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TLDR: FutureLearn vs edX: An Overview
If you’re looking to build your way up to a degree or actually sign up for an online degree, both FutureLearn and edX are viable options.
Each platform has partnered with reputable colleges and universities to bring you accredited qualifications that will boost your career. However, if you would prefer to have a wider selection of degree courses and types, edX is where you need to be.
edX has also partnered with far more universities and colleges than FutureLearn has, hence the wider selection.
In terms of pricing, there isn’t a significant difference between FutureLearn vs edX, but edX does let you try most of its courses for free before you commit (except master’s degrees). Some short FutureLearn courses are free too.
In the end, choosing between these two sites mainly comes down to what you want to study and if there’s a particular institution you want to study through.
FutureLearn vs edX: Who Is It For?
FutureLearn
Like many other Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs,) FutureLearn offers a broad selection of online courses and degrees. But, because the platform is based in the UK, they have mainly partnered with universities within the country.
Students who have always wanted to study through institutions such as the University College London may want to consider FutureLearn. And for students who aren’t entirely sure about the degree they want to pursue, there are also short courses and micro-credentials, which can prepare you for a degree.
FutureLearn is also ideal for students who prefer a more engaging learning experience. Along with video content, learners can also leave comments and interact with their educators and fellow learners.
edX
If you are feeling unsure about a particular degree or career path, edX gives you the option to try their courses for free, excluding master’s degrees.
It’s also ideal for students who would prefer to choose from a more diverse selection of universities, colleges, and degrees.
One-on-one tutoring is another offering you will find on the edX platform, providing you with more academic support to accelerate your path to success.
Finally, edX is the preferred choice for mobile users, as both iOS and Android app versions are available.
FutureLearn vs edX: Types of Courses Offered
FutureLearn
One of the first decisions you need to make when signing up on FutureLearn is what you want to achieve. The learning platform has four types of courses for your consideration.
- Short Courses. These are one-off courses on a single subject and last anywhere between two and four weeks. Anyone can audit these courses for free, but if you want to earn a FutureLearn certificate, you’ll need to pay for an upgrade.
- ExpertTracks. With ExpertTracks, you can bundle short courses, attend in-depth training on various program languages, and master a skill in a specialist area. You can also earn a digital certificate that will look great on your resume.
- Micro-credentials. This is a very popular type of course. FutureLearn micro-credentials allow you to pursue further study in a specialized field and help you prepare for a degree.
- Online Degrees. Lastly, there is the option of earning an accredited degree from a leading university.
In terms of the course categories, here are some of the main options you can expect:
- Business & Management
- Language
- Law
- Teaching
- Healthcare & Medicine
- IT & Computer Sciences
- Psychology & Mental Health
edX
EdX offers a whole range of exceptional courses, and some of them can pave the way to a brand-new career. In terms of course categorization, edX offers a little bit more than FutureLearn.
- Courses and Series. These are best for learners who don’t need to do a deep dive into a specific topic but still want to sign up for a course from the best universities.
- Professional Programs. These career-focused courses are centered around skills you can use every day at work. Professional certificates take anywhere from three to nine months to complete. You can also try the Executive Education program that provides a more intensive learning experience, or a Boot Camp program, which includes one-on-one tutoring.
- Micro-Credentials. EdX also offers MicroBachelors and MicroMasters programs, which prepare you for a degree. For example, you can enroll in a MicroBachelors Professional Writing Program from Arizona State University.
- Master’s Degrees. With edX, you can get a master’s degree from some of the best universities in the world. You get access to a first-rate curriculum entirely online, and with all the flexibility you need.
In terms of course categories, here is some of what you can expect:
- Business Management
- Data Analysis & Statistics
- Law
- Medicine
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Biology & Life Sciences
- Literature
- Physics
FutureLearn vs edX: Pricing & Refunds
FutureLearn
Without a doubt, FutureLearn’s free courses are the most popular on the platform – you don’t need to pay anything to sign up. However, this means you can’t take tests or get grades for your assignments.
If you want to earn the basic FutureLearn certificate and get the course materials, you’ll need to pay between $39 and $89. If you’re going to get an ExpertTracks bundle, you can try the seven-day free trial and see if it’s worth the upgrade.
Microcredential courses vary in terms of price, but they’re all between $640 and $1,200. As for online degrees, the prices aren’t listed directly on the website. Therefore, you’ll need to choose the program and then request more information.
FutureLearn also allows bulk purchasing, sponsored courses, and even scholarships and financial aid. Learners can claim a refund if need be, but only if you contact FutureLearn support directly and within 14 days of purchase.
edX
One question we often hear is, “Is edX free?” Apart from the master’s degree program, you can try any edX course for free. However, to earn a credential, college credit, or digital certificate, you will need to pay an appropriate price.
Short Courses start at $99 and XSeries Programs at $135. You can expect to pay around $299 or more for Professional Certificate programs, $499 for MicroBachelors, and a minimum of $600 for MicroMasters.
The lowest price for a master’s degree is $10,000. The platform also offers financial assistance and learners can unenroll from courses within 14 days after purchase.
FutureLearn vs edX: Enrollment and Usability
FutureLearn
Registering on FutureLearn is very straightforward. All you need to do is use your email to create an account. The platform makes it easier by also allowing you to register with your Google or Facebook account.
However, keep in mind that the account should reflect your real name, as the name you enter is what will appear on your FutureLearn certificate. Once you setup your profile and add an image, you can start creating a course wish list.
Browsing through courses is effortless too. You can either browse according to the type of qualification you’re interested in or start with one of the primary course categories.
edX
You can sign up on edX with your Google, Facebook, Apple, or Microsoft account.
You will be asked to provide your current level of education and specify your gender, but you can skip this if need be. Immediately after you register, you will be redirected to the Explore Courses page.
You’ll see drop-down menus at the top of the screen that will guide you through program categories and types of courses. You can also set up your profile, check out your edX dashboard, and always rely on the search bar when you’re looking for something specific.
FutureLearn vs. edX: Course Structures
FutureLearn
Learners will encounter different types of material when signing up for a course on FutureLearn. Keep in mind that free courses will have the least diverse learning structure.
In general, a FutureLearn course will mostly include reading material, video, and audio files. Articles and polls are used to prompt a discussion among peers and educators, while assignments and quizzes help test your knowledge and take you one step further to a certification.
You can also participate in assignment reviews, where everyone receives feedback from other learners.
How often you’ll need to submit assignments will vary from one program to the next, but that is something you’ll know about in advance.
Most courses are self-paced, except for degrees, which require students to follow a specific schedule.
edX
When it comes to course structure, edX is quite different from FutureLearn. In fact, it doesn’t have a specific course structure, as it relies on its partners to create them.
You can read about a specific course or program on edX, but once you enroll, you’ll be redirected to the institution’s site, where you’ll follow their course structure.
In general, however, courses consist of reading and video material, along with assignments and exams.
Some courses on edX also have course handouts, which contain valuable tools to assist you throughout the course.
In terms of course duration and timing, some courses are self-paced, while courses run through universities tend to follow a specific timeline.
The Verdict: Is There a Clear Winner?
If you’re still wondering Is edX legit? or whether FutureLearn can help you take your career to the next level, you can rest easy. Both platforms are fully legit, accredited, and offer some fantastic programs.
edX and FutureLearn give you the chance to try the platforms for free before paying for a course and both offer an impressive selection of course topics and qualification types. The question is mainly what you want to study and if you have a specific institution or organization in mind.
The choice is yours.
For more reviews on top eLearning platforms, click here.