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Short Online Courses

Learn for free, in your own time

Learning never stops. Enrol today in one or more of our courses from our expansive portfolio, covering a diverse range of thought-provoking subjects. Developed and supported by expert staff and students across the University of Reading’s world-class departments, you can hone your skills and expand your knowledge in your own time, whilst engaging with a community of learners from around the world.

Free to join and open to everyone, our online courses only require a few hours’ study to complete and are easily accessible on computer, mobile or tablet, so why not start today?

Register on the FutureLearn website to sign up, and stay informed about, upcoming courses. You can also follow @UniRdg_OOCs on Twitter or find us on Facebook for the latest news on all of our free online courses.

What makes our online courses special?

Our award winning courses have enabled us to showcase the University’s excellent teaching and world-leading research to hundreds of thousands of learners from around the world. Designed to reach new audiences, they provide a window into the wealth of subjects on offer at Reading, whilst retaining the high quality expected of a world-class university.

We launched our first course, Begin Programming, in October 2013. Since then our specialised team have continued to collaborate with academic staff and students throughout the university to expand our portfolio of courses. We have also worked with prestigious external partners such as the British Council, European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Food and the Royal Meteorological Society. Providing insights into the very latest developments and sharing best practice in online learning design, we constantly seek to innovate. We want to push the boundaries to help our academic teams provide the best possible learning experience for the many thousands of participants who join our courses from around the world.

Thinking about going to university?

Our online courses will help you to prepare for your time at university – whatever and wherever you're planning to study. Why not use these courses to make your CV, applications and personal statements stand out from the crowd? Completion of a course demonstrates passion for a subject and willingness to go beyond your current studies to learn more.

Flexible learning to suit your busy lifestyle

Studying on the FutureLearn platform allows you to fit learning around your life. Each week of content is delivered as a series of self-contained activities that build on one another, so you can choose to learn in small chunks or longer sprints. Our courses are free to join but you can purchase an optional ‘upgrade’ if you’d like to receive a certificate as evidence of course completion, or secure ongoing access to the content beyond the end of live run.

Learn from others

Social learning is at the heart of our courses. Sharing new ideas and perspectives with other course participants will help you get the most from your studies. As well as learner-to-learner interaction, you will also be supported by university experts, staff and students who contribute feedback and guidance throughout course discussions.

Find out more about our free online courses
Image of Rome in virtual reality

ROME: A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE ANCIENT CITY

Immerse yourself in the architecture and history of ancient Rome using a detailed, historically accurate and award-winning 3D digital model of this awe-inspiring city, on this five-week course from the Department of Classics.

This course explores the ancient city through real-life footage of archaeological remains in modern Rome with digital reconstructions of how these magnificent buildings would have looked around 1,700 years ago. By flying or walking through the virtual model, you’ll get a sense of how the city worked, functioned and appeared. You’ll explore the structures representing power and wealth such as the Forum and Colosseum, as well as seeing Rome as a working city, a place where up to a million people lived and died. You’ll discuss the testimonies that survive for us to read, the coins, inscriptions, pictures, statues and poems to build a picture of how the city functioned.

Find out more about Rome: A Virtual Tour of the Ancient City on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Montage of punk rock artists

Anarchy in the UK: A History of Punk from 1976-78

In the late 1970s a new youth subculture emerged in the UK. This, of course, was punk, and a cultural revolt was underway. 

This course created by the Department of History explores the music, fanzines, ideas, fashion and art of punk and examines its impact on society – particularly its relationship with gender, class, race, sexuality and protest, drawing comparisons with the youth culture of today. Techniques used in historical analysis are introduced through video interviews with key ‘Punk’ figures, research activities and the opportunity to compile an original fanzine. 

The course is approx. 4 flexible study hours and will appeal to anyone with an interest in contemporary history and cultural studies. It will be particularly interesting if you’re thinking of studying history at university. 

Find out more about Anarchy in the UK. 

Find out more about this course
A picture of an archaeological dig.

