Imagine this: you’re sipping coffee on a rainy afternoon, scrolling through your phone, when you stumble upon a free courses on psychology from The Open University. It sounds interesting. You’ve always wanted to understand human behavior a bit better. But then the question hits you—“Is this really worth my time?”
It’s a fair question. With thousands of free courses floating around online, how do you know if one will truly benefit your career, your education, or even your confidence?
Let’s unpack the true value of free Open University courses—and what you actually get out of them.
What Is The Open University and Why Should You Care?
The Open University (OU) is a highly respected, UK-based institution known for accessible, distance learning. It’s trusted by employers and recognized around the world. Unlike some random online course websites, OU has been around since 1969 and has supported over 2 million learners in reaching their goals.
Its free courses are hosted on a platform called OpenLearn. There, you’ll find over 1,000 courses across subjects like:
- Science and Environment
- History and the Arts
- Health, Sports and Psychology
- Education and Development
- Money and Business
- Languages
- and many more.
The best part? No cost. No catch.
But before you dive in, let’s explore what these courses offer—and more importantly, what they don’t.
Do You Get a Qualification From Free Open University Courses?
Here’s the short answer: No, free courses from OpenLearn don’t provide academic credit or count toward a formal degree.
That said, you do receive a free digital certificate called a Statement of Participation once you complete a course. It’s a downloadable, printable proof that you’ve engaged with and completed structured learning content.
While it’s not a qualification in itself, this statement can:
Show commitment to learning
Add value to your CV or resume
Be included in professional portfolios
Demonstrate continuous professional development (CPD)
It’s a great way to show initiative, especially in interviews or performance reviews.
The Real Value: Lifelong Learning and Career Growth
Let’s talk benefits. Sure, you won’t walk away with a diploma, but you will gain something just as valuable—growth.
1. Confidence Building
Many learners return to education later in life or after a break. Free courses offer a no-pressure way to rebuild academic confidence. There’s no looming exam. No harsh grading. Just learning for the sake of growth.
2. Upskilling and Career Exploration
Want to shift to digital marketing? Curious about data science? Thinking about a career in education? These courses help you dip your toes in without a big commitment. If you like what you learn, you can invest in further study later.
Many professionals also use free courses to stay current in their fields or explore trends. It’s like a career gym—keeping your skills fit and ready.
3. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
In industries like education, healthcare, and social work, CPD is often a requirement. Free Open University courses can be a useful addition to your CPD portfolio.
For example:
- A nurse might take a mental health awareness course
- A teacher might brush up on inclusive education strategies
- A manager might explore leadership and change management
It shows that you’re not just coasting—you’re actively growing.
Platforms offering free online courses without matric:
- EduCourse:This local platform focuses on job-readiness and digital skills, offering free courses in areas like Office Administration and Computer Basics.
- UCT MOOCs on Coursera:The University of Cape Town offers numerous free online courses on Coursera, which anyone can join. While certificates are available for purchase, the courses themselves can be audited for free.
- UJ’s Find Your Way Program:The University of Johannesburg provides a series of free, self-paced online learning programs designed to enhance career readiness and digital skills.
- Alison:This platform offers free online certificates in various fields like business, health, and IT.
- Skills Academy:Skills Academy provides a range of courses without matric requirements, including bookkeeping and project management.
- Bellview Institute of Distance Learning:This institute offers accredited courses at NQF Level 4 and other vocational courses without requiring a matric certificate.
- Oxbridge Academy:They offer a variety of skills development and bridging courses that don’t require matric.
- iFundi:iFundi offers courses in areas like computer skills, digital marketing, and project management that don’t require matric.
Tips for choosing a course:
- Consider your interests and career goals:Identify areas where you’d like to develop skills or explore potential career paths.
- Look for courses relevant to the job market:Focus on skills that are in demand, such as digital marketing, computer skills, or project management.
- Check for accreditation and recognition:While free courses may not always be accredited, consider whether a certificate of completion would be valuable for your specific goals.
- Explore different platforms:Compare offerings from various providers to find the best fit for your needs.
- Utilize available resources:Take advantage of free online resources, including study guides, tutorials, and support materials, to enhance your learning experience.
By exploring these options and carefully selecting courses, individuals without matric can gain valuable skills and knowledge to advance their careers and personal development.
What Employers Think About Free Online Courses
Here’s the deal: Employers are more interested in what you can do and how you think, rather than where you learned it. That’s where Open University courses can really shine.
When included on a CV or in a job interview, these courses show:
- Self-motivation
- Time management
- A genuine interest in your industry
- Initiative to self-learn and improve
In competitive fields, that initiative can set you apart. Especially when you can talk about what you learned and how it applies to real-world problems.
Real-Life Story: How One Free Course Sparked a Career Shift
Meet Daniel. At 32, he was stuck in a retail job he didn’t enjoy. He’d always liked tech but had no formal experience.
One day, he signed up for a “Digital Skills: Web Analytics” course on OpenLearn. It was short—just 8 hours. But it lit a spark.
He then completed three more free courses on data and business. Eventually, he enrolled in a paid bootcamp, using what he learned as a base. Today, Daniel works as a junior data analyst. His new career started with a free course.
Stories like Daniel’s aren’t rare. They’re increasingly common in a world where self-paced, online learning is the norm.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Free Open University courses vary in length. You’ll find short 2-hour introductions and in-depth 24-hour explorations.
You can study at your own pace. Pause whenever you need. Pick up where you left off. It’s learning that fits around your life—not the other way around.
For example:
- “Understanding Autism” – 14 hours
- “Succeeding in a Digital World” – 24 hours
- “Forensic Psychology” – 8 hours
- “Managing Stress and Anxiety” – 3 hours
Are These Courses Accredited?
No, the free OpenLearn courses are not formally accredited. They don’t count toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and you can’t transfer them to another university for credit.
However, they are:
- Designed by actual Open University faculty
- Quality-checked and well-structured
- Backed by decades of educational experience
If you want credit-bearing courses, Open University also offers paid degree programs and microcredentials through platforms like FutureLearn or directly through their official site.
What You Do Get (And Why It Matters)
Let’s recap what free Open University courses do provide:
| Feature | Yes / No |
|---|---|
| 100% Free | Yes |
| Self-paced | Yes |
| No exams or deadlines | Yes |
| Statement of Participation | Yes |
| Formal qualification | No |
| Academic credit | No |
In short, these courses are a gateway. They help you:
- Discover passions
- Sharpen skills
- Build confidence
- Test drive a subject
- Show initiative to employers
What Learners Are Saying
“I took a short course on cyber security out of curiosity. Now I’m applying for a certificate program in IT. The free course helped me believe I could do it.” – Sandra, 41
“I use OpenLearn courses as part of my team’s professional development. It’s a great resource and doesn’t cost the company anything.” – Priya, HR Manager
How to Enroll: No Barriers, No Payment Needed
To get started:
- Visit OpenLearn
- Browse the course categories or search by keyword
- Create a free account
- Start learning instantly
No credit card. No application process. Just click, learn, and grow.
Final Thought: Are Free Open University Courses Worth It?
Absolutely—if you know what to expect.
You won’t get a diploma. But you will get knowledge, growth, and something meaningful to add to your resume or life story.
Whether you’re exploring a new path, upskilling for work, or just feeding your curiosity—a free course can be the start of something big.
So next time you have an hour to spare, ask yourself:
What could I learn today?
