How MOOCs work

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for the current range of MOOCs available from the University of Leicester. You simply need an internet connection and a computer or tablet device. Some other courses may specify expected levels of understanding or experience in certain areas but this will be made clear before signing up for the course.

Start dates

The next start date for each course is listed on the relevant course page, but you can sign up for the course at any point throughout its duration. The courses run on a regular basis so if you have missed one you will be able to sign up for when it is next available.

Applying

Application for these MOOCs is through the FutureLearn website, via the link on the relevant course page. These are free courses - there are no fees.

Commitment

MOOCs are flexible courses which allow you to participate at your own pace. Once a course has started you can study the week’s material at a time that suits you. You do not need to be online at the same time as the other students. There is no requirement to visit Leicester - although you would always be very welcome if you want to come and have a look around campus.

If you want to leave your course at any point you may do so, whether or not it has already begun. You can sign up for the same course when it runs again if you want to have another bash at it. There is no limit on the number of MOOCs you can take: if you think you have the time to do several simultaneously, that's fine.

Assessment

At the end of each week of the course there is normally a set of multiple choice questions to test your understanding of what you have learned, and this will count towards your overall course score. Please note that this is a FutureLearn score, and is not valid as credit for other courses at the University of Leicester - although a MOOC is a great 'taster' for university learning.

Certificate

If you would like proof of having taken the course you can buy a Statement of Participation. This will outline the subject areas covered by the course and the number of hours of study required per week. It is signed by the Educator who delivered the course.

Our partner: FutureLearn

The University of Leicester provides our MOOCs in partnership with FutureLearn, a social learning platform based in the UK and providing free, online courses from world-class universities. The FutureLearn course experience centres on social interaction, where people learn by engaging in conversations around the learning material. Higher education and specialist education institutions from around the world, together with leading cultural organisations – including the British Library, British Council and the British Museum – use FutureLearn to offer quality, higher education courses to anyone with an internet connection, anywhere in the world.