MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are free online courses put together by top universities and are a great way for students to get a taste of what it would be like to study a certain subject at college or university. Including MOOCs in your application is also a great way to show your enthusiasm and interest in a subject, making you stand out from the crowd. Those extra skills will give you the confidence you need to make an impression in interviews and set you off to a flying start.
Benefits of taking MOOCs
MoocLab has curated a collection of MOOCs tailored for young people preparing for university-level study.
Select a category:
Preparing for College or University
Social Sciences
Computer Science
Humanities
Maths & Logic
Business & Marketing
Sciences
Engineering
Other Courses
Preparing for College or University
HOW TO SUCCEED AT: WRITING APPLICATIONS
FutureLearn,THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
This free three week course will help you produce a perfect CV, application and online profile when applying for a job or course.
FutureLearn, THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
This free three week course provides the tools you need to succeed at interviews and land your dream job or course place.
FutureLearn, UEA (UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA)
This course will help develop the key skills required for a smooth transition to University.
FutureLearn, THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
This course will explore academic integrity and how you can demonstrate it in your work, study and research at university.
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Undertaking an Extended Project Qualification, IB extended essay or any other scholarly research? This guides you step-by-step.
FutureLearn,UNIVERSITY OF READING
Learn how to use English for study at university or college and develop your writing skills, vocabulary and grammar.
Coursera, University of California, San Diego
This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines.
Social Sciences
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: WITNESS INVESTIGATION
FutureLearn, THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Discover how psychology can help obtain evidence from eyewitnesses in police investigations and prevent miscarriages of justice.
DIGITAL STORYTELLING: FILMMAKING FOR THE WEB
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Combine theory and practice to tell powerful stories through film online. Unleash your potential in this free online course.
Computer Science
CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science
edX, Harvard University
An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for students with or without prior programming experience.
edX, UC BerkeleyX
The Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC) is a computer science principles course developed at the University of California, Berkeley, intended to broaden participation in computing to non-traditional groups.
FutureLearn, THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Our lives depend on online services. Gain essential cyber security knowledge and skills, to help protect your digital life.
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF READING
Learn basic Java programming by developing a simple mobile game that you can run on your computer, Android phone, or tablet.
Humanities
CULTURAL STUDIES AND MODERN LANGUAGES: AN INTRODUCTION
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Explore the culture, language and national identity of eight countries through their books, images, slogans and monuments
Coursera, University of Edinburgh
This course will introduce you to some of the main areas of research in contemporary philosophy.
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Mark the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, exploring its history and legacy, with this free online course.
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
Learn about the key principles and debates in journalism and enact the role of a journalist in the context of an escalating story.
MATHS FOR HUMANS: LINEAR, QUADRATIC & INVERSE RELATIONS
FutureLearn, UNSW AUSTRALIA
Strengthen your algebra, geometry and thinking skills by learning about the maths behind real-world relations.
Coursera, Stanford University
The goal of the course is to help you develop a valuable mental ability – a powerful way of thinking that our ancestors have developed over three thousand years.
Coursera, The Ohio State University
This course is a first and friendly introduction to calculus, suitable for someone who has never seen the subject before, or for someone who has seen some calculus but wants to review the concepts and practice applying those concepts to solve problems.
Business & Marketing
DIGITAL MARKETING: CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Explore the latest trends in digital marketing. Get beneath the hype. What are the implications? How will you respond?
FutureLearn, THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
Improve your logical and critical thinking skills in this free online course. Identify common obstacles to effective thinking.
Coursera, Case Western Reserve University
Based on decades of research into emotional intelligence competencies and longitudinal studies of their development, the course will examine resonance and developing "resonant leadership" capability, emotional intelligence, and the experiences of mindfulness, hope, and compassion.
LIVER DISEASE: LOOKING AFTER YOUR LIVER
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Learn about how your liver works, ways to look after it and how liver damage is caused, studied and treated around the world
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Discover how metabolomics is revolutionising our understanding of metabolism with this free online course.
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF READING
Learn more about how your heart works, the causes of heart disease and how to keep your heart healthy with this free online course
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE
Uncover a grave, examine remains and reveal the victim’s identity in this free online course, linked to a new Val McDermid story.
INSIDE CANCER: HOW GENES INFLUENCE CANCER DEVELOPMENT
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BATH
Understand how genetics influence the development and spread of cancer, with this free, introductory online course.
Engineering
BEGIN ROBOTICS
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF READING
Explore the history, anatomy and intelligence of robots with this free online course. Test drive robots using exciting simulations
Other Courses
MOOC platform edX also offers more than 40 High School and AP* Exam Preparation Courses covering subjects ranging from mathematics to science, English and history. These courses are designed to let students around the world prepare for college and the AP exams or supplement AP coursework. See edX courses
See MoocLab's independent review and rating of the MOOC platforms offering these courses:
FutureLearn
Coursera
edX
For Tips & Guides on MOOCs and Online Study, see our Resources Page
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Benefits of taking MOOCs
- Can help bridge the gap between school and college or uni
- Further your education
- A cheap and easy way to explore a possible degree course
- Gives you an idea of the level of work required
- Fill any subject gaps
- Get added experience in a specific subject
- Improve your application and make you stand out
MoocLab has curated a collection of MOOCs tailored for young people preparing for university-level study.
