New OU and Microsoft hub offers free learning in AI skills for all

Posted on 16 April 2026 • University news

A one-stop-shop for AI knowledge and expertise is launched today by The Open University (OU) and Microsoft to help educate, transform and inspire the workplace.

Aimed at all levels of interest and aptitude the AI Hub, hosted on the OU’s popular OpenLearn site, is set to become the go-to place for everything AI related.

Visitors can explore the wealth of free, accessible courses designed to build confidence and broaden skills in artificial intelligence and its daily use.

Solutions-based and across-the-board learning

The AI Hub will offer a brand-new industry-focused online treasure chest designed to help everyone in the workplace navigate their way through the opportunities of AI.

The easy-to-use platform curates a collection of more than 30 free courses and learning materials – put together by experts at the OU and Microsoft – which explain, teach and inspire the use and adoption of AI.

A solutions-based hub, it provides learning across the board, including:

• AI-specific courses such relating to Career Essentials
• Key considerations for adopting AI in the workplace
• Navigating pitfalls of ethical and responsible AI
• Skills and strategies for the use of GenAI
• Free cybersecurity learning
• Digital and professional skills, including machine translation

The AI Hub has broad appeal. As AI skills become integral to driving productivity at home and in work, it will ensure no one is left behind and that using AI becomes a familiar, everyday tool.

The OU has been a pioneer in the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education. Since 2011, our OU Analyse system (now the Student Progress Tool) has used machine‑learning models to identify students at risk and enable timely, targeted support.

The OU’s mission is to be open to all, promoting educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Open University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dave Phoenix said:

“This unique collaboration with Microsoft – hosted on The Open University’s award-winning free learning site OpenLearn – combines our expertise and shared aim to see workforces embrace one of this century’s biggest technological advancements.

“It’s a partnership which really delivers on the very live challenge of providing equitable access to AI skills in the modern workplace and fully aligns with the OU’s long-standing mission of opening up education and careers to all.”

The AI Hub will be promoted by the OU and through an extensive network of public sector, third sector and media organisations across the UK.

Follow the link to AI Hub to get started on your AI journey: AI Hub | OpenLearn – Open University