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Student using a laptop to study an Open University short course
You only need a few hours a week to study a short course with The Open University. Choose from a range of subjects that can help you build a new skill set, discover a new hobby, or give your career a boost through continued professional development.
Choose from:Business and management |Communication and cultures |Counselling and social care |Creative writing |Film, media and photography |Digital marketing |Education |Law | Languages: Arabic |Chinese |French |German |Italian |Spanish

We've short courses in analytical thinking, business design, budgeting, coaching, and strategy development which can benefit your business or the employees within your organisation.

Short course card image to illustrate Analytical thinking for problem solvingAnalytical thinking for problem solving (BGXS003)Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to contribute effectively in organisations.
Short course card image to illustrate Behavioural insights for the workplaceBehavioural insights for the workplace (BGXS004)Learn how and why people interact in different ways and how this contributes to the successful working of organisations.
Short course card image to illustrate Collaboration skills for the workplaceCollaboration skills for the workplace (BGXS005)Consider your own approach to collaboration and explore collaboration within organisations.
Short course card image to illustrate Communication skills in the digital worldCommunication skills in the digital world (BGXC006)Explore changes in the way we communicate in the digital era and the tools to make more effective communications.
Short course card image to illustrate Effective communication strategies and skills for workEffective communication strategies and skills for work (LG009)Enhance workplace communication skills: master effective requests, responses, and problem-solving in professional settings.
Short course card image to illustrate Creating a successful and sustainable businessCreating a successful and sustainable business (BGXC012)Learn about the approaches and methodologies for sustainable business and how to implement a sustainable impact for positive change.
Short course card image to illustrate Creative thinking for the workplaceCreative thinking for the workplace (BGXS009)Reflect on your creative journey, and learn new tools, skills and approaches to add value to organisations.
Short course card image to illustrate Design thinking in the digital worldDesign thinking in the digital world (BGXS011)Learn what ‘design thinking’ is, how it can create value and explore how it is used.
Short course card image to illustrate Introduction to business and workplace coachingIntroduction to business and workplace coaching (BGXS001)This course is ideal if you have little or no coaching experience and want to use coaching to develop people, ensure wellbeing, and enable performance.
Short course card image to illustrate Developing a coaching cultureDeveloping a coaching culture (BGXC001)Develop your people, their wellbeing and the organisation you work in using a coaching approach.
Short course card image to illustrate Developing strategy to manage uncertaintyDeveloping strategy to manage uncertainty (BGXC004)This course will teach you what a strategy is, who can be a strategist and how to develop a strategic mindset.
Short course card image to illustrate Developing team leader skillsDeveloping team leader skills (BGXS012)Learn various techniques to develop teamworking skills and understand the challenges of teamworking in ever-changing environments.
Short course card image to illustrate Evaluating financial performanceEvaluating financial performance (BGXS007)This course deals with performance measures that can be calculated from information in published and audited financial statements.
Short course card image to illustrate Leadership in the digital worldLeadership in the digital world (BGXC009)Explore aspects of leadership and the importance of effective leadership in a digital era.
Short course card image to illustrate Managing a budgetManaging a budget (BGXC002)Learn how to use financial techniques in managerial decision-making and become more confident about dealing with finance professionals.
Short course card image to illustrate Managing change in the digital worldManaging change in the digital world (BGXC003)Discover the different aspects of managing change and planning for change – even when the nature of the change is unknown.
Short course card image to illustrate Managing uncertainty through monitoring and controlManaging uncertainty through monitoring and control (BGXS013)Learn about the importance of strategic monitoring and control systems to effective strategy implementation.
Short course card image to illustrate Managing uncertainty through policy implementationManaging uncertainty through policy implementation (BGXC007)Discover why public policies and services have become so important and the relationship between policy and organisational life.
Short course card image to illustrate Organisational behaviour in the workplaceOrganisational behaviour in the workplace (BGXC010)This course focuses on interactions in and around organisations, and the variety of environments that organisations network with.
Short course card image to illustrate Start your own businessStart your own business (BGXS022)Gain the knowledge and practical skills to turn your small business ambitions into reality.
Short course card image to illustrate The impact of storytelling in businessThe impact of storytelling in business (BGXS002)In this course, you'll consider aspects of storytelling at the personal, organisational, and social levels.
Short course card image to illustrate Understanding financial statementsUnderstanding financial statements (BGXS006)Develop a general knowledge of financial reports and accounting concepts to understand the uses of financial statements.

