Free online courses
Designed by York academics, our Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free and open to everyone. Engage with university-level study, explore a new subject area or prepare for higher education.
Further information on our online and distance learning courses
What is a MOOC?
There are no entry requirements for our MOOCs; you'll be part of a global learning community. These free online courses, designed by our world-leading academics, offer the perfect insight into a wide range of subjects.
Courses last between two and four weeks, delivered through online videos, quizzes, case studies and discussions with fellow learners. All you need is an internet connection and a passion to learn.
In addition to our MOOCs, we've also launched courses exclusively for York offer holders, both delivered in partnership with FutureLearn.
Our Exploring Everyday Chemistry course received a Royal Society of Chemistry 2021 Horizon Award for groundbreaking innovation in education.
Learners can study in a self-directed mode at any point. Those using the free option will have access to materials for the length of the course in weeks. To take advantage of the facilitation windows and active tutor participation, we would advise you to register for a course as close to the start of a facilitation window as possible.
Free online short courses (MOOCs) for everyone
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Inclusive Learning for Students
Develop understandings of others and your unique place within education communities.
Available as a self-guided course.
Tutor facilitation starts 5 September 2022
Discover the Hidden History of York
Explore the history of York from a range of new perspectives.
Available as a self-guided course.
Enterprise: everyone’s business
Expand your ability to grow career opportunities.
Tutor facilitation starts late 2022
Lights, camera, computer - action!
Discover the emerging technologies shaping the future of storytelling.
Available as a self-guided course.
Tutor facilitation starts 12 September 2022
Frontier physics, future technologies
Grapple with the building blocks of the universe.
Available as a self-guided course.
Bioeconomy
Join the fight for a sustainable world that protects future generations.
Available as a self-guided course.
Next steps to university
Helpful tips for university life.
No longer available.
This course will return in the future.
Mature learners
Helping you demystify the steps back into studying.
Available as a self-guided course.
Supporting you with your university interview
Support, tips and general guidance on how to navigate university interviews.
Available as a self-guided course.
Tackling environmental challenges
How environmental research can inform our response to global sustainability issues.
Available as a self-guided course.
Intelligent systems
Understand our codependency with machines to tackle digital challenges.
Available as a self-guided course.
How to read a poem
Dive into the wonderful world of analysing poetry.
Available as a self-guided course.
Exploring Stone Age archaeology
Further your interest in the past through a deep dive into a single case study.
Available as a self-guided course.
The language of truth
Jump into philosophical concepts and use logic to evaluate arguments.
Available as a self-guided course.
Tutor facilitation starts 19 September 2022
Poverty and inequality
Learn of the ways in which we can tackle social injustice.
Available as a self-guided course.
Introduction to cognitive psychology
Develop an understanding of cognitive psychology as an experimental science.
Available as a self-guided course.
An introduction to nursing
Find out where a career in nursing has the potential to lead you.
Available as a self-guided course.
Exploring everyday chemistry
The organic chemistry behind perfume, medicine, brewing and sport.
Available as a self-guided course.
Accents, attitudes and identity
Discover how our visions of ourselves and others interact.
Available as a self-guided course.
Bugs, brains and beasts
Learn to reinforce basic biological concepts through cutting-edge research.
Available as a self-guided course.
Behavioural activation for depression
Boost your awareness of depressive states, and one of the techniques to tackle them.
Available as a self-guided course.
From crime to punishment
Work through a case study which follows the story of a defendant.
Available as a self-guided course.
Engineering the future
Reimagine your perception of engineering by exploring real-world applications.
Available as a self-guided course.
Diverse routes into higher education
Make the most of your educational background to find a way into university.
Tutor facilitation starts late 2022
Pictures of youth
Examine popular visual culture for children and young people.
Available as a self-guided course.
An introduction to art history
Broaden your understanding of sculpture and materiality.
Available as a self-guided course.
Digital wellbeing
Consider the impact of digital technologies on health, relationships and society.
Available as a self-guided course.
Private online courses for York offer holders
If you have a place to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree with us, you can access short private online courses to help you prepare to become part of our learning community.
Incoming undergraduates
Helping you prepare for the whole university experience.
Available as a self-guided course.
Tutor facilitation starts Aug/Sept
Incoming postgraduates
Supporting your transition to postgraduate study.
Available as a self-guided course.
Tutor facilitation starts 5 September 2022
Figuring out your degree
How the supported learning of maths can be integral to your studies and beyond.
Available as a self-guided course.
Tutor facilitation starts 5 September 2022