For those who are quarantined at home during the coronavirus lockdown, why not use this opportunity to try something new, learn a new skill or even explore a new career path? There are plenty of open online courses to get you started. Here at MoocLab, we have picked out some of the best for you to explore below.
Just click on a course title to go to the course page.
Discover a new hobby
Start Writing Fiction
By The Open University via FutureLearn
Get started with your own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters, with this hands-on course.
Creative Writing Specialization
By Wesleyan University via Coursera
Craft Your Story Like the Great Writers. Craft an original story that will absorb a reader’s interest from the beginning to end.
Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop
By California Institute of the Arts via Coursera
Why just write poems when you can write better ones? This course is built on the notion that the most exciting writing begins after the first draft.
How to Write Your First Song
By The University of Sheffield via FutureLearn
Get a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting and meet established songwriters with this free online course
Guitar for Beginners
By Berklee College of Music via Coursera
Grasp the essentials needed to begin playing acoustic or electric guitar.
The DIY Musician Specialization
By Berklee College of Music via Coursera
Write, Record, and Produce Your Own Music. Learn how to produce your own music and launch your music career.
An Introduction to Screenwriting
By UEA (The University of East Anglia) via FutureLearn
This online course explores the key concepts and fundamental principles involved in the process of screenwriting.
Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)
By Michigan State University via Coursera
Design a series bible and write a complete pilot episode for your own unique television or web series, be it drama or comedy or something in between.
The Power of Podcasting for Storytelling
By University of Wollongong via FutureLearn
Discover all things podcasting: learn how to plan, write and publish your own podcast.
Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization
By Michigan State University via Coursera
Create photographs you will be proud to share.. Build a solid foundation in digital photography, growing in knowledge from camera to composition!
Sit Less, Get Active
By The University of Edinburgh via Coursera
Physical inactivity and sedentariness are “silent killers”. Do you feel like you spend too much time sitting? Do you feel like you would like to be more active? Are you unsure about how to incorporate physical activity into your daily life? We are here to help.
The Science of Well-Being
By Yale University via Coursera
In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits.
Learn a New Skill
How to Learn Online
By edX
Learn essential strategies for successful online learning
Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects
By McMaster University & University of California San Diego via Coursera
This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines.
HTML5 and CSS Fundamentals
By The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) via edX
Learn how to build Web sites using HTML5 and basic CSS, directly from W3C, creator of the latest Web standards.
Begin Programming: Build Your First Mobile Game
By University of Reading via FutureLearn
Learn basic Java programming by developing a mobile game that you can run on your computer, Android phone or tablet.
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
By The University of Edinburgh via Coursera
Have you ever wished you knew how to program, but had no idea where to start from? This course will teach you how to program in Scratch, an easy to use visual programming language.
An Introduction to Coding and Design
By University of Leeds via FutureLearn
Ever wonder how apps and websites are made and designed? Do practical exercises to build your skills in coding, app design and UX.
Excel Skills for Business Specialization
By Macquarie University via Coursera
Learn Excel Skills for Business. Master Excel to add a highly valuable asset to your employability portfolio.
Creating Digital Content
By University of Leeds & Institute of Coding via FutureLearn
Discover how you can create and sustain engaging online content and learn how to build an effective digital marketing plan.
AI For Everyone
By deeplearning.ai via Coursera
AI is not only for engineers. If you want your organization to become better at using AI, this is the course to tell everyone--especially your non-technical colleagues--to take.
Crash Course on Python
By Google via Coursera
This course is designed to teach you the foundations in order to write simple programs in Python using the most common structures.
Introducing Robotics
By Queensland University of Technology. via FutureLearn
The world needs people who understand robotics. Get started with this flexible and practical program of online courses from Queensland University of Technology.
Financial Markets
By Yale University via Coursera
An overview of the ideas, methods, and institutions that permit human society to manage risks and foster enterprise.
How To Teach Online: Providing Continuity for Students
By FutureLearn
Explore online teaching with this practical course for educators designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
By Rochester Institute of Technology via edX
The most successful professionals are able to assess the environment, analyze a situation, design a solution, and ultimately win in a competitive scenario.
Career Development: Skills for Success XSeries Program
By Fullbridge via edX
The four-course Fullbridge Career Development XSeries is designed to help you build in-demand workplace competencies that will ensure you stand out as an applicant and employee.
Collaboration, Communication and Remote Working
By University of Leeds & Institute of Coding via FutureLearn
Build strong workplace collaboration, communication and presentation skills for working in the office or working remotely.
Learn a New Language
First Step Korean
By Yonsei University via Coursera
This is an elementary-level Korean language course, consisting of 5 lessons with 4 units, and covers 4 skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Learn Spanish: Basic Spanish Vocabulary Specialization
By University of California, Davis via Coursera
Learn Spanish. Build a working vocabulary of 1,500 of the most used words and phrases.
