Free online courses
Designed by York academics, our Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are free and open to everyone. Engage with uni-level study, explore a new subject area, or prepare for higher education.
Completing certain MOOCs might make you eligible for an alternative offer to study with us.
Eligibility for alternative offers
Find more about our online and distance learning degrees.
Free online short courses (MOOCs) for everyone
Next steps to York
Explore higher education and learn tips for making the most of university.
Available from 9 June 2025.
Supporting children and young people's emotional wellbeing
Enhancing knowledge and skills in non-mental health practitioners.
Available from 12 May 2025.
Imagining York: Discovering the Everyday
Investigate how society works and the impact difference has on culture, values and practices.
Available from 23 June 2025.
Exploring everyday chemistry
The organic chemistry behind perfume, medicine, brewing and sport.
Available from 23 June 2025
The language of truth
Jump into philosophical concepts and use logic to evaluate arguments.
Available 23 June 2025.
Introduction to cognitive psychology
Develop an understanding of cognitive psychology as an experimental science.
Available from 7 July 2025.
Mathematics of Cryptography
Learn about some of the strongest codes ever known.
Available from 7 July 2025.
Accents, attitudes and identity
Discover how our visions of ourselves and others interact.
Available from 14 July 2025.
Exploring Stone Age archaeology
Further your interest in the past through a deep dive into a single case study.
Available from 23 June 2025.
Tackling environmental challenges
How environmental research can inform our response to global sustainability issues.
Available from 7 July 2025.
Discover the Hidden History of York
Explore the history of York from a range of new perspectives.
Available as a self-guided course.
Power in crisis
Explore the contemporary political crises of climate change, migration and terrorism.
Available as a self-guided course.
Reading James Joyce
This course will help you to think about the history of Joyce’s writing and more.
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.
Supporting you with your university interview
Support, tips and general guidance on how to navigate university interviews.
Available as a self-guided course.
Pathways to success: making the most of your time at university
Prepare yourself for your higher education journey
Available as a self-guided course.
Business History of the FIFA World Cup
Study the development of the FIFA World Cup.
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.
Diverse routes into higher education
Make the most of your educational background to find a way into university.
Available as a self-guided course.
Intelligent systems
Understand our codependency with machines to tackle digital challenges.
Available as a self-guided course.
An introduction to art history
Broaden your understanding of sculpture and materiality.
Available as a self-guided tour.
Pubs: history, consumers, management and protection
Learn about pubs from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
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.
Lights, camera, computer - action!
Discover the emerging technologies shaping the future of storytelling.
Available as a self-guided course.
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.
Enterprise: everyone's business
Expand your ability to grow career opportunities.
Available as a self-guided course.
Poverty and inequality
Learn of the ways in which we can tackle social injustice.
Available as a self-guided course.
Mature learners
Helping you demystify the steps back into studying.
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.
STEM teaching
Discover the importance of interdisciplinary science teaching.
Available as a self-guided course.
Pictures of youth
Examine popular visual culture for children and young people.
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.
Inclusive learning for students
Develop understandings of others and your unique place within education communities.
Available as a self-guided course.
How MOOCs work
By trying a MOOC, you'll be joining our global learning community. They're designed by our world-leading academics, and give the perfect insight into a wide range of subjects. We also run courses exclusive to York offer holders to help prepare them for life with us.
You can study alongside York tutors and other learners on 'facilitated' courses at set dates through the year, or take them at your own pace at any time. They last between two and four weeks, and are delivered through videos, quizzes, case studies and group discussions.
There aren't any entry requirements; all you need is an internet connection and a passion to learn. Jump in.
The course was full to the brim with info to make the transition to uni much smoother and less daunting. I absolutely love the interactivity and videos throughout, which definitely gave it a community feel. I can’t recommend it enough!
Amy, Next Steps to University course