FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform formed in December 2012 by The Open University and is now jointly owned by The Open University and The SEEK Group. FutureLearn has ten million people signed up worldwide. FutureLearn uses design, technology and partnerships to create enjoyable, credible and flexible online courses as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that improve working lives.
Build your entrepreneurial skills for success in the food and beverage industryGain a competitive edge in the food and beverage industry and develop skills as a restaurateur, wine taster, and chef.
Explore Creative Problem Solving for daily life and in the workplaceWould you like to learn how to develop essential creative problem-solving skills? This 4-week course will help you discover how to apply creative problem-solving to different areas of your life - at home, work, and in social situations.What is creativity?Starting off with some activities to get those creative juices flowing, you’ll gain an understanding of what creativity is. We’ll explore different definitions of creativity before asking what creativity means to you.Discover how to enhance your creativityThere are so many ways to be creative, so we’ll explore this in more detail. We’ll look at some sources of creativity, think about how to enhance it, and learn what the 4 P’s of creativity are.By evaluating the habits of some creative people, you’ll discover how to form a more open and creative mindset. We’ll discuss the 4 stages of creativity and the determinants of organisational creativity.Explore creative problem-solving tools like mind mappingThe final two weeks will be focused on exploring creative problem-solving tools such as mind mapping, brainstorming, and brainwriting.We’ll discuss the difference between creative thinking and critical thinking so that you understand the process behind your problem-solving.This course is for anyone looking to boost their confidence when it comes to creative problem-solving, you don’t need any previous experience of the topic.In this course, you will be invited to post your creative projects on Padlet, an online virtual “bulletin” board, where we can collaborate, reflect, share links and pictures. We will also be using an interactive map called ZeeMaps to build our international learners community. Please don’t worry, clear instruction will be given on how to use these tools as we go along.
Humans are very innovative, but we’ve also created many ecological problems. We’ve changed the face of the planet, fished the oceans, and we’re causing climate change through emissions.Designing institutional arrangements that recognise ecosystem services in the values we place upon natural systems will be an important way to help governing the planet, for both present and future generations.This course explores three approaches to rights and values, and applies these to ecosystem services around the world. It also includes advice on producing press releases about environmental issues.The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in values and environmental decision-making; no previous knowledge or experience is required.If you are working in environmental management, or wish to learn more about it, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.
Step into the fashion world and study fashion and culture with Chanel and YSLCurious about how the fashion industry has transformed and shaped Western culture over the last 150 years?This 4-week course delves into the fashion world and investigates fashion as both a cultural phenomenon and a creative industry.You’ll explore the interaction between fashion, society and business with top fashion designers and professors from Institut Français de la Mode.Explore the emergence of fashion trendsWhere does fashion actually come from? You’ll start the course by answering this question and learning about modern fashion and its contemporary relevance.You’ll explore the rise of the fashion industry during the industrial revolution and evaluate how brands inject modernity into their designs. The course features case studies from top fashion designers such as Chanel and Gucci.Investigate the role of fashion designers and brandsYou’ll be thinking about the relationship between fashion and politics, and asking whether fashion designers and brands have the power to be social actors.You’ll also explore fashion code and the language of fashion, considering whether fashion brands are creative languages.Understand consumption in the fashion industryIn your final week, you’ll investigate fashion consumption and develop your understanding of how it works as a social marker and identity construct.You’ll evaluate what it takes to create and develop a fashion collection, and you’ll look at the intersections between trends, seasonality and innovation.Whether you’re a marketing student intrigued by consumer culture or you’re an experienced fashion professional looking to enhance your knowledge, this course is designed for anyone looking to deepen and specialise their knowledge of the fashion industry.This course will also be relevant to fashion entrepreneurs who need a holistic view of the industry’s key success factors.This course is supported by DEFI.
Understand the role of genes in cancer and genetic diseaseIt’s widely known that some diseases run in families. The discovery of the structure of DNA and the unravelling of the genetic code has led to a deeper understanding of such diseases. We now know more about the genetic basis of cancer and how cancer cells are formed and reproduce. On this course you’ll explore the structure of DNA, its processes and learn how genetic disease results from DNA alterations. You’ll look closely at the nature of these changes, causes and risk factors – this is vital in the case of cancer, as prevention has proved to be an effective way of managing this disease.The course is suitable for anyone with a general interest in the science behind causes of human disease. No previous knowledge or experience is required. If you are working in nursing, healthcare or social care, or just wish to learn more, this course is designed to support you as a professional. By completing all aspects of the course you will have achieved 14 hours of CPD time.