Communication helps build connections and understanding of the world we live in, both now and in the future. Develop this key skill with a short course.

Short course card image to illustrate AI language technology in the workplaceAI language technology in the workplace (LG007)Explore Language Technology, a rising form of Artificial Intelligence, and its impact in our working lives.
Short course card image to illustrate An introduction to intercultural competence in the workplaceAn introduction to intercultural competence in the workplace (LG004)Improve your intercultural communication skills in the workplace.
Short course card image to illustrate The languages of crisesThe languages of crises (LG005)Examine the role of languages and cultures in situations of crisis across the world, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Short course card image to illustrate An introduction to artificial intelligenceAn introduction to artificial intelligence (LG003)Examine historical, ethical and social issues around Artificial Intelligence technology.
Short course card image to illustrate teaching in the digital worldTeaching languages and cultures with AI (LG010)Learn how to use Generative AI in education and explore the opportunities and challenges it brings.
Short course card image to illustrate Advanced therapeutic relationshipsAdvanced therapeutic relationships (DGXS003)Develop an advanced understanding of how to work effectively with the therapeutic relationship.
Short course card image to illustrate Online counselling: getting startedOnline counselling: getting started (DGXS002)Learn how to set up and offer safe and effective video- and phone-based counselling.
Short course card image to illustrate Online counselling: advancing your knowledgeOnline counselling: advancing your knowledge (DGXS001)Advance your understanding of how to provide online counselling effectively and safely.
Short course card image to illustrate Trauma-informed counsellingTrauma-informed counselling (DGXS004)Enhance your understanding of trauma-informed counselling, including the importance of self-awareness.

Whether you want to develop your writing skills professionally or just for fun, our creative writing short courses will support and inspire you on your creative journey. 

Short course card image to illustrate Introduction to creative writingIntroduction to creative writing (AXS001)Develop your creative writing skills as you explore poetry, fiction and scriptwriting.
Short course card image to illustrate Travel writingTravel writing (AXS002)Learn how travel writers bring their journeys to life and begin writing about a journey of your own.
Short course card image to illustrate Introduction to European crime fictionIntroduction to European crime fiction (LG008)Discover new ways of looking at crime fiction texts by European authors.

Whether you're new to digital marketing or need some specific help with your marketing campaigns, we've a range of short courses for you. 

Short course card image to illustrate Introduction to digital marketingIntroduction to digital marketing (BGXS023)Build core digital marketing skills and knowledge to plan and implement first-class digital campaigns.
Short course card image to illustrate Digital marketing content creationDigital marketing content creation (BGXS021)Gain the practical skills to create effective online content that engages your audience and delivers business objectives.
Short course card image to illustrate Social media marketingSocial media marketing (BGXS020)Accelerate your social media marketing skills across a range of channels, measure your success, and optimise your approach.

Develop your professional practice and apply emerging tools and pedagogies with our short courses in education. Explore key innovations shaping the future of teaching and learning.

Short course card image to illustrate Teaching with eXtended realityTeaching with eXtended reality (XR) (HG087)Transform your teaching and create immersive, engaging experiences that boost outcomes and inclusivity.
Short course card image to illustrate Teaching for climate actionTeaching climate action: empower students to tackle the climate crisis (HG089)Learn to teach for climate action across disciplines, support student skills, and create a climate education action plan.
Short course card image to illustrate Blended learning innovations for teachers and trainersBlended learning innovations for teachers and trainers (HG090)Learn to plan, deliver and evaluate innovative blended learning in education and training.
HG091Generative AI in education (HG091)Explore the opportunities and challenges of generative AI in education, with practical guidance for ethical, effective teaching, learning and employability.
OCA->Popup->Creative education
This course is delivered by the OU's Open College of the Arts.
Explore the relationship between creativity and education, and how teaching and artistic practices can interact and complement each other to enhance teaching and learning.

