Free online courses
Designed by York academics, our massive open online courses (MOOCs) offer a short, interactive, higher education experience and the chance to be part of a global learning community.
You can participate from anywhere in the world, totally free of charge. All you need is an internet connection and a passion to learn. Courses last three to four weeks and are delivered through online videos, quizzes, case studies and discussions with your fellow learners.
Our MOOCs offer the perfect way to gain an insight into York's expertise on subjects where we're leading the way on life-changing research.
There are no entry requirements - the courses are open to anyone, regardless of background or location.
Our MOOCs are delivered in partnership with FutureLearn (futurelearn.com).
Upcoming courses
Contact us
Four weeks starting 1 July 2019 (four hours of study per week)
Be one of the first to register by signing up for email alerts. We'll then contact you nearer the start date when registration opens.
An insightful look into everyday chemistry and the chance to engage with one of the most highly rated chemistry departments in the UK. Topics include searching for new antibiotics, how to make the most delicious coffee and designing performance enhancing sports wear.
This course is for anyone interested in finding out more about chemistry. It's particularly useful for sixth-form students looking to study chemistry at higher education level. It could be used as an alternative to completing a chemistry-related Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and used as supporting evidence in your UCAS personal statement.
Four weeks starting 1 July 2019 (four hours of study per week)
In a world where young people are surrounded by an ever increasing range of media, visual analysis of children’s culture is becoming increasingly important.
The course provides an introduction to popular types of visual culture for children and young people. By the end you will gain a deeper understanding of children’s film, television, drama, picturebooks and comics. You will discover the wide variety of works on offer, learn to decipher these media, understand some of the ways in which they are conceived and consumed, and have a go at creating your own analysis.
Further details of our 2019 courses will be available soon.
Past courses
Digital Wellbeing considers the impact of digital technologies on health, relationships and society. We will take into account our ability to use digital technologies positively, build relationships and networks, balance online and offline activities, and keep ourselves safe physically and virtually.
We will investigate new and established technologies and their impact on society, and present some of the positive and negatives of engagement. Learners will develop strategies for dealing with information overload, devising a positive digital identity, and for positive online participation.
Why does the UK have some of the worst poverty rates in Europe? Why do children in the UK report higher levels of unhappiness? How does this compare with children globally? In this MOOC you'll grapple with questions like these and gain a detailed understanding on why child poverty and inequality exist, and what can be done about it.
You'll explore a wide variety of issues related to the lives of children across the globe. You'll listen to children's own views of their health and wellbeing, as well as the impact of education.
Take a glimpse into criminal law in the UK. Throughout the course you'll work through a case study which follows the story of a suspect/defendant. You'll identify the different definitions of crime and gain an understanding of criminal justice processes in England and Wales, from investigation to prosecution and defence to sentencing. At the end you'll be asked to make a sentencing decision.
This course is designed for anyone with an interest in law. You might be thinking about studying law at university, you may already be involved in the profession, or you may just have a general interest in the subject.