The lockdown has created the opportunity to learn a new skill or brush up on your skill set and enhance your knowledge. If you are in search of something productive while self -isolating, enrolling yourself into online courses offered by renowned universities across the world is a great option.

The University of Sheffield, UK in partnership with FutureLearn, has a number of free, online taster courses to help you try a subject, meet academic staff and get a taste of university life, and they can also be used to support your career development and professional ambitions.

These no-obligation courses are an excellent way to evidence your learning and interest in a topic, especially when considering an application to university.

Free taster courses

How to Succeed at: Writing Applications

This free three-week course will help you produce a perfect CV, application and online profile when applying for a job or course.

Experts from The Careers Service here at The University of Sheffield share their top tips to help you write exceptional applications, CVs (or résumés), covering letters and personal statements.

You’ll also hear from employers and admissions tutors to find out what they really look for in a candidate. And once you’ve written that perfect application, prepare for the next stage with our course: How to Succeed at: Interviews.

How to Succeed at: Interviews

This free three-week course provides the tools you need to succeed at interviews and land your dream job or course place.

Being offered an interview is exciting but can be quite daunting. On this course, our experts from The Careers Service here at The University of Sheffield will make sure you are prepared for the big day.

Robotics: Building a Future with Robots

Explore the role of robots and autonomous systems in the factories, homes, hospitals, schools and cars of our near future.

English Literature:  Literature of the English Country House

Take a journey through the literature of English country houses, from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde.

Law: Crime, Justice and Society

Explore the role of the state in regulating criminal behaviour and the parts played by those in the criminal justice system.

Forensics: Forensic Facial Reconstruction

Learn about the forensic technique of facial reconstruction from the experts involved in a real crime case.

Engineering: How to Write a Technical Report

Get an introduction to technical report writing? Find out how to communicate your ideas through well-written engineering reports.

Data: Making Sense of Data in the Media

Learn what numbers reveal, when and why they mislead, and how to spot fake news.

Social Sciences: The Importance of Play in Everyday Life

Understanding the nature and value of play through the course of our lives, across cultures and communities.