The top 10 courses of the year

We’ve compiled a list of some of our best courses from 2020, so you can keep learning as the year comes to a close. From fashion to programming, there’s something for everyone.

2020 has been quite a year. However, despite the difficult circumstances and uncertainty, our learners have continued to take courses, study new topics, and improve their skills. With that in mind, we take a look at some of our best courses of the last year across a range of different subjects.  

1. A History of Royal Fashion 

Whether you’re a fashion lover, a history fan or just interested in the British royal family, this 5-week online course about the history of British royal fashion has a lot to offer. Created by the University of Glasgow and Historic Royal Palaces, this course will take you through the wardrobes of British kings and queens across five royal dynasties. 

From the Tudors, Stuarts and Georgians to the Victorians and Windsors, you’ll learn how British royal families used fashion to entertain, control and impress. 

2. Managing Behaviour for Learning 

For all the teachers out there, this 5-week course by STEM Learning shows you how to manage behaviour in the classroom. Not only will this course improve your experience as a teacher, but it will also benefit the students you teach by showing you how to create a positive learning environment. 

You’ll learn how to influence good behaviour, create consistent routines, motivate students and reduce friction. In a time of new approaches to teaching and learning, it’s clear why this course has been so popular. 

3. Professional Resilience: Building Skills to Thrive at Work 

Deakin University created this short two-week course to teach you crucial resilience skills. Whether at home or work, the fast pace of life can take some navigating. With this course, you’ll learn about how to build the skills to deal with all that life throws at you. 

As well as creating your own resilience plan, you’ll also learn how to apply resilience frameworks to your professional career. 

4. The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece 

The Book of Kells is a 9th-century manuscript of Gospels. The famous work is housed at Trinity College Dublin and is an integral part of Irish history. On this course, you’ll explore many aspects of medieval Ireland, using The Book of Kells as a guide. 

You’ll learn about the history of this ancient text and how it was made, as well as its historical and contemporary context. If you’re interested in history, Ireland, the medieval period, or religious studies, you’re sure to enjoy this course. 

5. Fashion’s Future: The Sustainable Development Goals 

Sustainability is one of the key considerations of modern times. Across a variety of different industries, an eco-friendly approach is becoming increasingly important. This course explores how the fashion industry is striving for a more sustainable outlook. 

Starting with a look at how the sector works, you’ll then learn about some of the development goals that focus on sustainability. You’ll also address issues such as ethical trade, global supply chains, and gender equality. 

6. Understanding Depression and Low Mood in Young People 

Mental health is an important issue for everyone, especially this year. For parents, carers, and professionals, identifying and understanding depression in young people has never been so important. This course focuses on exactly that, as well as some steps you can take to help those who are struggling. 

It’s been one of our most popular and highly-rated courses this year. Over its five-week duration, you’ll cover a variety of topics, including the causes of depression, healthy habits for young people, and the importance of family self-care. 

7. Improving Your Study Techniques 

Our learners even love to learn about learning. One of our top courses of the year has been this one on study techniques. Part of its appeal is that anyone who is studying can make use of it. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone working on personal development, you can learn a host of techniques to make your studies more effective. 

As you work your way through the four weeks of learning, you’ll find out how to revise effectively, how to design study plans that meet your needs, how to reduce stress, and much more. 

8. Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) 

Computer programming is a skill that can benefit just about anyone. Whether in your personal or professional life, it has many applications. Python is one of the most popular programming languages out there, and this course is the perfect way to learn the basics. 

Not only will you learn how programs work, but you’ll also start to understand some core concepts and use Python to write a computer program. If you’re looking for a new skill to learn, this could be the ideal place to start. 

9. Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree 

The field of genealogy has long been a fascinating one. And, with recent developments in DNA technology, it’s easier than ever before to explore your ancestry. With this course, you’ll discover some of the key techniques when tracing a family tree. 

As well as getting to grips with how you can use historical records, you’ll also design your very own research plan for tracing your family history. 

10. COVID-19: Psychological First Aid 

Naturally, our look back at the best courses of 2020 wouldn’t be complete without a mention of COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of our lives over the last 12 months, making it a year like no other. During this time, our course on psychological first aid has helped many people. 

On this course, you’ll learn about how emergencies can impact mental health, as well as techniques for supporting yourself and those around you in such situations.