Summer break is a great time to rest and recover from the academic year you’ve just finished. However, if you’re like me, you’ll find that not necessarily having anything to do during the summer can make you feel bored. A way to combat this boredom is to complete online courses!
A bit about online courses
Online courses are a way of learning remotely, and are often self-led. There are options for free and paid online courses, depending on what course it is you want to take and the course provider. They can also vary in completion length and content difficulty. Some may even provide you with a certificate or qualification at the end, but this isn’t always guaranteed.
The benefits of completing an online course during summer break is it can keep your mind refreshed on knowledge you already know, or you could use it as an opportunity to teach yourself something completely new! Also, they’re an excellent thing to put on your CV if you’re struggling to think of things to put on, especially if the courses you want to take are relevant to any jobs you want to apply for in the future.
If this all sounds like something you’d be interested in, keep reading to find out what sort of courses are offered online.
FutureLearn
First, we have FutureLearn. This is a British company that’s owned by The Open University and SEEK Ltd. They offer a huge range of both free and paid online courses, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). They work with some well-known universities and companies from all over the world to provide high-quality academic courses. On FutureLearn, you can find courses that run for as little as two weeks to accredited and professional qualifications, so there is something for everyone.
FutureLearn requires you to make an account and enrol on any courses you want to take, but will not take any payments from you unless you choose to take a paid course.
Some examples of courses that they offer include:
- Critical Thinking at University: An Introduction
- Introduction to Criminology
- A History of Royal Fashion
- Teaching Phonics in Early Childhood
- Learn Spanish: Survival Spanish for Beginners
- The Science of Sleep and Dreams
Coursera
Similar to FutureLearn, Coursera offers a range of opportunities to learn, from free online courses to professional certificates provided by companies like Google, Meta and IBM. With over 5000 online courses available on their website, there’s bound to be something you would find interesting!
Coursera even has a category dedicated to courses you can complete it a day, so Coursera’s online course selection can cater to you and your summer schedule!
Some examples of courses that they offer include:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Financial Markets
- Stanford Introduction to Food and Health
- International Women’s Health and Human Rights
- Introduction to Calculus
- Greek and Roman Mythology
British Sign
British Sign Ltd offer a paid online course to teach the public about British Sign Language (BSL). They are currently offering their BSL course for £3 to full-time students or to anyone who cannot afford to pay anymore than that amount. If you are passionate about BSL and wish to give more than £3, they give you that option when signing up for the course too.
The BSL course offered by Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified course. This means you receive a certificate from a well-known awarding body upon completion of the course. This is a great and widely sought after skill to be able to put on your CV.
Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA)
The ZSA offers a free online course that provides you with skills needed to talk to someone you may be worried about. As of 10 May 2022, over two million people have taken their course. While this course is quite an emotionally difficult one, the skills it teaches you can save lives. This course is available to everyone, so you don’t need to have a special interest in mental health to understand this course.
Additionally, the ZSA website offers free resources explaining why people may feel suicidal, helping to spread awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide. You are also able to make donations to their cause if you want to.
First Aid For Free
First Aid For Free offer multiple first aid online courses. From basic, advanced, and paediatric CPR training to anaphylaxis and asthma training, they have you covered. You receive a free certificate upon each individual course you complete.
The only issue with this online course is the inability to put your training to practice. If this is something you wish to do, many organisations offer in-person first aid courses. The in-person first aid training may incur a fee, however. If this would interest you, it’s something to consider and research!
Your own university’s courses!
Many universities offer their own free online courses and MOOCs on their website. These courses are usually designed and formulated by academics at the university, and may be delivered by them too.
Search up your uni to see if they offer any free online courses that interest you!
The takeaway message
When it comes to choosing an online course to complete, the options are endless. There is something for every interest, for any person of any age. And, with so many free opportunities available, you can do as many as you like. Happy learning!