Archaeology: from dig to lab and beyond

Learn about the discoveries made at the Department of Archaeology's Field School by charting the progress of an archaeological excavation from dig to lab and beyond, in this introductory course to the endlessly interesting field of archaeology.

An archaeological excavation isn’t just turning up with a trowel to dig. Drawing on case studies from the Department of Archaeology's Field School, you’ll find out about every aspect of archaeology, from deciding where to dig, to the collection, recording and storage of artefacts. You’ll then examine the archaeological methods employed in the study of the dead. What can skeletal remains tell us about where someone lived, their occupation and their health?

This course has been developed for anyone interested in studying an archaeology degree at university but will also appeal to anyone with a passion for history.

Find out more about Archaeology: From Dig to Lab and Beyond  website.

Find out more about this course
An image of people walking in the snow.

Come rain or shine: understanding the weather

Weather affects our lives almost every day – through what we wear, what we eat and what we do. It also affects most industries and leisure activities. But what brings us such variable weather? What makes the UK rainy, windy or sometimes even sunny?

The Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading has partnered with The Royal Meteorological Society for this three-week course, introducing the physical processes underlying the weather systems that impact on many aspects of our lives. As well as exploring the UK’s characteristic weather patterns, you’ll look at weather phenomena in other parts of the world and find out why they occur.

Find out more about Come Rain or Shine: Understanding the Weather on the FutureLearn website..

Find out more about this course
Autonomous robots

Begin Robotics

Explore robot anatomy, control and behaviour by ‘test driving’ an ERIC – our very own University of Reading mobile robot – through a series of simulated tasks such as navigating a maze and avoiding obstacles.

In this four-week course from the University of Reading Department of Computer Science, you'll learn about the history of robots and the jobs robots are now doing in a range of environments – from homes, to hospitals and even outer space. You'll also explore the fundamentals of robot design and understand how the sensors, moving parts and computer "brain" work together to allow the robot to complete its tasks. Each week, you’ll meet a range of robots used in teaching and research at the University of Reading to describe or demonstrate aspects of robotics.

Find out more about Begin Robotics on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
An image of two people sitting at a table, going through a form together.

Understanding anxiety, depression and CBT

Around a quarter of the UK’s population is directly affected by mental health difficulties. This course will improve your understanding and knowledge around depression and anxiety, and introduce you to a leading, effective treatment for both disorders, called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Over five weeks, you’ll explore how anxiety and depression differ from ‘normal’ emotional states, dispel some common myths about these disorders and understand associated signs and symptoms. The course also looks at some of the factors that may be responsible for maintaining these mental health difficulties using a cognitive behavioural framework, and how CBT can be one of the ways in which both can be successfully treated. The course is delivered by experts in the Charlie Waller Institute and aims to encourage the conversation about mental health generally and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

This course has been accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), and has been approved for distance-learning continuing professional development (CPD).

Find out more about Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Image of a mother and her daughter in the car, the daughter stares blankly as her mother talks

UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION AND LOW MOOD IN YOUNG PEOPLE

Around 75% of mental health difficulties start before a person reaches their 18th birthday. Learn how to recognise low mood and depression in young people, and discuss evidence-based practical techniques to help support them.

The consequences of untreated depression for young people are significant and it’s important not only to recognise these difficulties early on but also to offer appropriate support. This five-week course has been developed by leading experts at the Charlie Waller Institute and the Anxiety and Depression in Young People Research Unit. The course has been developed for parents of young people with depression and low mood, or teachers, school staff and healthcare professionals who play a role in detecting mental health difficulties.

Find out more about Understanding Depression and Low Mood in Young People on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Woman drinks orange juice whilst reading a newspaper

Food and Nutrition: The Truth Behind Food Headlines

Explore how the media interpret the data and results from nutritional research studies so that you can come to your own conclusion about the reliability of statements in newspaper articles. 

You’ll be encouraged to think critically about the information behind media headlines and how bias can influence our understanding of a topic. You’ll discuss the hierarchy of scientific evidence and how to find reliable information about food and nutrition. 