Provide an effective and high-quality RSHE curriculum for your studentsOn this course, you’ll improve your understanding of the statutory requirements of the UK RSHE curriculum.As you explore the UK national statistics on the health and relationships of young people, you’ll learn the value of upholding these requirements if you teach RSHE.As well as receiving guidance on setting up an effective learning environment, you’ll access self-assessment criteria, RSE lesson plans and activities, suggested reading, and audit tools.You’ll also be encouraged to reflect on your current practice and provision, your attitude to your teaching, and the issues you cover in your RSHE classes.This course is designed for professionals who deliver relationships, sex or health education to children or young people.This may include primary and secondary schools teachers and subject leaders, senior leaders in schools, teaching assistants, pastoral support workers.It will also be useful for health professionals such as school nurses, and youth workers in independent or voluntary groups working with children.Microsoft word, Adobe Acrobat Reader
Make learning fractions, decimals and percentages easier for your studentsOften, when teachers are asked which maths topic they find the most difficult to teach and for their students to learn, teachers say fractions.On this course, you will explore why they find fractions difficult and consider new approaches and methodologies for teaching them that are easier to grasp for your students.You will learn how to avoid teaching the subject in isolation as you approach fractions, decimals and percentages as three interconnected topics. This will help to give your students context and give them a deeper understanding of the maths structure behind fractions.This course is specifically designed for secondary school teachers and educators who are not specialised in maths, but who are wanting to learn mathematical methods and improve their understanding of the subject.It’s particularly suitable for new teachers and those studying teaching as a profession. Primary school teachers may find this course useful to understand how the mathematics curriculum progresses further in secondary school.
Learn to be more entrepreneurial by finding out how entrepreneurs think and workWhile entrepreneurship is closely linked with the start-up process, risk and venture creation, this course will introduce you to the concept of entrepreneurialism. You will explore the intention to behave in an enterprising way and how this is shaped by specific contexts.You’ll challenge key concepts, such as enterprise, innovation and leadership. The aim of this course is to assess your own skills, capabilities and aspirations, in order to reflect upon the type of entrepreneur you are or would like to be.This course is designed for individuals who are interested in social activism, those who want to manage their team to create efficiencies and looking to ‘future-proof’ themselves. You might be interested in this course if you are new to the technological landscape and want to fill the gaps in your skillset or are interested in creating change. No previous experience is necessary.
On this 10-week course, you’ll learn about the history and values of sustainable development – and why it matters in the fashion industry.Sustainability has become a central concern in modern business – and society at large. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals call for business and government to create a more sustainable future by 2030.With increased awareness of the damage caused by ‘fast fashion’ – and of the climate crisis in general – fashion and luxury goods brands need to fully embrace sustainability.Implement a successful corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy in a fashion brandAlongside fashion thought-leaders at the Institut Français de la Mode and Kering, you’ll identify how to build a practical CSR and sustainability strategy, and how to communicate it to your company’s audience.You’ll explore the contemporary environmental situation, learning about the climate crisis to better inform your own approach to sustainable fashion.You’ll look at key areas such as animal welfare and biodiversity, examining how they intersect with broader social issues such as human rights and inclusiveness, coming away able to practically identify how fashion can be more socially responsibleUnderstand the importance of eco-design and sustainable materials in fashionThe course will encourage you to think about the value chain, leaving you able to recognise how sustainability can be applied to every step of the fashion product lifecycle.You’ll study the principles of eco-design, which materials most lend themselves to sustainability, and what responsible and sustainable retailing looks like.Deliver sustainable innovation for your brandThe fashion industry thrives on innovation and creativity, and there’s no reason this has to be sacrificed with sustainability.Learn more about the future of sustainable fashion, exploring the social innovation of tomorrow, and discover how cutting-edge technologies can drive sustainable change in your business.Study fashion with the Head of Sustainability IFM-Kering Chair at world-renowned Institut Français de la ModeBased in the heart of Paris, the fashion capital of the world, Institut Français de la Mode has been a leading school of fashion management and design for over 30 years.The course is led by Andrée-Anne Lemieux, Sustainability Professor and change leader at the heart of the industry’s transformation.Andrée-Anne Lemieux has over fifteen years of experience in the fashion industry, and specialises in sustainability transformation for new businesses, high street designers, and global corporations.As the Sustainability IFM-Kering chair, she also manages scientific research in the field of sustainability in the fashion and luxury industry. You’ll also gain insights on sustainability fromfashion industry stakeholders at NGOs, and startups, as well as hear from manufacturers and designers on their experiences of sustainability implementation.You will be ready to become a change leader of the current industry’s transformation.When are the assessment deadlines?The next assessment deadlines are as follows:26th September 20225th January 20233rd April 2023You will be able to submit your assessments directly to IFM up to two weeks prior to the deadline.Will I receive feedback on my assessments?Educators will be on hand around the assessment deadline dates to answer any questions you may have in the comments. You will then receive feedback on your assessments one month after the submission deadline.
