Free Online History Courses and Certifications 2025

This online course provides an opportunity to explore the 19th century coal mining industry, including mining labour and hardship, industrial heritage, and history. Gain a deeper understanding of this important part of our past with Coal Mining and Industrial Heritage on FutureLearn.

This tour of Lancaster Castle will explore how the site has been shaped by 2000 years of Northern English history, providing a unique insight into the stronghold's evolution.

This online course from Pompeu Fabra University Barcelona provides an introduction to Catalan society, exploring its history, language and culture. Participants will gain a better understanding of Catalonia and its people.

This online course provides an introduction to American history since 1865, covering topics such as the Civil War, Reconstruction, segregation, and US foreign policy. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of the United States with this comprehensive course.

This Durham University course provides an introduction to the use of remote sensing to protect cultural heritage in the Middle East and North Africa. Students will learn how to identify and assess archaeological sites using satellite imagery.

This free online course provides an overview of the history and purpose of the European Union (EU), exploring the motivations behind the cooperation of its member nations. Gain insight into the EU's past, present, and future.

This free online course from the University of Strathclyde provides an insight into the working lives of British railway workers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Enrol now to gain a deeper understanding of this important part of British history.

This online course from the University of Newcastle provides an introduction to European Empires, examining the major encounters Europe had with the world. Gain a deeper understanding of European history and its impact on the world.

This course offers an exciting opportunity to explore the history of Ancient Egypt through six objects. By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify the major periods of Ancient Egyptian history and refer to evidence critical to our understanding of this time. Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Ancient Egypt. This course is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating civilization and its impact on the world today.

This free online course from the University of Glasgow and Historic Royal Palaces explores the influence of British royalty on fashion over the past 500 years. Learn how royal fashion has evolved and shaped the world of fashion today.

This course explores the history of the book from 1450-1800, examining the book trade and production during the early modern period and its social impact on the reformation and scientific revolution. Gain a deeper understanding of the book industry and its role in shaping history.

This online course from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, provides the tools and techniques to help you research and build your own family tree. Gain the knowledge to uncover your family's history and discover your roots.

Toledo: Deciphering Secrets of Medieval Spain is a course that explores the rich history of Toledo, focusing on its medieval period. From the Visigoth Kingdom to Islamic rule and its eventual integration into Christian Spain, we delve into the city's cultural and religious transformations. Through virtual tours of prominent landmarks such as Museo de Santa Cruz, Iglesia de San Román, Sinagoga del Tránsito, Mezquita de Bab al-Mardum, Archivo Municipal de Toledo, and Archivo Historico de la Nobleza, we examine the coexistence of different peoples and faiths. We also study topics such as the transition of the Visigoths to Catholicism, the treatment of the Jewish population, Islamic governance, and the intellectual achievements of King Alfonso "The Wise." Furthermore, we analyze the contributions of Jewish and converso noble families, the rise of anti-Jewish statutes, the Inquisition, and the expulsion of Jews. Through the exploration of Spanish manuscripts, we aim to uncover new insights into the interrelations between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. No knowledge of Spanish is required to participate in the course or transcription efforts.

This online course from the University of Glasgow provides an in-depth exploration of Scottish history through the lens of Highland clans. Gain a greater understanding of this fascinating history with this comprehensive course.

The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry is an adaptation of an on-campus course that has been co-taught by Murray Baumgarten and Peter Kenez for over 20 years at UC Santa Cruz. This course explores the Holocaust from the overlapping perspectives of literature and history, through memoirs, historical documents, poetry, documentary footage, filmic representations, and novels. Students will gain an understanding of the literature of the Holocaust, Eastern and Western European Jewish communities, the origins and development of antisemitism, the establishment of labor and extermination camps, resistance movements, and the Holocaust as a problem for world history. Students can complete all activities for a Verified Certificate or only the activities that are most interesting to them.

This free online course explores the life and times of King Richard III, the Wars of the Roses, and 15th century culture in England. Gain insight into this fascinating period of history.