These free online courses, part of our Going to University collection, are specifically designed for students at schools or colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds.

These courses will help students to enrich and extend their knowledge in a specific topic and help them decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students' university applications.

The courses are delivered on FutureLearn where students will join a community of online learners from around the world.

Our Going to University courses

Students who are new to online learning can complete Learning Online: Learning and Collaborating before joining any of the other courses.

This will help them understand the differences between communicating online and face to face and will introduce good practice when learning online.

Benefits of our courses 

Shaped by the latest research from the University of Leeds and delivered by leading Leeds academics who are experts in their field, our online courses offer many benefits for students considering university including:

  • Providing evidence of prior learning and preparation for university as part of a UCAS application.
  • Helping students gain new skills, think critically and learn independently.
  • Encouraging online and social learning amongst post-16 students.
  • Developing collaboration and analytical skills.
  • Introducing and embedding current research into students' learning of a subject area.

The courses will take place entirely online, providing opportunities for interactive learning through videos, articles, quizzes and discussions.

How do these courses work?

Courses are delivered over two weeks, requiring two to three hours of flexible study each week. Students can access the courses at school, college or from home.  Each course provides a safe environment in which to learn and the content is easy to navigate.

Students can monitor their progress throughout the course and record their results.

These courses can also be used as classroom enrichment material, and draw on the discussion activities within your teaching.