The basics of data science on Microsoft Azure using Python programmingLearn data analysis on Microsoft Azure using Python programming
Understand the methods and importance of medical peace workOn this course you will learn about some of the key concepts and challenges in the field of medical peace work, particularly the importance of violence prevention and peace practice for healthcare professionals.You will cover aspects of theory, field work and advocacy focusing on working with domestic violence, refugee healthcare and healing torture victims. In each case you will consider the specific challenges of treating these victims of violence and the role you play in helping them.This course has been created for people with some experience in healthcare. It is particularly relevant to clinical healthcare professionals working in medicine, nursing, and allied health.
Explore how groupthink affects diversity and inclusionGroupthink is defined as ‘the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group, resulting typically in unchallenged, poor-quality decision-making’.With the creative industries being primarily dominated by young, white, middle to upper class, heterosexual males, groupthink can be a massive problem for the industry.On this two-week course from Livity, you’ll delve into the concept of groupthink, learning about its potentially negative consequences on the creative industry and how you might foster positive alternatives.Discuss whether groupthink can ever be positiveThere is a difference between groupthink and group thinking. In fact, there are many examples throughout history of groups coming together to affect positive change.You’ll explore the effects of groupthink, both negative and positive, with a focus on how it affects diversity in the workplace. Then, you’ll look at alternatives to groupthink and how an organisation can best transition to a more diverse approach to group thinking.Analyse the current state of diversity in the workplaceThe creative industry can’t expect to create inclusive work if it’s not inclusive. If research, development, and creative processes are not inclusive by design, we are not serving our customers and therefore cannot make the best work possible.This course will guide you through diversity in the workplace as it currently stands, from ethnic and gender diversity to socio-economic disparity. You’ll then discuss ways to shape an organisation’s structure to better avoid groupthink.Discover strategies to mitigate groupthinkAt the end of this course, you’ll learn how to create solutions to mitigate or foster different forms of groupthink on management, team, and individual levels, and then how to apply and encourage your methods.This course is designed for anyone wanting to contribute to and foster diversity in their processes, specifically within creative industries.You may find it especially useful if you’re looking to hire a diverse team, whether you’re the founder of a creative start-up, part of a HR team, or in a senior leadership position at a creative agency.
This course is part of DevOps with Microsoft Azure ExpertTrack where you’ll learn the core values and principles of DevOps and how to put these into practice.Learn how to use DevOps to deliver stable environmentsThis three-week course will give you the skills and knowledge to deliver stable environments rapidly, reliably, and at scale.You’ll learn how to save time by avoiding manual configuration of environments as well as helping with consistency by representing your environments as code.Save time and reduce errors with Azure automationYou’ll gain knowledge on the process of implementing Microsoft Azure Automation and be able to put this knowledge into practice by demonstrating how to configure and implement Azure automation.Delving deep into Azure, you’ll cover areas such as Chef deployments in Azure, Puppet deployments, and how to implement, configure and apply Azure Resource Manager templates.You’ll also develop an understanding of the basics of Desired State Configuration (DSC). From this, you’ll learn how to create a DSC configuration file, import it into the automation account and compile it.Assemble ARM templates and plug into Visual Studio Team ServicesYou’ll learn how to assemble ARM templates and then plug these into Visual Studio Team Services to create pipelines. This skill helps you deliver a more efficient process and reduce your production time.By the end of the course, you’ll understand important DevOps topics such as Azure, AWS, Chef, and the integration between them. You’ll also learn how to take your code from development to production.This course is best suited for developers working in an organisation delivering software.This will also suit IT pros who have some knowledge and experience working with cloud-based solutions and Microsoft Azure, and are looking to expand their skills.The upgrade version of this course will include all the required CloudSwyft Hands-On Lab practice environments to be used by students and learners on this course, powered by CloudSwyft.You will need a computer running Windows, Mac OSX or Linux, and a web browser.
Understand the main components of distributed ledgers and blockchainsWith the rise of the digital economy, it’s no surprise that cryptocurrencies and blockchains are growing in popularity.This three-week course from King’s College London and Quant Network will empower you with an understanding of how blockchains and distributed ledgers work as well as their advantages over centralised ledgers.Once you’ve completed this course, you will have the foundational knowledge that you need to become a blockchain developer.Be introduced to cryptocurrenciesThere are thousands of cryptocurrencies in existence. On this course, you will learn how to develop programs to send and receive payments for BTC, ETH, and XRP.Importantly, you will also learn about the groundbreaking distributed ledger technology that these cryptocurrencies are built on.Learn how to build programs that interact with distributed ledger technologyApplications built on distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) are more transparent, promote decentralised control, and are more resilient to software crashes as well as malicious actors.On this course, you’ll gain the skills needed to create your own applications and programs that can interact with and be built on DLTs.Study with the specialists at King’s College London and Quant NetworkThe King’s College Department of Informatics has a long-established leadership in the Distributed Artificial Intelligence domain, which is closely related to blockchain.Coupled with the DLT know-how of Quant Network, these experts are the perfect guides to help you become a blockchain developer.This course is designed for computer scientists or software engineers who would like to explore avenues in blockchain and distributed ledger technology that could lead to new opportunities.