Short online courses guide: how to enrol and access courses
Our diverse range of short online courses can be accessed through our partners FutureLearn and Coursera.
Here’s how our short online courses work including enrolment, access to course materials and certificates.
Our short online courses
There are four collections of courses, depending on your academic level:
- Online courses for high school and college students,
- Online courses for academic skills,
- Masters taster courses,
- Continuing professional development.
Most of our courses have no entry requirements and are open to learners of all backgrounds and experience levels.
However, some advanced courses may require specific knowledge or skills — this information will be included in the course page.
Registering for a short online course
Once you have chosen your course, you will need to enrol through either the Coursera or FutureLearn website. Information on how to enrol can be found on the course page.
All of our online courses are available for free for a limited time, allowing you to explore different subjects and course materials without any financial commitment. The length of time you will have free access may differ between Coursera and FutureLearn, and the different courses. This information will be provided when you enrol.
Our short courses include pre-recorded video lectures, readings and interactive activities. You can also interact and collaborate with fellow learners in discussions, forums and group activities.
Accessing course materials
Course materials can be accessed via web browsers and using the Coursera and Futurelearn mobile apps, compatible with smartphones and tablets.
Certificates
If you wish to earn a certificate once you have completed your course, you can upgrade to obtain a course certificate, for a fee. Upgrading will also provide you with unlimited access to the course materials and assessments.
Advanced courses
Both FutureLearn and Coursera offer advanced online learning options to help you further your education. The University of Leeds offers these advanced course options:
- ExpertTracks: Typically featured on FutureLearn, these short programmes consist of multiple courses for training in specific subjects, and include certificates.
- Specializations: Delivered on Coursera, these courses culminate in a capstone project, meaning you will get to apply what you have learned in a Specialization by answering a practical question or problem. Upon completion you will earn a Specialization certificate.