This course is approx. 9 flexible study hours and is for anyone who wants to become a more informed consumer. 

Find out more about Food and Nutrition: The Truth Behind Food Headlines.

Find out more about this course
human heart

Heart health: a beginner's guide to cardiovascular disease

Drawing on expertise from the world-renowned Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research at the University of Reading, this four-week course provides an introduction to cardiovascular disease – one of the biggest killers in the UK and worldwide.

This course will improve your knowledge of how the heart works, the causes of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and heart failure and what you can do to avoid them. Each week you’ll be able to get hands on with a practical activity, helping you to apply the knowledge you’ll gain on the course, to better understand your own heart. You’ll learn the factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease and what you can do to lower the risk.

Find out more about Heart Health: A Beginner's Guide to Cardiovascular Disease on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Graphic of an open book with illustrated buildings popping out of it

Pathways to Property: Starting Your Career in Real Estate

What role does property play in sustaining modern society, and who is involved in the property development process? Find out how the property development process works, who the key stakeholders are and how you can start your career in real estate.

This course has been co-created by experts at the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) and Henley Business School at the University of Reading, specifically designed for 14-18 year olds looking to start, or find out about the possibilities of a career in Real Estate. Using the International Quarter London (IQL) regeneration scheme as a case study, you’ll explore what property is, the current issues affecting it and what the future holds for the industry. You’ll also be able to find out more about the Pathways to Property Summer School, which is free to attend and open to Year 12 students from UK state schools and colleges.

Find out more about Pathways to Propert: Starting Your Career in Real Estate on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
University climate stripes

Planet Partners: Tackling the Climate Crisis Together

Join two Undergraduate students as they explore the impact of climate change with experts from across the University.

You’ll follow two students as they interview researchers across multiple disciplines to find out how climate change impacts our health, the food we eat, biodiversity and the towns and cities we live in.  You’ll discuss the key mitigation and adaptation strategies and international agreements in place, the role of governments, and what you can do as an individual. You’ll finish the course with the confidence to talk about the impact of climate change and feel empowered to take action.

The course is approx. 4 flexible study hours and has been designed for an 16-18 audience, however it’s open to anyone from around the world who wants to learn more about the impact of climate change.

Find out more about Planet Partners: Tackling the Climate Crisis Together.

Find out more about this course
Image of a group of primary school children

SUPPORTING SUCCESSFUL LEARNING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Build your understanding of learning and teaching to gain confidence in supporting the education of children in primary school, as a teaching assistant.

Over this four-week course, you’ll hear from education experts, school staff and school children, all providing insight into how learning happens and the importance of both the learning environment, and of effective communication in a primary school setting. You’ll examine the impact of behavioural theories on learning in school, as well as reflecting on your own classroom experiences. You’ll build confidence and develop effective working practices to improve the support you provide in school.

Find out more about Supporting Successful Learning in Primary Schools on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Image of a teacher walking with three secondary students outside

SUPPORTING SUCCESSFUL LEARNING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

This sister course to Supporting Successful Learning in Primary Education will help build teaching assistants’ and support staff’s understanding of learning and teaching in a secondary school setting.

Over four-weeks, you’ll hear from education experts, school staff and school children, all providing insights into how learning happens and the importance of both the learning environment, and of effective communication in a secondary school setting. Through the course activities, you’ll understand the importance of language and communication in school, and will gain confidence in implementing best working practices through reflection of, and discussion about, your own classroom based experiences.

Find out more about Supporting Successful Learning in Secondary Schools on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course

Teaching Climate and Sustainability in Primary Schools: An Outdoor Learning Approach

Drawing on real examples and underpinned with expertise in outdoor learning, this course will explore the knowledge and skills required for teaching climate and sustainability outdoors. You’ll watch children discovering how to care for the planet through a range of activities and hear from teachers and education experts on the benefits and challenges of teaching outside. 

You’ll share ideas and experiences with fellow teachers on the course to build a plan for your own teaching or to help make a wider impact at the whole school level.  

