58 Short courses offered by the university

Have you always wanted to learn how to speak Mandarin Chinese? Are you fascinated by the sound, the script and this ancient civilisation? If so, this Beginners Chinese 1 course from The Open University UK can give you a solid introduction to the language

Have you always wanted to learn Arabic, speak the language and understand the culture? Are you fascinated by the sound, the script and the rich history of this ancient civilisation? If so, this Introduction to Arabic Language and Culture course from The Open University UK can give you a solid introduction to the Arabic alphabet and language. 

The Economics in Practice module from The Open University UK is an introduction to the way that the theories and tools of economics are used in the workplace and everyday life. 

This Elementary Chinese 2 online course at The Open University UK takes you further on your journey towards learning Chinese, one of the world’s most exciting languages. 

The Contemporary Issues in Organisations module from The Open University UK also gives you the opportunity to design a game concept that will enhance your strategic and communication skills.

Throughout the Exploring Childhood and Youth module from The Open University UK, there’s an emphasis on children’s and young people’s own perspectives, as well as their rights. 

This Elementary German 2 course at The Open University UK continues your journey to Germany, Austria and Switzerland and progresses your skills needed for understanding and using the German language while travelling, living or working in a German-speaking country. 

Young Lives, Parenting and Families at The Open University UK will develop your study and employability skills and provide you with opportunities to debate issues with academics and other students.

With this 16-unit Beginners Italian 2 course at The Open University UK you'll continue your journey learning the Italian language and exploring Italian society. You will be introduced to aspects of Italian life and culture throughout the course and use guided online activities to build up your Italian vocabulary. 

If you want to improve your French but are short on time, then this 16-unit Elementary French 2 course at The Open University UK can enhance your ability to understand and produce more complex language. By studying around 3–4 hours per unit, you’ll improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening in French through a variety of online activities.

In this Key Challenges In Global Development module at The Open University UK you’ll critically engage with conflict, governance, justice, and transformation as key challenges that cut across all development issues, processes and interventions.

Whether you want to visit, work or live in a French speaking environment, you will get more out of the experience if you can communicate effectively. As part of our Beginners French series, this Beginners French 3 course at The Open University UK will develop your reading and listening skills in French so you can speak and write the language in everyday situations. 

The Open University UK's Trauma-informed counselling course has been designed to align to relevant BACP SCOPeD competencies and is aimed at counsellors and psychotherapists in practice and/or trainees. 

The Beginners German 1 course from The Open University UK takes you on a journey to German speaking countries and introduces you to the linguistic skills you need to communicate effectively in everyday contexts.

Whether you want to visit, work or live in a French-speaking environment, you'll get more out of the experience if you can communicate effectively with people. In this Beginners French 1 course from The Open University UK you will begin to develop your reading and listening skills in French, and learn to speak and write the language to communicate in everyday situations.

Having embarked on the road to learning Mandarin Chinese, and being able to speak and understand some common topics, you may wish to continue your learning of this fascinating language. If so, this Beginners Chinese 3 course at The Open University UK will be an ideal opportunity to do just that.

The Open University UK offers the Managing a budget programme.

Within this short course 'The languages of crises' from The Open University UK you’ll explore the role that language and culture play in how people manage and respond to times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic will be our case in point, but you’ll also explore other crises.