Explore the creative world of film, media and photography through our flexible online short courses. Whether you’re developing practical skills or deepening your creative and critical understanding, there’s a course to inspire you.

Short course card image to illustrate Cinema in the Spanish-speaking worldCinema in the Spanish-speaking world (LG006)Discover the cultural impact of the cinematic landscapes of Spain, Argentina, and Chile.
Short course card image to illustrate Storytelling with video editingStorytelling with video editing (AXS010)Learn the basics of video editing through a series of practical activities using Adobe Premiere Pro.
Short course card image to illustrate Digital photography: creating and sharing better imagesDigital photography: creating and sharing better images (TG089)Broaden your photography skills with a course produced with The Royal Photographic Society (RPS).
OCA->Popup->Game designer’s mindset
This course is delivered by the OU's Open College of the Arts.
Discover how to generate, refine and pitch compelling game concepts in this immersive 10-week online course.
Short course card image to illustrate Investigating place with psychogeography
This course is delivered by the OU's Open College of the Arts.
Discover how emotions and actions are tied up in places, exploring practice and theory to inform your creative practice centred on place.
Short course card image to illustrate Photography as Language
This course is delivered by the OU's Open College of the Arts.
Embrace a visual language through practice and theory to better understand the meaning of images and photos you see and make.

These courses are designed for individuals seeking to learn about UK immigration law and practice as a qualified immigration adviser at the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

Short course card image to illustrate Foundations of UK immigration law: IAA Level 1Foundations of UK immigration law: IAA Level 1 (WG001)Explore the skills and knowledge expected of an IAA Level 1 Immigration Adviser.
Short course card image to illustrate Advanced UK immigration law: IAA Levels 2 and 3Advanced UK immigration law: IAA Levels 2 and 3 (WG002)Learn more about UK immigration law and develop the skills to work at IAA Levels 2 and 3.

Discover the beauty of the Arabic language and deepen your understanding of Arab culture.

Short course card image to illustrate Introduction to Arabic language and cultureIntroduction to Arabic language and culture (LGXA001)Learn to speak, read, write, and understand basic Arabic language and culture.
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners’ Arabic language and cultureBeginners' Arabic language and culture (LGXA002)Master basic Arabic language skills and cultural knowledge for everyday communication and professional growth.

Discover a language and culture steeped in history and tradition with a short course learning Mandarin Chinese. Our short courses are suitable for beginners.

Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Chinese 1: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba!Beginners Chinese 1: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba! (LGXC001)Start learning Mandarin Chinese on a short course that’s perfect for beginners (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Chinese 2: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba!Beginners Chinese 2: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba! (LGXC002)Expand your Mandarin vocabulary by exploring topics like food and leisure activities (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Chinese 3: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba!Beginners Chinese 3: 开始吧 kāishĭ ba! (LGXC003)Ideal for those with a grasp of beginners’ Mandarin to improve their skills (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Chinese business culture essentialsChinese business culture essentials (LG002)Build positive, long-term business relationships using knowledge of Chinese culture and values.
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Chinese 1: 入门了 rùmén le!Elementary Chinese 1: 入门了 rùmén le! (LGXC004)Step up your basic knowledge of Chinese with our elementary course in Mandarin (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Chinese 2: 入门了 rùmén le!Elementary Chinese 2: 入门了 rùmén le! (LGXC005)Take your Mandarin up a level with new topics such as feelings and opinions (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Chinese 3: 入门了 rùmén le!Elementary Chinese 3: 入门了 rùmén le! (LGXC006)Develop your Mandarin vocabulary, including how to apologise formally and give presents (CEFR level A2).

From food to fashion, discover the French language and culture in your own time with a short course delivered through bite-sized blocks perfect for beginners.