This course is approx. 6 hours of flexible study and aimed at primary teachers who are concerned about our planet and want to take action by embedding these vital topics into their teaching.

Find out more about Teaching Climate and Sustainability in Primary Schools: An Outdoor Learning Approach.

Read more about this course
Image of uni students writing on paper

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO WRITING IN ENGLISH FOR UNIVERSITY STUDY

Learn the principles of academic writing and develop your English language skills to help you achieve study success at university or college.

Over five weeks, our expert teachers from the International Study and Language Institute at the University of Reading will help you to organise an essay, write in an academic style and develop the skills you need to write academic English effectively. This course is a perfect introduction to academic writing for international students considering a pre-sessional English language course or a degree at the University of Reading or another English-speaking university.

Find out more about A Beginner's Guide to Writing in English for University Study on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Image of a hand holding a pencil writing on paper

AN INTERMEDIATE GUIDE TO WRITING IN ENGLISH FOR UNIVERSITY STUDY

Build on your existing knowledge to research, write and reference essays similar to those you might be expected to write at university. You’ll explore how to develop your ideas, organise them into a clear and logical structure, and reference sources correctly.

Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate or postgraduate student, or are currently undertaking university-level study, this five-week course will build on your ability to research, write and reference essays and extended writing projects.

This is the second course in our Guide to Writing in English for University Study Program which has been developed by experts within the International Study and Language Institute. The course can either be taken as a follow-on from the Beginner’s Guide to Writing in English for University Study (please see above) or independently.

Find out more about An Intermediate Guide to Writing in English for University Study on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Two women working at a laptop

A Parent and Supporters Guide to University Entry

Completing university applications can be confusing for young people, their parents and supporters. University Smart will help you to support your young person through each step of the application process.

This brief course provides key decision dates, advice on making the most of university visits, and what your young person needs to know when completing their application. You will also have an opportunity to discuss common issues such as finance, learning support and student life.

Find out more about our Parent and Supporter’s Guide to University Entry on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Artistic graphic representation of keys, wallet, phone, food and other essentials

Your Essential Guide to Living at University

Learn how to prepare for university life and how to make the most of your time as a student. Staff and current students give you an insight into the expectations vs reality, what support will be available, and answer common questions about what’s ahead. 

For those thinking about going to university, there are likely to be lots of questions about what to expect: from choosing accommodation, how to budget, being independent and building personal, professional and academic relationships. This brief course will explain what you can do to prepare for the best possible start.

Find out more about Your Essential Guide to Living at University on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Image of a female microbiologist in a lab holding up a petri dish

SMALL AND MIGHTY: INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY

Microbes live in every environment on the planet, from glaciers to volcanoes. This introductory course to Microbiology explores how we study microbes and how they affect each of us in our daily lives.

In this three-week course, you’ll learn about major discoveries in the world of microbiology, and their impact on our everyday lives, from food and health, to the environment. You’ll explore the hidden world of microbes through the course activities, using 3D models to recognise the differences between microbes, lab demonstrations filmed here at the University of Reading to demonstrate how microbes are studied, and hands-on microbiology experiments for you to try at home.

Find out more about Small and Mighty: Introduction to Microbiology on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Ancient amphora

Dead Interesting: Uncovering Roman Britain in Old Museum Collections

Join a research team uncovering exciting new information about cremation burials excavated over 100 years ago.   

Created by the Department of Archaeology and Colchester Museums, you will learn how the latest osteological techniques are used to reveal the age, status and origins of an individual who lived in the first century AD. 

The course is approx. 4 flexible study hours and is for anyone with an interest in Roman history and will be particularly useful if you’re thinking of studying archaeology at university.  

Find out more about Dead Interesting: Uncovering Roman Britain in Old Museum Collections. 

Find out more about this course
Woman working at a computer with a digital climate model in the background

Climate intelligence: using climate data to improve business decision making

Learn how to identify relevant and reliable climate data for your business and explore how that raw data can be converted into information that connects with the operational and financial decisions you face.  

The course is approx. 6 flexible study hours and designed for business professionals with a responsibility for governance, strategy, and risk. 