Select a category:
Preparing for College or University
Social Sciences
Computer Science
Humanities
Maths & Logic
Business & Marketing
Sciences
Engineering
Other Courses
Preparing for College or University
HOW TO SUCCEED AT: WRITING APPLICATIONS
FutureLearn,THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
This free three week course will help you produce a perfect CV, application and online profile when applying for a job or course.
- 3 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
This free three week course provides the tools you need to succeed at interviews and land your dream job or course place.
- 3 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UEA (UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA)
This course will help develop the key skills required for a smooth transition to University.
- 6 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
This course will explore academic integrity and how you can demonstrate it in your work, study and research at university.
- 4 weeks
- 1 hour pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Undertaking an Extended Project Qualification, IB extended essay or any other scholarly research? This guides you step-by-step.
- 8 weeks
- 1 hour pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn,UNIVERSITY OF READING
Learn how to use English for study at university or college and develop your writing skills, vocabulary and grammar.
- 5 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Coursera, University of California, San Diego
This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines.
- 4 weeks
- 3-4 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Social Sciences
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: WITNESS INVESTIGATION
FutureLearn, THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Discover how psychology can help obtain evidence from eyewitnesses in police investigations and prevent miscarriages of justice.
- 8 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
DIGITAL STORYTELLING: FILMMAKING FOR THE WEB
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Combine theory and practice to tell powerful stories through film online. Unleash your potential in this free online course.
- 4 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Computer Science
CS50x: Introduction to Computer Science
edX, Harvard University
An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for students with or without prior programming experience.
- Self-paced
- 9 problem sets (10 to 20 hours each), 1 final project
- Certificates
- More
edX, UC BerkeleyX
The Beauty and Joy of Computing (BJC) is a computer science principles course developed at the University of California, Berkeley, intended to broaden participation in computing to non-traditional groups.
- 7 weeks
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Our lives depend on online services. Gain essential cyber security knowledge and skills, to help protect your digital life.
- 8 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF READING
Learn basic Java programming by developing a simple mobile game that you can run on your computer, Android phone, or tablet.
- 7 weeks
- 4 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Humanities
CULTURAL STUDIES AND MODERN LANGUAGES: AN INTRODUCTION
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Explore the culture, language and national identity of eight countries through their books, images, slogans and monuments
- 4 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Coursera, University of Edinburgh
This course will introduce you to some of the main areas of research in contemporary philosophy.
- 7 weeks
- 1-2 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Mark the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, exploring its history and legacy, with this free online course.
- 2 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
Learn about the key principles and debates in journalism and enact the role of a journalist in the context of an escalating story.
- 6 weeks
- 4 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
MATHS FOR HUMANS: LINEAR, QUADRATIC & INVERSE RELATIONS
FutureLearn, UNSW AUSTRALIA
Strengthen your algebra, geometry and thinking skills by learning about the maths behind real-world relations.
- 4 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Coursera, Stanford University
The goal of the course is to help you develop a valuable mental ability – a powerful way of thinking that our ancestors have developed over three thousand years.
- 8 weeks
- 8-10 hours pw
- Statement of Accomplishment
- More
Coursera, The Ohio State University
This course is a first and friendly introduction to calculus, suitable for someone who has never seen the subject before, or for someone who has seen some calculus but wants to review the concepts and practice applying those concepts to solve problems.
- Self-paced
- 6-10 hours pw
- 25 hours of videos and quizzes
- More
Business & Marketing
DIGITAL MARKETING: CHALLENGES AND INSIGHTS
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
Explore the latest trends in digital marketing. Get beneath the hype. What are the implications? How will you respond?
- 3 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
Improve your logical and critical thinking skills in this free online course. Identify common obstacles to effective thinking.
- 8 weeks
- 4 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Coursera, Case Western Reserve University
Based on decades of research into emotional intelligence competencies and longitudinal studies of their development, the course will examine resonance and developing "resonant leadership" capability, emotional intelligence, and the experiences of mindfulness, hope, and compassion.
- 8 weeks
- 3-4 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
LIVER DISEASE: LOOKING AFTER YOUR LIVER
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Learn about how your liver works, ways to look after it and how liver damage is caused, studied and treated around the world
- 3 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Discover how metabolomics is revolutionising our understanding of metabolism with this free online course.
- 4 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF READING
Learn more about how your heart works, the causes of heart disease and how to keep your heart healthy with this free online course
- 4 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE
Uncover a grave, examine remains and reveal the victim’s identity in this free online course, linked to a new Val McDermid story.
- 6 weeks
- 4 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
INSIDE CANCER: HOW GENES INFLUENCE CANCER DEVELOPMENT
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF BATH
Understand how genetics influence the development and spread of cancer, with this free, introductory online course.
- 6 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Engineering
BEGIN ROBOTICS
FutureLearn, UNIVERSITY OF READING
Explore the history, anatomy and intelligence of robots with this free online course. Test drive robots using exciting simulations
- 4 weeks
- 3 hours pw
- Certificates
- More
Other Courses
MOOC platform edX also offers more than 40 High School and AP* Exam Preparation Courses covering subjects ranging from mathematics to science, English and history. These courses are designed to let students around the world prepare for college and the AP exams or supplement AP coursework. See edX courses
See MoocLab's independent review and rating of the MOOC platforms offering these courses:
FutureLearn
Coursera
edX
For Tips & Guides on MOOCs and Online Study, see our Resources Page
Back to top