cycles.
Learn more10
Level: 3 Advanced
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