Online courses & hobbies for expats in the UK
From creative skills and professional development to university-accredited certificates — vetted online learning platforms to help you grow, stay curious and build a fulfilling life after your move to the UK.
Browse providers ↓Online learning platforms for expats in the UK
Vetted courses and learning platforms — reviewed by our editorial team for quality, value and relevance to expats settling into UK life.
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Learn from world-class instructors including Gordon Ramsay, Annie Leibovitz and Neil Gaiman. MasterClass offers beautifully produced video courses across cooking, writing, photography, music, sports and business — ideal for expats looking to invest in a new creative hobby.
Over 220,000 courses covering technology, business, design, marketing, personal development and more. Udemy's self-paced format and lifetime access make it a popular choice for expats upskilling for the UK job market or exploring a new interest at their own pace.
University-accredited certificates and degrees from institutions including Yale, Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh. Coursera's Professional Certificates and online degrees are particularly valuable for expats looking to build UK-recognised credentials in data science, business and technology.
A subscription platform with thousands of short, project-based classes in illustration, graphic design, photography, film-making, animation and more. Skillshare's community-led format encourages hands-on practice — well suited to expats looking to develop a creative hobby or freelance skill.
The UK's largest university by student numbers, offering flexible distance-learning degrees, postgraduate qualifications and short courses fully recognised by UK employers. Particularly well suited to expats who want a UK-accredited qualification without attending a campus — covering law, science, business, education and the humanities.
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Why invest in learning after moving to the UK?
Relocating to the UK is an enormous transition — and the first months can feel isolating even for the most confident movers. Investing in a new skill or course is one of the most effective ways to build a daily routine, meet people and develop a sense of purpose during the settling-in period.
The UK has a strong culture of lifelong learning. Evening classes, online certifications and distance-learning degrees are widely respected by employers, and many expats find that upskilling while settling in gives them a competitive edge in a new job market. Whether you want to pivot careers, deepen an existing skill or simply keep your mind active, the platforms above offer flexible, high-quality options that work around a busy relocation schedule.
Creative hobbies in particular can be a powerful anchor during a move. Photography, illustration, writing and music all offer communities — both online and in-person — that help expats build friendships outside of work. Many of the platforms listed here have active student communities and project-sharing features that go well beyond the course itself.
For those seeking formal UK credentials, The Open University and Coursera's university-affiliated programmes are your best starting points. Both are well regarded by UK employers and offer the flexibility to study part-time around a new job or family commitments.
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All Lifestyle →Hobbies & learning in the UK — FAQ
It depends on what you want to learn. For creative hobbies — photography, writing, cooking, music — MasterClass offers the highest production quality and most inspiring instructors. For professional skills and career development, Udemy's vast library and regular sales make it excellent value. For formally recognised UK qualifications, Coursera's university partnerships and The Open University are the strongest options. If you want to explore a broad creative interest without committing to one subject, Skillshare's subscription model is worth trying first.
Awareness varies by sector and seniority. Coursera's university-branded certificates — particularly those from partner institutions like Imperial College London or the University of Edinburgh — are widely recognised and respected. Udemy certificates are increasingly accepted in technology, project management and digital marketing roles, particularly when paired with a portfolio or demonstrated skills. For roles requiring formal accreditation, The Open University's qualifications carry the same weight as those from any UK university.
Meetup.com is the most widely used platform for finding local interest groups in UK cities — covering everything from book clubs and language exchanges to hiking, board games and art classes. Facebook Groups are also active for local hobby communities, particularly outside major cities. Local councils often publish adult education and leisure class schedules on their websites, and many public libraries offer free or low-cost workshops. Your local leisure centre is also worth checking for classes in art, fitness, swimming and music.
Yes — The Open University is a distance-learning institution, so most programmes do not require a Student visa. As long as you are legally resident in the UK (on a Skilled Worker visa, Family visa, ILR or any other leave to remain), you can enrol in the vast majority of OU courses and degrees without any visa implications. Fees for some programmes may vary depending on your residency status, so it is worth checking the OU's funding and fees page directly for your specific situation.
Yes. Coursera offers free audit access to many of its courses if you do not need the certificate. The Open University's OpenLearn platform provides hundreds of free short courses at no cost. The BBC offers free learning resources including language learning tools via BBC Learning English and BBC Skillswise. YouTube remains an excellent source of free tutorials across creative, professional and academic subjects. Many UK public libraries also provide free access to platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and Kanopy through their digital membership.
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