11 SITES FOR FREE ENVIRONMENTAL COURSES ONLINE IN 2024

Free environmental courses online to help you learn about this planet we call home

 
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If you want to get started in an environmental career, then take a look at these websites for free environmental courses online, updated for 2024!

Whether you’re studying for an environmental science degree or are an environmental professional looking to pad out their knowledge, or are aiming for a career change or an environmental career without the uni debt, there are loads of free environmental courses online available to help you get a foot in the door or improve your knowledge.

Whatever your interests and wherever you are at in life, you will find an environmental course, wildlife course, or conservation course here to stimulate new interests, build your career, or help you learn new skills. I got very carried away while putting this together, and long story short I am now on track to gain 1 diploma, 2 certificates, and am registered on about 12 other courses. Wish me luck!

PS: If you want more wildlife conservation action from home, check out my popular resource for places to volunteer for wildlife conservation online or relax at home with these wildlife livestreams.

This site is host to literally thousands of free online courses created by world-leading institutes, including Harvard University and MIT, so you can enjoy all the learning without all the debt! They have an eclectic mix of free environmental courses, including Online Sustainability Courses, Conservation Biology, and Nature Masterclasses. My favourite environmental science course is #EarthOptimism, which teaches you how to utilise Twitter (X) to share positive conservation news.

Person looking at the view from a mountain top, representing the free environmental courses online offered by OpenLearn, including Nature and Environment Online Course, Environmental Biology, Nature Masterclasses, and Online Sustainability Courses.

The Open University is the groundbreaking distance learning institution where you can study from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection, but did you know that they have a huge number of free environmental courses online too? They have an enormous nature and environment online course section, including Environmental Biology, Nature Masterclasses, and Online Sustainability Courses, giving you hours of fun!

Elephants walking towards a safari truck, representing the free wildlife courses offered by Wildlife Campus, including online zoology courses, nature science, wildlife conservation courses, marine zoology, and online zoology programmes.

Wildlife Campus has a fantastic array of both affordable and free wildlife courses alongside some more expensive options (fancy becoming a fully qualified ranger??). There are 13 to choose from, ranging from Online Zoology Courses to Nature Science and Wildlife Conservation Courses! You can also try out free components of paid courses, like Marine Zoology, Online Zoology Programmes, and Online Conservation Courses, before you commit to buying an entire course, which is a feature that I love!

A chimpanzee in a forest, representing the Nature Science Courses offered by Coursera, including Environmental Science and Policy, Environmental Data Science, and Environmental and Resource Economics.

A well-known course hosting site, their Nature Science Courses range from Environmental Science and Policy to Environmental Data Science and even Environmental and Resource Economics, all of which are free.

Two giraffes in the savannah, representing the wildlife conservation classes offered by MOOC Conservation, including environmental management courses, sustainable environmental management, and wildlife conservation courses.

MOOC (massive open online course) Conservation provides a variety of brilliant wildlife conservation classes that are eligible for certification. Courses include Environmental Management Courses, with a particular focus on sustainable environmental management, and Wildlife Conservation Courses.

A coral reef with small orange fish, representing the free environmental courses online offered by Conservation Training, including Environment and Sustainability Courses, Animal Conservation Courses, and Environmental Social and Governance Courses.

Does what it says on the tin! This site, set up by The Nature Conservancy and others, provides fantastic free environmental courses online, including Environment and Sustainability Courses, Animal Conservation Courses, and Environmental Social and Governance Courses.

A waterfall in a lush green forest, representing the Environmental Courses offered by UN CC:e-Learn, including Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Science and Policy, and Environmental Sustainability Courses.

Not the catchiest name, but this site created as part of the UN’s mission to tackle climate change provides over 100 incredible high-quality environmental courses covering everything from Environmental and Resource Economics to Environmental Science and Policy as well as Environmental Sustainability Courses.

Hands holding a small glass globe, representing the environmental courses online at FutureLearn, including Wildlife Conservation as well as Environment and Sustainability Courses.

This well-known free online course platform has a nature and environment section hosting more than 200 environmental courses online. Under the free plan you have a limited amount of time to complete each course after you sign up, but you do have the option to pay a subscription to extend this time (and get other benefits). Here, you can study Wildlife Conservation as well as Environment and Sustainability Courses.

A person looking at a waterfall, representing the free environmental courses online that Alison provides, including Geography Environmental Science, Civil Engineering Environmental, Environmental Science and Policy, and a Forest Management Course.

Alison has an enormous mix of free environmental courses online, including Geography Environmental Science, Civil Engineering Environmental, Environmental Science and Policy, and even Forest Management Courses. Unfortunately, this website doesn’t have great categorisation set up, so you just have to search for keywords and hope for the best! But there are literally hundreds of courses available so you are definitely in with a good shot.

A person on a mountaintop pointing at the purple clouds below him at dawn, representing the conservation course by Conservation Careers called How to get a Conservation Job.

The fabulous Conservation Careers website has developed an entire conservation course centred around how to get a conservation job. If you’re looking specifically to get a conservation career, this is definitely one to check out.

A photo of a Tasmanian Devil, representing the free online wildlife course provided by WIRES where you can learn more about Australian Animals.

If you’re a fan of Australian animals, then I have good news! WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service) has created a free online wildlife course for anyone in or out of Australia who wants to improve their knowledge of Australian wildlife.


FAQs


Can I study wildlife conservation online?

Absolutely! Get stuck in with online wildlife conservation studies right from the comfort of your space. Explore renowned online courses offering comprehensive insights and hands-on experiences for effective learning.

What degree is best for wildlife conservation?

Consider a Bachelor's in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or Conservation Biology for a solid foundation to kickstart your journey into wildlife conservation.

How can I get involved in wildlife conservation?

Engaging in wildlife conservation is as simple as immersing yourself in nature. Volunteer with local organisations, actively participate in citizen science initiatives, and connect with online communities dedicated to preserving wildlife for impactful networking.

How can I get into animal conservation without a degree?

Start your journey by volunteering, gaining practical experience, and showcasing your commitment to animal conservation. I would also recommend establishing a compelling online presence to highlight your passion and dedication to the cause.

Which course is best for wildlife?

Opt for one aligned with your passion, whether it's field biology, conservation management, or environmental science. Select a program that resonates with your goals and ambitions.

How do I study conservation?

Immerse yourself in coursework covering ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable practices – a comprehensive educational approach to become a dedicated guardian of the wild.

Is conservation work hard?

Conservation work demands commitment, resilience, and a love for nature. It can be hard work, mentally, emotionally, and physically, but the rewards are enormous.

do wildlife conservationists work with animals?

Wildlife conservationists often work with animals, working to protect and understand them. It's a specific balance that involves respect and responsibility.

do wildlife conservationists travel?

Pack your bags – wildlife conservationists can be modern-day explorers! From dense forests to expansive savannahs, they often journey worldwide to safeguard and study the incredible diversity our planet possesses.

What is a zoology course?

A zoology course teaches you about the animal kingdom. You will learn the intricacies of animal behaviour, physiology, and conservation.

 

Hi! I’m Stephanie

Thanks for checking out my blog!

I’m an Environmental Communicator (Presenting, Writing, and Content Creation) and Green Marketer for Eco-conscious Businesses and Nature Lovers (Social Media Management, Web Design, and Brand Development).

I host the nature podcast Planty Planty Zoo Zoo and have performed live shows.

 



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