Systems thinking and practice
Systems thinking and practice is a self-paced online course delivered by The Open University (OpenLearn). It is free, takes about 8 hours, and awards a statement of participation (free).
FreeChecked on 7 October 2026
- Relevance to work
- 2.4 / 3
- Cost and access
- 2 / 2
- Provider
- 2 / 2
- Credential
- 0.8 / 1.5
- Currency
- 0.45 / 1.5
- Total
- 7.7 / 10
Provider learner rating: 4.3 out of 5 from 30 ratings on OpenLearn course page, as at 2026-10-07
Key facts
| Cost | FreeFree. Free statement of participation on completion. Free OpenLearn account needed. |
|---|---|
| Time | 8 hours (provider stated) |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Format | self-paced online |
| Prerequisites | none |
| Credential | statement of participation (free) |
| Open to | Worldwide |
| Free in | Worldwide |
| Content written for | Any country |
| Last checked | 2026-10-07 |
Topics:Judgement and decisions
Things to know
- Last updated by the provider in 2019
- Statement of participation only, no badge
- Module names are summarised from the provider's stated outcomes
Summary
An eight-hour Open University course that introduces the language and tools of systems thinking and shows how to use them to improve messy, real-world situations. It explains what sets systems thinking apart from other approaches and treats systems as something the observer defines, not something fixed.
Why it's listed
Builds Systems thinking, number 10 on the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2025 core skills list.
Also supports Analytical thinking.
From the course: Outcomes on systems concepts and applying systems thinking to improve situations
See how the AI Adaptation Profile treats Systems thinkingYou will be able to
- Use systems concepts and language with confidence
- Explain what makes systems thinking different
- Apply systems thinking to improve a real situation
- Recognise that a system is defined by the person looking at it
Modules
- What is systems thinking
- Systems concepts and language
- Systems as constructs of the observer
- Applying systems thinking in practice
Who it suits
Anyone who deals with complex problems at work, especially people who coordinate across teams or processes.
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 on completion. Free OpenLearn account needed. Checked 7 October 2026 against the provider's own page.
The Open University Systems thinking and practice takes about 8 hours.
Yes. The Open University awards a free statement of participation for The Open University Systems thinking and practice.
The Open University Systems thinking and practice is best for anyone who deals with complex problems at work, especially people who coordinate across teams or processes.
ApplyAI rates The Open University Systems thinking and practice 3.9 out of 5. Best for anyone who deals with complex problems at work, especially people who coordinate across teams or processes. Watch for: Last updated by the provider in 2019.
Sources
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