In addition to our range of degrees (both undergraduate and postgraduate), diplomas and certificates, we also offer an extensive range of short courses.
Our short courses encompass subjects as varied as coaching, commercial awareness, finance, health and wellbeing, planets and galaxies, nuclear energy and sports science.
All of our flexible, online short courses are designed for continuing professional development in the workplace, and will help you to develop the skills you need in a variety of occupations.
Thanks to our credit transfer system, short courses can also be used to build up towards a degree qualification. Learn more at
previous study.
Why study a short course with The Open University?
The Open University is the world’s leading distance-learning institution. We’re the largest university in the UK, but you can study with us wherever you live. Your studies take place online. Your tutor, classmates and course materials will all be as close as the click of your mouse or a swipe of your smartphone. You’ll study whenever you want, fitting your studies around your life.
Learn more about how study works.
I had always thought about having a degree, going back to university again; I was a little bit nervous about it so I decided to do an Introduction to the Arts module. That worked out well and gave me the confidence then to pursue the International Studies Degree.
Catherine Hennessy, OU Graduate
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short courses.