FutureLearn

The University of Sheffield has a number of free, online taster courses to help you try a subject, meet academic staff and get a taste of university life. Even if higher education isn't your final aim, they can also be used to support your career development and professional ambitions.

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These no-obligation courses are an excellent way to evidence your learning and interest in a topic, especially when considering an application to university.

Our free taster courses

Journalism: Data Literacy for Journalists

A six-week online course to help journalists collect, understand, clean and use data for journalism.


Robotics: Building a Future with Robots

Explore the role of robots and autonomous systems in the factories, homes, hospitals, schools and cars of our near future.


Dentistry: Introduction to Dentistry

An entertaining and illuminating course for everyone to explore the impact dentistry has on our lives.


English Literature:  Literature of the English Country House

Take a journey through the literature of English country houses, from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde.


Forensics: Forensic Facial Reconstruction

Learn about the forensic technique of facial reconstruction from the experts involved in a real crime case.


Engineering: How to Write a Technical Report

Get an introduction to technical report writing. Find out how to communicate your ideas through well-written engineering reports.


Careers: How to Get a Job

This three-week course will help you produce a perfect CV, application and online profile when applying for a job or course.


Data: Making Sense of Data in the Media

Learn what numbers reveal, when and why they mislead, and how to spot fake news.


Health Economics: How Do Treatments Get Funded?

Learn how patient-reported outcome measures and quality-adjusted life years can compare treatments and inform health spending.


Social Sciences: The Importance of Play in Everyday Life

Understanding the nature and value of play through the course of our lives, across cultures and communities.


The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age

Demystify the ageing process and learn how our everyday behaviours are likely to affect our long-term musculoskeletal health.


Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

Aimed at health and social care professionals, this course will help you play an important role in supporting people who have experienced violent and abusive relationships. This course is accredited by the CPD Certification Service, which means it can be used to provide evidence of your continuing professional development.

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.