Short online courses

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

This course highlights the dangers of attempting to intervene in a highly interconnected system by tackling issues in isolation and why we need to consider the bigger picture before proposing sustainable policy and actions. You'll explore a range of system mapping tools and, with guidance, try out a recommended tool on an environmental issue affecting you.  

This course is approx. 6 hours of flexible study and is for anyone who is interested in systems thinking and how to apply it, as well as those who have a general interest in the climate and biodiversity crisis and want to know what they can do.

Find out more about this course.

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.

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.  

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..

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.

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.

This course highlights the research behind multilingual language development and argues for more emphasis on using heritage languages both at school and at home. It also provides a platform for inter-professional dialogue between teachers and speech and language therapists and helps develop actions to take forward in the classroom and other professional settings. 

This course is approx. 9 hours of study and is for both teachers and speech and language therapists to help transform working practice so that multilingual children can reach their full potential.

Find out more about this course. 

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.

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.

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.

The course is approx. 4 hours of flexible study and was created for young people, and their parents and supporters, to have a better understanding of their feelings and their mood. 

Find out more about Helping Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.