Italian for Beginners
By The Open University via FutureLearn
This program of six free online Italian courses, created by The Open University, will help you develop your skills in Italian at a basic level, and introduce you to Italy and its language and culture.
Learn Mandarin Chinese Specialization
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University via Coursera
Learn Mandarin Chinese. Learning Chinese in real-life situations with ease and fun.
Russian for beginners А1. Русский язык: A1 Specialization
By Saint Petersburg State University via Coursera
This specialization is aimed at learners who are interested in exploring the Russian language, and provides everything you need to start this journey.
Steps in Japanese for Beginners XSeries Program
By Waseda University via edX
This program is designed for a Japanese beginner to learn how to express basic ideas in Japanese, by using simple vocabulary and sentence patterns commonly used in college life.
Norwegian for Beginners 1
By Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) via FutureLearn
Master the basics of the Norwegian language. Gain confidence in speaking and understanding common phrases.
Explore a New Career Path
Become an EMT Specialization
By University of Colorado System via Coursera
EMT Medical and Trauma Emergency Care. Gain the skills needed to provide first responder emergency medical care.
Graphic Design Specialization
By California Institute of the Arts via Coursera
Make Compelling Design. Learn and apply the principles of graphic design towards a comprehensive branding project.
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization
By Duke University via Coursera
Explore a Career as a Software Engineer. Learn the basics of programming and software development
Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization
By University of Michigan via Coursera
Learn to Design and Create Websites. Build a responsive and accessible web portfolio using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
Introduction to Data Science Specialization
By IBM via Coursera
Launch your career in Data Science. Data Science skills to prepare for a career or further advanced learning in Data Science.
Project Management: Managing Front-End Planning
By Queensland University of Technology via FutureLearn
Build the project planning and management skills to start a career in project management within your chosen professional field.
Professional Certificate in FinTech
By The University of Hong Kong via edX
The Professional Certificate program will give you the tools to understand the interaction of finance and technology across the financial system as well as insight into the major technologies involved and the emerging business models and players in the industry.
Digital Photography: Creating a Professional Portfolio
By The Open University via FutureLearn
Navigate the fast-moving technological developments in digital photography and build a professional portfolio you’re proud of.
Become a Journalist: Report the News! Specialization
By Michigan State University via Coursera
Launch Your Journalism Career. Develop journalistic skills for print, broadcast and social media platforms.
Just click on a course title to go to the course page.
Discover a new hobby
Start Writing Fiction
By The Open University via FutureLearn
Get started with your own fiction writing, focusing on the central skill of creating characters, with this hands-on course.
Creative Writing Specialization
By Wesleyan University via Coursera
Craft Your Story Like the Great Writers. Craft an original story that will absorb a reader’s interest from the beginning to end.
Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop
By California Institute of the Arts via Coursera
Why just write poems when you can write better ones? This course is built on the notion that the most exciting writing begins after the first draft.
How to Write Your First Song
By The University of Sheffield via FutureLearn
Get a practical introduction to the mechanics of songwriting and meet established songwriters with this free online course
Guitar for Beginners
By Berklee College of Music via Coursera
Grasp the essentials needed to begin playing acoustic or electric guitar.
The DIY Musician Specialization
By Berklee College of Music via Coursera
Write, Record, and Produce Your Own Music. Learn how to produce your own music and launch your music career.
An Introduction to Screenwriting
By UEA (The University of East Anglia) via FutureLearn
This online course explores the key concepts and fundamental principles involved in the process of screenwriting.
Script Writing: Write a Pilot Episode for a TV or Web Series (Project-Centered Course)
By Michigan State University via Coursera
Design a series bible and write a complete pilot episode for your own unique television or web series, be it drama or comedy or something in between.
The Power of Podcasting for Storytelling
By University of Wollongong via FutureLearn
Discover all things podcasting: learn how to plan, write and publish your own podcast.
Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR Specialization
By Michigan State University via Coursera
Create photographs you will be proud to share.. Build a solid foundation in digital photography, growing in knowledge from camera to composition!
Sit Less, Get Active
By The University of Edinburgh via Coursera
Physical inactivity and sedentariness are “silent killers”. Do you feel like you spend too much time sitting? Do you feel like you would like to be more active? Are you unsure about how to incorporate physical activity into your daily life? We are here to help.
The Science of Well-Being
By Yale University via Coursera
In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits.
Learn a New Skill
How to Learn Online
By edX
Learn essential strategies for successful online learning
Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects
By McMaster University & University of California San Diego via Coursera
This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines.
HTML5 and CSS Fundamentals
By The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) via edX
Learn how to build Web sites using HTML5 and basic CSS, directly from W3C, creator of the latest Web standards.
