Planning a better future

Planning a better future is a self-paced online course delivered by The Open University (OpenLearn). It is free, takes about 15 hours, and awards a digital badge and statement of participation (free).

FreeChecked on 7 October 2026

Our rating4.2How we rate courses
Relevance to work
2.4 / 3
Cost and access
2 / 2
Provider
2 / 2
Credential
1.5 / 1.5
Currency
0.45 / 1.5
Total
8.3 / 10

Provider learner rating: 5 out of 5 from 6 ratings on OpenLearn course page, as at 2026-10-07

Key facts

CostFreeFree. Free statement of participation and Open University digital badge on completion. Free OpenLearn account needed.
Time15 hours (provider stated)
LevelBeginner
Formatself-paced online
Prerequisitesnone
Credentialdigital badge and statement of participation (free)
Open toWorldwide
Free inWorldwide
Content written forAny country
Last checked2026-10-07

Topics:Self-managementTeams and careers

Free Open University digital badge15 hoursRated 5.0 by 6 learnersUniversity backed

Things to know

  • Last updated by the provider in 2020
  • Few learner ratings so far
  • Module names are summarised from the stated outcomes

Summary

A 15-hour badged Open University course that helps you take stock of where you are, where you want to be and what is in the way. It looks at how change affects you and your options, then turns that into clear goals and next steps. It suits people changing jobs or returning to work.

Why it's listed

Builds Motivation and self-awareness, number 5 on the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2025 core skills list.

Also supports Resilience, flexibility and agility.

From the course: Outcomes on reflecting on where you are, understanding change and setting goals

See how the AI Adaptation Profile treats Motivation and self-awareness

You will be able to

  • Reflect on where you are now and where you want to be
  • Understand how change affects you and what options you have
  • Set realistic goals
  • Decide on your next actions

Modules

  1. Where are you now
  2. Where do you want to be
  3. Understanding change and your options
  4. Setting goals
  5. Planning your next steps

Who it suits

People changing jobs, returning to work or rethinking their direction because of AI and other changes at work.

Who is behind it

Delivered by
The Open University
Hosted on
OpenLearn (open.edu/openlearn)
Funded by
Not stated
Partners
Not stated

Related courses

Questions

Yes. It is free for anyone, anywhere in the world. Free. Free statement of participation and Open University digital badge on completion. Free OpenLearn account needed. Checked 7 October 2026 against the provider's own page.

The Open University Planning a better future takes about 15 hours.

Yes. The Open University awards a free digital badge and statement of participation for The Open University Planning a better future.

The Open University Planning a better future is best for people changing jobs, returning to work or rethinking their direction because of AI and other changes at work.

ApplyAI rates The Open University Planning a better future 4.2 out of 5. Best for people changing jobs, returning to work or rethinking their direction because of AI and other changes at work. Watch for: Last updated by the provider in 2020.

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Sources

Company names and logos belong to their owners and are used only to identify their courses. ApplyAI is independent and is not endorsed by, affiliated with or paid by any provider. Prices and details are as at the check date; confirm on the provider's site.