Posted by If you’ve ever doubted how modern internet technology impacts everything in our world, the fact that degrees and diplomas can now be completed online and from the comfort of your home is now enough proof that anything can be achieved.
Today, it is now easy to complete educational programs entirely online. And if you have a passion specifically for psychology for example, you must continue reading this article to get a list of free online psychology courses for beginners like yourself, that you can complete from the comfort of your home.
So, are you interested in gaining a foundational understanding of psychology but don’t have the relocation budget or time to enroll in college courses? Then these 15 free online psychology courses for beginners are just what you need.
Whether you’re looking to gain more knowledge on a specific topic, or just want to brush up on your general understanding of psychological principles, these free online psychology courses are sure to be helpful.
Overview of the Psychology Profession
As the demand for mental health professionals increases, the field of psychology is expanding its reach. With more and more people wanting to pursue a career in psychology, there are many free online psychology courses available for beginners. These courses provide an introduction to the fundamentals of psychology, such as understanding motivation and emotions, evaluating research methods, and discovering the basics of brain behavior and neuroscience.
In 2023, completing one or more free online psychology courses could help you kickstart your career in this growing industry. And with advancements in technology, these courses are becoming increasingly interactive and user-friendly. You can expect a wide range of topics covered in such courses that will equip you with all the necessary skills to become a successful psychologist by 2023.
What are Some Popular Psychology Courses Available to Beginners Online for Free?
Learning about psychology can be a great way to gain insight into your own behavior and to better understand the people around you.
There are several courses out there that will teach you how to hone your psycho-analytical mind and go ahead to pursue great things as a psychologist.
Some of these courses focus on providing a general, beginner overview of what psychology is, and how it affects human behavior; while others offer something more specific in areas like:
- Social Psychology;
- Emotional and behavioral psychology;
- Emotional intelligence;
- Neurobiology; and many more.
The List of the 15 Free Online Psychology Courses for Beginners
Are you interested in learning more about psychology? If so, then check out this list of the top 15 free online psychology courses for beginners. With these courses, you can gain a greater understanding of topics like cognitive development, emotion and motivation, behavioral analysis, and even how to work with people.
- Psychological First Aid (PFA) by Coursera × John Hopkins Open Education Lab
- Social Psychology Network Course
- Introduction to Psychology by MIT OpenCourseWare
- The Science of Happiness by the University of California Berkeley
- Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Open Learn
- Managing Stress & Overcoming Anxiety by the University of Oxford Podcasts
- Positive Psychology by Coursera
- Social Psychology by Wesleyan University × Coursera
- The Arts & Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs by Coursera
- The Psychology, Biology & Politics of Food by Open Yale Courses
- The Theories of Emotional Intelligence Explained by Coursera × University of Michigan
- Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life by Coursera
- IAP Career College — Psychology Certificate Course
- Open Source Platforms: Alison
- Open Source Platforms: Udemy.
15 Free Online Psychology Courses for Beginners
There are plenty of free online psychology courses available to the public which provide a great opportunity for beginners to learn more about this fascinating field. From understanding the basics of personality and behavior to exploring the latest research in neuroscience and social science, these courses will provide an introduction to the exciting world of psychology. With options ranging from self-paced tutorials to interactive webinars, there is something for everyone looking to develop their knowledge in this area.
Let’s explore all the highlighted courses in detail.
1. Psychology First Aid (PFA) Course by John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University introduced a unique Psychology First Aid (PFA) Course for those who are interested in exploring the psychological sciences. This free online course is designed for beginners and provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology. It covers various topics like mental health, stress management, learning disabilities, trauma, and much more.
The PFA Course is an excellent option for anyone who wants to pursue an online psychology degree or just wants to learn more about psychology in general. It’s also a great way to gain practical skills that can help you improve your personal life and career prospects. With this course, you can become equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to better understand yourself and those around you.
2. Social Psychology Network Course
This course is designed for beginners who are interested in learning more about social psychology, a field of study that focuses on how people think, act, and interact with one another. Learn about different topics such as group behavior, social influence, aggression, and prejudice.
By taking this course, you will be able to gain knowledge in the field of psychology with an emphasis on understanding social behavior. You will also have access to several online resources to help you understand key concepts as well as complete tasks related to your studies.
3. Introduction to Psychology by MIT OpenCourseWare
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, by far one of the most prestigious universities in the world, is one of the many global schools committed to advancing education through available technologies.
One of these implementations is the multiple open-learning courses called “MOOCs” where students from anywhere in the world can participate in any free course of their choice—taught and administered by the school itself.
One of these free online courses from MIT is Prof. John Gabrieli’s “Introduction to Psychology” course which focuses heavily on studying human nature, behavioral patterns, and how they thrive in social settings.
It is widely available for download (for free) for anyone who’s keen on getting started with this program.