Begin Programming: Build Your First Mobile Game
By University of Reading via FutureLearn
Learn basic Java programming by developing a mobile game that you can run on your computer, Android phone or tablet.
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
By The University of Edinburgh via Coursera
Have you ever wished you knew how to program, but had no idea where to start from? This course will teach you how to program in Scratch, an easy to use visual programming language.
An Introduction to Coding and Design
By University of Leeds via FutureLearn
Ever wonder how apps and websites are made and designed? Do practical exercises to build your skills in coding, app design and UX.
Excel Skills for Business Specialization
By Macquarie University via Coursera
Learn Excel Skills for Business. Master Excel to add a highly valuable asset to your employability portfolio.
Creating Digital Content
By University of Leeds & Institute of Coding via FutureLearn
Discover how you can create and sustain engaging online content and learn how to build an effective digital marketing plan.
AI For Everyone
By deeplearning.ai via Coursera
AI is not only for engineers. If you want your organization to become better at using AI, this is the course to tell everyone--especially your non-technical colleagues--to take.
Crash Course on Python
By Google via Coursera
This course is designed to teach you the foundations in order to write simple programs in Python using the most common structures.
Introducing Robotics
By Queensland University of Technology. via FutureLearn
The world needs people who understand robotics. Get started with this flexible and practical program of online courses from Queensland University of Technology.
Financial Markets
By Yale University via Coursera
An overview of the ideas, methods, and institutions that permit human society to manage risks and foster enterprise.
How To Teach Online: Providing Continuity for Students
By FutureLearn
Explore online teaching with this practical course for educators designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
By Rochester Institute of Technology via edX
The most successful professionals are able to assess the environment, analyze a situation, design a solution, and ultimately win in a competitive scenario.
Career Development: Skills for Success XSeries Program
By Fullbridge via edX
The four-course Fullbridge Career Development XSeries is designed to help you build in-demand workplace competencies that will ensure you stand out as an applicant and employee.
Collaboration, Communication and Remote Working
By University of Leeds & Institute of Coding via FutureLearn
Build strong workplace collaboration, communication and presentation skills for working in the office or working remotely.
Learn a New Language
First Step Korean
By Yonsei University via Coursera
This is an elementary-level Korean language course, consisting of 5 lessons with 4 units, and covers 4 skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Learn Spanish: Basic Spanish Vocabulary Specialization
By University of California, Davis via Coursera
Learn Spanish. Build a working vocabulary of 1,500 of the most used words and phrases.
Italian for Beginners
By The Open University via FutureLearn
This program of six free online Italian courses, created by The Open University, will help you develop your skills in Italian at a basic level, and introduce you to Italy and its language and culture.
Learn Mandarin Chinese Specialization
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University via Coursera
Learn Mandarin Chinese. Learning Chinese in real-life situations with ease and fun.
Russian for beginners А1. Русский язык: A1 Specialization
By Saint Petersburg State University via Coursera
This specialization is aimed at learners who are interested in exploring the Russian language, and provides everything you need to start this journey.
Steps in Japanese for Beginners XSeries Program
By Waseda University via edX
This program is designed for a Japanese beginner to learn how to express basic ideas in Japanese, by using simple vocabulary and sentence patterns commonly used in college life.
Norwegian for Beginners 1
By Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) via FutureLearn
Master the basics of the Norwegian language. Gain confidence in speaking and understanding common phrases.
Explore a New Career Path
Become an EMT Specialization
By University of Colorado System via Coursera
EMT Medical and Trauma Emergency Care. Gain the skills needed to provide first responder emergency medical care.
Graphic Design Specialization
By California Institute of the Arts via Coursera
Make Compelling Design. Learn and apply the principles of graphic design towards a comprehensive branding project.
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization
By Duke University via Coursera
Explore a Career as a Software Engineer. Learn the basics of programming and software development
Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization
By University of Michigan via Coursera
Learn to Design and Create Websites. Build a responsive and accessible web portfolio using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
Introduction to Data Science Specialization
By IBM via Coursera
Launch your career in Data Science. Data Science skills to prepare for a career or further advanced learning in Data Science.
Project Management: Managing Front-End Planning
By Queensland University of Technology via FutureLearn
Build the project planning and management skills to start a career in project management within your chosen professional field.
Professional Certificate in FinTech
By The University of Hong Kong via edX
The Professional Certificate program will give you the tools to understand the interaction of finance and technology across the financial system as well as insight into the major technologies involved and the emerging business models and players in the industry.
Digital Photography: Creating a Professional Portfolio
By The Open University via FutureLearn
Navigate the fast-moving technological developments in digital photography and build a professional portfolio you’re proud of.
Become a Journalist: Report the News! Specialization
By Michigan State University via Coursera
Launch Your Journalism Career. Develop journalistic skills for print, broadcast and social media platforms.