Find out more about Climate Intelligence: Using Climate Data to Improve Business Decision-Making.  

Find out more about this course
A person's cupped hands holding green salad as water flows over it

TRUST IN OUR FOOD: UNDERSTANDING FOOD SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Co-created by The University of Reading and EIT Food, with content provided by the University of Turin and EUFIC, this course explores how the food you eat makes its way from farm to fork.

In this four-week course, you’ll explore the challenges and responsibilities of different people in the food system, including the role of the consumer. You’ll assess how information available to consumers relating to food safety, nutrition and quality, and sustainability of production methods affect consumer trust. You’ll leave the course knowing more about where your food comes from and how you can make a difference in the food supply chain.

Find out more about Trust in Our Food: Understanding Food Supply Systems on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Woman tending to her crops in greenhouse

Explore How Farmers Produce Food Sustainably

Gain an understanding of sustainable food production and the challenges that farmers face to offer a sustainable food supply.

On this course, you’ll gain a better understanding of where our food comes from, how it’s produced, and the associated environmental, social and sustainability challenges for EU farmers.

As well as horticulture and arable farming, you’ll explore meat, dairy, and egg production, as you examine different farming systems. You’ll also learn about the innovative technologies available to farmers to boost sustainability so that you can better understand farming challenges, and how farming relates to your food purchases.

Find out more about Explore How Farmers Produce Food Sustainably on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
Combine harvester at work in a wheat field

Innovation in Arable Farming: Technologies for Sustainable Farming Systems

Explore the new digital, automated, precision and data-driven technologies that are transforming arable farming. Hear from farmers about the challenges as well as the benefits of adopting them. Evaluate the potential of Agri-tech to enhance production whilst also meeting environmental and sustainability targets.

This course is approximately 9 hours of flexible study for individuals working in the agricultural industry – including farmers, growers, and other primary producers.

Find out more about Innovation in Arable Farming: Technologies for Sustainable Farming Systems.

 
Find out more about this course
Dinner plate with bugs on it

Engaging with Controversies in the Food System

Become more confident in making informed decisions about the food you eat by exploring different food controversies.

Consumers have never been confronted with so much food choice. Making a decision on what food to eat is affected by many factors, including media reports, diet research findings, and social media.

On this course, you’ll access leading research and expert insights to make sense of some of the most common food controversies - alternative proteins, palm oil, and probiotics.

You’ll understand the viewpoints of different stakeholders such as consumers, business and lobbyists and reflect on your own interest in each controversy. By improving your knowledge of these food debates, you’ll build the confidence to make more informed decisions about food.

Find out more about Engaging with Controversies in the Food System on the FutureLearn website.

Find out more about this course
A man and woman examine labels in a shop

Understanding Food Labels

Understand the regulations, data, and logos on packaging so you are more informed when purchasing food products. 

You’ll learn how to read an ingredient list, the reference intakes for different people, and the nutritional value and environmental sustainability of different foods. You’ll also gain a better understanding of food labelling regulations, as well as the claims food producers are allowed to make.

This course is approx. 9 flexible study hours and is for anyone who wants to make more informed food choices.    

Find out more about Understanding Food Labels.

 
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Woman holding a highly abnormal carrot

From Waste to Value: How to Tackle Food Waste

Discover the causes and impact of food waste and learn how you can tackle it on a personal, community, and national level.

You’ll learn what food waste is, why it matters and how the circular economy can provide a framework for solutions. You’ll hear from the people already making a difference and discover the power of the consumer to reduce food waste effectively and sustainably. 

This course is approx. 9 hours flexible study hours and is for anyone who wants to understand the food waste issue in order to tackle it.

Find out more about From Waste to Value: How to Tackle Food Waste.

Read more about this course
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CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2022/23
2023/24
Undergraduates
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Postgraduates

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • Pharmacy
  • Physician Associate

Subjects A-B

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Bioveterinary Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Criminology
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre & Performance

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Accounting
  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Creative Writing

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teacher training
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

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