4. The Science of Happiness by the University of California Berkeley
The Science of Happiness course by the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center was created by the research center to study how mental stress affects ordinary people and how they can turn this around to lead meaningful happier lives.
The Science of Happiness is their flagship course; it is free and open for anyone who is looking for where they can learn psychology online for free—whether you are a UCB student or not.
5. Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Open Learn
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common and challenging mental health issues that many people face, especially during childhood and adolescence. If you’re looking to learn more about ADHD, Open Learn has some great free online psychology courses for beginners to help you understand the disorder.
Open University offers online psychology degrees as well as a wide range of other courses for those interested in learning about mental health. You can find out how to learn psychology online for free from the various resources provided by Open Learn, including videos, articles, and lectures. With these resources, you can gain a better understanding of ADHD and how to recognize it in children and adults alike.
6. Managing Stress & Overcoming Anxiety by the University of Oxford Podcasts
The University of Oxford has created a series of podcasts that can help you manage stress and overcome anxiety. For those looking to start learning psychology, the podcasts provide an array of free online psychology courses for beginners. Furthermore, the podcasts also provide guidance on how to learn psychology online for free as well as information about available online psychology degrees.
7. Positive Psychology by Coursera
Positive Psychology by Coursera is a great way to learn the fundamentals of psychology from the comfort of your own home. It’s an online course, so you can access it from any device, no matter where you are. Plus, it’s free! You don’t have to pay anything to get started.
The course provides an introduction to basic psychological theories and principles that can help you understand yourself and others better.
8. Social Psychology by Wesleyan University × Coursera
Wesleyan University in conjunction with Coursera offers free online psychology courses for beginners. With these courses, you can get an introduction to the science of social psychology and gain a better understanding of how people think, feel, and behave in various social situations.
You’ll learn about topics such as cognitive biases, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and more. These courses are designed to equip you with the skills needed to pursue a career in psychology or even just apply psychological principles in your everyday life.
9. The Arts & Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs by Coursera
The Arts & Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs course by Coursera is a free online psychology course designed to help beginners understand the complexities of relationships.
This course offers an in-depth look at human needs, how they influence our relationships, and how to build healthy ones. It covers topics such as understanding emotions, communication skills, and relationship dynamics.
10. The Psychology, Biology & Politics of Food by Open Yale Courses
Open Yale Courses provide a unique opportunity to learn about the psychology, biology, and politics of food. The course is free and open to anyone who wants to explore these complex topics in depth. It is a great way for beginners to learn psychology online for free, as well as open up opportunities to pursue an online psychology degree.
11. The Theories of Emotional Intelligence Explained by the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is known as one of the top universities in the world. And fortunately, it is among those schools providing a free online psychology course for beginners.
From learning the basics of interpreting emotions to more advanced concepts like motivation and decision-making, this course will give students a comprehensive overview of this fascinating topic.
12. Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life by Coursera
The Neurobiology of Everyday Life by Coursera is the perfect free online course for beginners who want to learn more about psychology.
This comprehensive course will cover all the basics of psychology, from neuroscience to behaviorism. You will learn about the anatomy of the brain and nervous systems, how emotions are formed, and how external stimuli affect our thoughts and actions.
13. Psychology Certificate Course by IAP Career College
The IAP Career College is yet another top school on this list. It offers part-time certificate programs that can be completed entirely online. And for free.
Their courses are aimed at beginners who want to learn psychology online for free.
14. Alison
Alison is an online learning platform that offers a range of free online psychology courses for beginners. Whether you are looking to gain knowledge in psychology or pursue an online psychology degree, the platform provides a wide variety of courses to choose from to help you develop your skills.
Some psychology offered on the platform range from several categories like social psychology, mental health, and behavioral psychology.
15. Udemy
Udemy offers a wide range of free online psychology courses for beginners, making it easier than ever to learn psychology from the comfort of your own home. With Udemy, you can gain skills in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and clinical psychology.
FAQs About Free Online Psychology Courses for Beginners
What are some good free online psychology courses for beginners?
This question largely depends on what you’re looking for. Most of the free online psychology courses we have covered on this list are majorly for beginners. That being said, it is difficult to find specialization psychology courses that are free on the internet. If this is what you are looking for, then consider paying for diplomas and degree programs.
Do I need any prior knowledge of psychology to take these courses?
No, these courses are for beginners who are either curious about psychology or want to pursue a career in it. In the case of the latter, these courses provide a good starting point.
Do I get a certificate for completing these courses?
Some of these courses offer certificates, while others don’t.
Are these courses accredited?
Most of these courses are not accredited, as they are not designed to replace a formal education in psychology. However, they provide a good starting point to teach you about psychology.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, the internet has opened up the world of psychology to anyone with an internet connection. You can find free online psychology courses for beginners, as well as more advanced courses and even online psychology degrees. Furthermore, you can learn about various topics related to psychology for free through self-paced learning materials and tutorials. With so many options available, now is the perfect time to start exploring the fascinating field of psychology.