Short course card image to illustrate Beginners French 1: eh oui!Beginners French 1: eh oui! (LGXF001)Kick-start your learning journey with this introduction to French designed for beginners (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners French 2: bien sûr!Beginners French 2: bien sûr! (LGXF002)Continue to build your French skills for communicating in everyday situations (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners French 3: absolument!Beginners French 3: absolument! (LGXF003)Enhance your knowledge of French to prepare for further language study (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary French 1: allons-y!Elementary French 1: allons-y! (LGXF004)Start to understand and produce more complex language with an elementary course (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary French 2: en avant!Elementary French 2: en avant! (LGXF005)Explore exciting new subjects in French, such as employment and studying (CEFR level B1).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary French 3: vous y êtes!Elementary French 3: vous y êtes! (LGXF006)Learn to talk about your health and improve your grammar by using different tenses (CEFR level B1).

Say ‘ja’ to learning one of Europe's most widely used languages with a German short course ideal for beginners.

Short course card image to illustrate Beginners German 1: fang an!Beginners German 1: fang an! (LGXG001)Discover key German phrases and the cultural diversity of German-speaking countries (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners German 2: mit Vergnügen!Beginners German 2: mit Vergnügen! (LGXG002)Study new topics like food, seasons, and time to build up your German vocabulary (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners German 3: richtig so!Beginners German 3: richtig so! (LGXG003)Further your German knowledge by learning to give your opinion on new and varied topics (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary German 1: sprechen und verstehenElementary German 1: sprechen und verstehen (LGXG004)Learn to express your opinions and start mastering everyday situations in German (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary German 2: sprich weiter!Elementary German 2: sprich weiter! (LGXG005)Step up your German language-learning by taking on more complex conversations (CEFR level B1).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary German 3: weiter geht’sElementary German 3: weiter geht’s (LGXG006)Hone your German language skills with our third elementary level short course (CEFR level B1).

Learn to read, write, and speak Italian while immersing yourself in the lifestyle, cuisine, historic cities, art, and culture of Italy. These courses are suitable for beginners.

Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Italian 1: primi passiBeginners Italian 1: primi passi (LGXI001)A perfect 'aperitivo'! Learn Italian starting with simple topics such as reading menus (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Italian 2: in camminoBeginners Italian 2: in cammino (LGXI002)Build on your study and learn to talk about time, work, transport, and holidays in Italian (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Italian 3: stai andando bene!Beginners Italian 3: stai andando bene! (LGXI003)Delve further into Italian language and culture by exploring geography, food and festivals (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Italian 1: in campo!Elementary Italian 1: in campo! (LGXI004)Step up your progress in Italian with new vocabulary and key expressions (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Italian 2: avanti tutta!Elementary Italian 2: avanti tutta! (LGXI005)Develop your Italian skills, including talking about the past and childhood (CEFR level B1).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Italian 3: all'opera!Elementary Italian 3: all'opera! (LGXI006)Explore more complex topics in Italian, including social media and Italian migration (CEFR level B1).

Over 500 million people worldwide speak Spanish. You too can learn one of the globe’s most popular languages with a short course perfect for beginners.

Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Spanish 1: ¡Empezamos!Beginners Spanish 1: ¡Empezamos! (LGXS001)Discover one of the world’s most widely spoken languages with a short course (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Spanish 2: ¡En marcha!Beginners Spanish 2: ¡En marcha! (LGXS002)Learn to talk about time, your daily and weekly routine, work, interests and hobbies (CEFR level A1).
Short course card image to illustrate Beginners Spanish 3: ¡Adelante!Beginners Spanish 3: ¡Adelante! (LGXS003)Begin conversing in this popular language using new topics to build your vocabulary (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Spanish 1: ¡en camino!Elementary Spanish 1: ¡en camino! (LGXS004)Build on your beginners’ Spanish with new topics, including sport and grammar (CEFR level A2).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Spanish 2: ¡vamos a seguir!Elementary Spanish 2: ¡vamos a seguir! (LGXS005)Advance your Spanish language skills with new topics, situations and phrases (CEFR level B1).
Short course card image to illustrate Elementary Spanish 3: ¡muy bien!Elementary Spanish 3: ¡muy bien! (LGXS006)Develop your Spanish further, including learning to use the past tense (CEFR level B1).
In addition to our short courses, we offer a range of microcredentials. These professional development courses help you upskill and quickly develop in-demand career skills and knowledge in just 10–12 weeks.
Find out more about microcredentials
Level info