FutureLearn offers a range of online courses from top universities and leading organizations to help you build skills to further your career. With plans that include a limited free offering and paid unlimited package ($39.99 monthly or $244.99 annually at the time of this article’s publication), the site offers an affordable way to gain more skills, further your career, or just learn for fun.
In the guide below, I’ll give you everything you need to know about FutureLearn pricing, plans, and features so you can see if it’s the right choice for helping you reach your goals. I’ll also discuss how its pricing stacks up against other popular online learning sites.
This guide has been fully updated for 2024, so you can be confident you’re getting current, accurate info to help you make an informed decision.
What is FutureLearn?
FutureLearn is a fantastic platform offering online courses and degrees from top universities around the world. It was established in 2012 and is owned by the UK Open University.
FutureLearn is partnered with several well-known universities and colleges to provide high-quality education and superior job-related skills. They are also partnered with the British Council to increase accessibility to students in low and mid-income countries worldwide.
In addition, the massive learning platform does something different from others, offering accredited courses. So you can learn to develop a career, all from home with FutureLearn.
FutureLearn offers a variety of programs and degrees. The platform offers many free courses with the option to purchase to receive a certification.
All FutureLearn courses are created with high-quality content that helps to develop and grow industry-required skills.
FutureLearn courses vary in length of time they take to complete. Some short courses take a few weeks, while other programs span longer.
Students can choose to enroll in multiple online courses if they have the time to commit.
In addition, FutureLearn provides beautiful digital certificates upon completion of paid courses that can be used for career development, showcases on a resume or career profile.
Popular subjects on FutureLearn include:
- Business and management
- Healthcare and medicine
- Teaching
- Psychology and mental health
Regardless of whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, strengthen skills, or develop a new hobby, FutureLearn is the platform to do it with.
The platform has a massive range of subjects, categories, topics, and information suitable for all learners.
When students sign up for FutureLearn, the platform prompts them to create a profile. This is a great way to introduce yourself to other students as they come to your page to “meet” you.
FutureLearn is a great place to spend time digitally.
So what makes FutureLearn stand out? Continue reading to find out! We’re sharing all the details surrounding the fantastic learning platform. By the end of our guide, you’ll be ready to start learning!
Let’s get started with our FutureLearn pricing overview…
How Much Does FutureLearn Cost?
FutureLearn offers two different kinds of plans: Free Limited Access and Paid Unlimited Access.
Here’s a breakdown of the differences between them:
Limited Access (Free Plan)
Most of the online courses on FutureLearn can be studied free of charge. The platform does a great job at making high-quality education accessible regardless of socioeconomic status.
This plan gives you limited access to 1400+ short courses along with restricted access to course content (meaning you get lessons delivered weekly rather than all upfront).
However, you can’t access all of the course lessons up front to learn whenever and wherever, you won’t receive any certificates when you complete courses, and you won’t be able to access the course material again once you’ve completed the class.
Unlimited Access ($39.99 Monthly or $244.99 Annually)
The Unlimited Access plans from FutureLearn give you full access to everything the platform offers.
If you’re looking for accreditation, FutureLearn offers certificates that show you completed a course if you have an unlimited plan. You must complete a series of evaluations and score a particular mark to earn accreditation. For that reason, accreditations from FutureLearn mean something in the industry.
With an unlimited plan, you’ll also get immediate access to all course content, you can still access all course content after you’ve finished the class, and you can use the FutureLearn app so you can learn on the go.
FutureLearn’s Unlimited Access plans are available on a monthly or annual basis. The month-to-month plan will set you back $39.99 a month, while the annual plan is currently priced at $244.99 a year, working out to $20.42 a month.
FutureLearn for Business
This fantastic platform has an outlet for business needs as well.
Regardless of the size of the team, number of team members, or the business needs, FutureLearn has something.
FutureLearn works within the business’s budget and anticipated goals to create a high-quality training course specifically for that company. FutureLearn for Business is a great way to cultivate a learning culture, embrace new skills, and close/bridge skill gaps among employees.
It’s a great way to induce job excitement and establish common ground among teams.
FutureLearn for Business gives the admin access to track employees’ progress insights a team to establish and create relevant course content and courses that are broken into achievable steps that employees can fit into their days.
FutureLearn for business is best suited for companies who want to support and encourage a learning culture. It’s a great way to bridge gaps between teams and connect employees with each other. FutureLearn for business is a great choice for any size business.
FutureLearn for Healthcare Providers
FutureLearn offers high-quality medical courses for those in the healthcare field. Courses come from highly regarded universities and colleges and support self-paced enriching learning. These courses can help to expand knowledge and even support education for the public to improve health.
FutureLearn Cost FAQ
Are courses on FutureLearn really free?
Yes and no. Yes, you can take nearly any course free on FutureLearn. However, if you want the digital certificate and accreditation, then paying for the course is necessary. On the other hand, the free version is great for hobbyists or even to explore the platform.
What are the most popular courses on FutureLearn?
- Data Analytics Using Python
- Data Analytics For Business
- Advanced Cyber Security Training
- Software Development Fundamentals
- Introduction To Psychology
What is FutureLearn Expert Track?
FutureLearn Expert Track is a great way to accelerate career development. It aims to help you master skills in a specific area. The Expert Track is a collection of in-depth courses, practical knowledge, and more. The length of time Expert Tracks takes to complete vary significantly between each.
What kind of courses can you enjoy on FutureLearn?
FutureLearn is a massive online learning platform. You can find all kinds of courses. There are short courses, programs, Expert Tracks, Microcredentials, and more. Whatever your learning goals are, FutureLearn is the platform to check out.
FutureLearn Pricing Compared to Other Online Learning Sites
You might be wondering how FutureLearn’s pricing compares to other popular course website.
Let’s take a look:
- Coursera—$59 a month or $399 a year for a Coursera Plus subscription
- LinkedIn Learning —$39.99 for month-to-month or $240 for an annual membership
- Udemy—Individual courses sell anywhere from $19.99 to $199 each
- Skillshare—$29 a month or about $165 annually
- Udacity—$249 a year
All in all, FutureLearn’s pricing is about on par with the other comparable online learning sites.
Is FutureLearn Worth the Cost?
FutureLearn is easy to use and perfect for all levels of learners. I personally think FutureLearn is worth it, and there are lots of different plans available to fit your budget (including free options).
FutureLearn has so many great courses with raving reviews. It’s great for hobbyists, entrepreneurs, students, and more.
Wondering how FutureLearn pricing compares to other online learning sites? Check out these guides:
- Brilliant.org pricing guide
- Coursera pricing guide
- CreativeLive pricing guide
- Domestika pricing guide
- Edureka pricing guide
- edX pricing guide
- LinkedIn Learning pricing guide
- Masterclass pricing guide
- Mindvalley pricing guide
- Nas Academy pricing guide
- Pluralsight pricing guide
- Skillshare pricing guide
- Udacity pricing guide
- Udemy pricing guide
Have any questions about FutureLearn pricing and plans? Leave us a comment below.
Scott is also a contributor to numerous top industry publications, including eLearning Industry and the TalentLMS Blog, as well as a trusted expert source whose analysis has been quoted and referenced in the LA Times, Fox Business, Houston Chronicle, NEA Today, and others.
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