OpenLearn
OpenLearn is a free learning platform delivered by The Open University, with web-based material spanning many subjects.
What OpenLearn is
OpenLearn is a free learning platform delivered by The Open University, with web-based material spanning many subjects. Its offerings include courses, articles, quizzes, interactive games, videos, and audio; short courses range from 1 to 24 hours of study. The listed Free courses plan costs nothing and includes nearly 1,000 courses. After completing a course, learners can download a free Statement of Participation, and some courses also award a digital badge. Courses do not carry formal credit toward a qualification. Anyone can access general site content, but account creation is limited to users aged 13 or older. A free account allows enrolment, progress tracking, and activity record downloads. Materials are available in formats including IMS Common Cartridge, HTML, and Moodle for use through other learning management systems. OpenLearn says its software tools are open source and its main learning environments use Moodle and Drupal. The site reports partial WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, with issues in some legacy images and interactive activities.
Good
- Courses span a wide range of subjects.
- Short courses take 1 to 24 hours.
- Free account tracks progress and enrolments.
- Some courses award a digital badge.
- Materials can be reused in other learning systems.
Watch out
- Courses do not carry formal qualification credit.
- Account creation requires users to be at least 13.
- Some legacy images and activities have accessibility issues.
Who it suits
OpenLearn suits people supplementing formal study, exploring future learning, or studying for personal interest. It offers no formal qualification credit, so it is not a fit for learners seeking that from these courses.
Verdict
OpenLearn offers varied free learning materials, short courses, progress tracking, and downloadable completion records. Learners should keep in mind that the courses carry no formal credit and accessibility is only partially compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA.
Plans and prices
From OpenLearn's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free courses | Free | Nearly 1,000 courses · free to study · no formal credit toward a qualification |
The facts
Each one read from OpenLearn's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accessibility
- OpenLearn reports that its website is partially compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA and notes accessibility issues in some legacy images and interactive activities.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Access requirement
- Anyone can access general site content, but users must be at least 13 to create an account.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Account features
- A free account lets learners enrol, track progress and download activity records from their profile.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Badges and statements
- After completing a course, learners can download a free Statement of Participation, and some courses also award a digital badge.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Course credit
- OpenLearn courses do not carry formal credit toward a qualification.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Course length
- OpenLearn describes its short courses as ranging from 1 to 24 hours of study.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations and reuse
- Course materials are available in formats including IMS Common Cartridge, HTML and Moodle for sharing through other learning management systems.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Learners
- The site says it serves people supplementing formal study, exploring future learning, or learning for personal interest.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Learning content
- The site offers courses, articles, quizzes, interactive games, videos and audio across a wide range of subjects.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Open source
- OpenLearn says its software tools are released as open source and its main learning environments use Moodle and Drupal.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The FAQ says OpenLearn uses Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics and states that it does not release collected information to third parties.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- For content problems, OpenLearn directs users to email [email protected] with details of the issue.checked 8 Oct 2026
- What it does
- OpenLearn is a free learning platform delivered by The Open University.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2006checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, United Kingdomchecked 28 Sep 2026
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