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TLDR: FutureLearn vs LinkedIn Learning
If you’re looking to upskill, both FutureLearn and LinkedIn Learning are great options, but there are a few differences to be aware of.
FutureLearn is ideal for people who wish to polish or gain new skills fast as well as those who want to sign up for an accredited program from a reputable university. Another key difference is the course topics. Where LinkedIn Learning is more business and marketing orientated, FutureLearn has a much broader offering ranging from IT and science to medicine.
In terms of the cost, it all depends on the type of qualification you’re interested in. Some courses are free while others cost thousands of dollars.
LinkedIn Learning has a much simpler structure and is mostly suited to those interested in tech, business, and marketing-related courses. The platform doesn’t offer accredited programs, but it can be a more affordable option if you’re interested in long-term learning.
FutureLearn vs LinkedIn Learning: Who Is It For?
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a good choice for students who want a qualification from an accredited institution and are willing to spend a little more to get it. Free courses are also available if you would like to try the platform out first and get a feel for the course structures.
The platform offers a wider selection of course topics too, so you aren’t limited to business and tech-related courses like you are on LinkedIn Learning.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a top choice among business and tech professioanls who want to enhance their resumes and portfolios with new skills and certifications. While some courses are longer, most of them can be completed in less than an hour, ideal for people who already work full-time jobs.
And since LinkedIn Learning is subscription-based, it’s a good choice for anyone looking to invest in online learning over the long term.
FutureLearn vs LinkedIn Learning: Types of Courses Offered
FutureLearn
FutureLearn online courses are available across 14 different categories, including:
- IT and Computer Science
- Healthcare and Medicine
- Business and Management
- Science, Engineering, and Maths
- Psychology and Mental Health
- Creative Arts and Media
- History
- Language
- Law
- Literature
- Nature and Environment
- Politics and Society
- Study Skills
- Teaching
FutureLearn also offers several types of courses:
- Short Courses. FutureLearn short courses are the most popular learning paths on the platform. They allow learners to gain new skills quickly and advance their careers. The average course duration is 3 weeks, with a suggested learning pace of three hours per week.
- ExpertTracks. ExpertTracks are series of courses grouped around a single topic. Most ExpertTracks consist of up to 4 courses, but some are made up of as much as 8. An ExpertTrack can last anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the complexity of the topic and the number of courses it includes.
- Microcredentials. Microcredential programs are mostly suitable for post-graduate students who wish to upskill in fast-growing industries without having to pay for a whole degree. These programs are only made up of a single course, but the duration is often more than 10 weeks.
- Degrees. Degrees offered by FutureLearn are from world-renowned universities and educational institutions. The platform offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The duration of the program can vary from 1 to 3+ years.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers courses across 3 main categories:
- Business
- Creative
- Technology
Each category consists of numerous subcategories. Some of the most popular include:
- Business Analysis and Strategy
- Project Management
- Small Business and Entrepreneurs
- Professional Development
- Web Design
- Motion Graphics and VFX
- User Experience
- Mobile Development
- Software Development
- Database Management
After completing any course, students receive a LinkedIn Learning certificate of completion that they can share on their profiles – these certificates are not accredited though.
There is also a Certification category on the website where you can choose from a range of prep and CEU courses from the world’s most popular tech companies. Some examples include Adobe, Amazon Web Services, Cisco, Docker, Google, LEED, Linux Professional Institute, and Microsoft.
FutureLearn vs LinkedIn Learning: Pricing & Refunds
FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers a number of free courses across many subjects. However, if you want to reap all the benefits offered by the eLearning site, the Unlimited subscription program is recommended. The cost is $27.99 per month, which gives users access to all short courses available on the platform.
There are also courses that have a once-off cost, starting from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity and length of the program.
In terms of cancellations, you can end your Unlimited subscription at any time. You can still access any courses you signed up for and completed before the cancellation though.
As for refunds, they can be requested under the following conditions:
- No more than 14 days after the purchase.
- No tests have been completed for any courses.
- No statements of participation or certificates of completion have been received.
ExpertTrack and subscription courses offer a 7-day free trial. If you don’t want to be charged for the subscription, make sure you cancel it before the free trial ends. No refunds are offered for ExpertTrack and subscription courses.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is mainly a subscription service but learners can purchase individual courses too.
The price for the monthly subscription is $29.99 or $19.99 per month if you purchase an annual subscription. Both plans offer a 30-day trial, giving learners enough time to get used to the platform and decide whether it will meet their learning goals.
There is a 30-day refund guarantee for individual courses, but no refunds are available for the Premium subscription.
As far as cancellation is concerned, you can easily cancel your learning subscription from your profile. After doing so, you will still have access to all completed courses as well as any free courses.
FutureLearn vs LinkedIn Learning: Enrolment & Usability
FutureLearn
FutureLearn’s platform is easily accessible, user-friendly, and intuitive. And all you need to sign up is your name and email address – users can also use their Google or Facebook accounts.
Once you create your account, you can complete your student profile so that your peers can get to know you better. This is an optional step though.
Students qualify for a certificate of achievement once they complete at least 90% of the material and score over 70% on the necessary test questions and assignments. If you sign up for a free course, you have to upgrade to get the certificate.
LinkedIn Learning
If you have a LinkedIn account, you are already registered for LinkedIn Learning too. You can easily access the platform from your LinkedIn profile, but will need to enter your payment details.
New users who aren’t on LinkedIn will need to create an account.
LinkedIn Learning is very similar to the general LinkedIn platform, so you won’t have a problem navigating it. Simply search for course topics you’re interested in and click on your chosen course to sign up immediately.
FutureLearn vs LinkedIn Learning: Course Structures
FutureLearn
FutureLearn courses are usually divided into several modules. Each week is dedicated to a specific module and includes small assignments that learners need to complete. All activities build upon the previous week’s content, so it’s best to complete all modules.
Along with written material, most FutureLearn courses include videos, audio clips, and quizzes.
As you move through a course, each module is marked as complete, making it easier for you to track your progress.
There is even a comment feature, allowing you to ask questions and discuss topics with your peers and course instructors.
Unfortunately, FutureLearn doesn’t have a mobile app, so you can’t always learn on the go.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning courses consist of short videos (often less than 10 minutes) as well as assessments and exercise files.
Courses are divided into sections and chapters, so learners are never confused about the topics that will follow. You can even download videos for offline use and write your own feedback.
Despite the flexibility of being able to learn on the go via the LinkedIn Learning app, these courses are not as engaging and interactive as those offered on FutureLearn.
The Verdict
Both LinkedIn Learning and FutureLearn offer plenty of useful programs for boosting your skills or pursuing a new career path. The main difference between the two is mainly the variety of topics as well as the qualifications offered.
How much time you have available to dedicate to online learning also matters. LinkedIn Learning is generally a better choice for busy professionals who only have a few hours to spare every week.
Ready to sign up?