Nature & Environment Courses

How is our need for energy and resources shaping the environmental challenges for tomorrow? Explore the natural world, and understand the causes and impact of climate change, with our online environment and biology courses.

Our online nature and environment courses can help you to explore the natural world, and the ecological challenges it faces.

Choose a Nature & Environment topic

Microcredentials
7 Microcredentials

Our online microcredentials are designed to upskill you for work in rapidly-growing industries, without the time and cost commitment of a full degree. They can be used as an independent certification, and some even offer academic credit to use towards a degree. Each microcredential also includes a formal online assessment.

Learn flexibly online

Learn more about the natural world and explore key environmental issues like climate change and sustainability with short online courses, in-depth programs, or full postgraduate degrees. Start learning for free on desktop, laptop, or mobile.

Buy a course upgrade or subscribe to Unlimited for extra benefits

Buy a course upgrade for ongoing access to the course content, tests, and the chance to gain a Certificate of Achievement. Subscribe to Unlimited for access to hundreds of short courses and the ability to keep access to courses you gain a certificate on.

Boost your career

Develop your understanding of environmental issues with experts from the world’s leading organisations and universities. Network with and learn from others all over the world.

Meet the people who love FutureLearn

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course, lots of thought-provoking topics about what we have done or are doing to our world as well as the basics of geology, rock types etc... Thanks to all at OU and FutureLearn. I'll recommend the course to my 'University of 3rd Age' Science Group, and raise some of the topics as a basis for our discussions."

"It has been a fascinating, well planned, and informative journey from Pluto to Earth. The comments and links have also contributed to better understanding of our solar system. I am grateful to Professor Rothery and all those who contributed so much of their skills and knowledge to assemble and present such a quality program. Thank you Open Univerity!"