11 fun and engaging short courses for seniors
Retired and ready to challenge yourself? Or just eager to learn a new skill? Here are our favourite short online courses for seniors in 2025. They cover everything from computer skills to genealogy, and only run for 8 to 14 weeks.
We’ve all heard the saying: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Well, we’ve got good news; that simply isn’t true. If you’ve got a burning desire to learn something new, it’s never too late to start.
Open Universities Australia can be the best place to find a fun and interesting study topic for staying sharp and keeping occupied.
Did you know many of Australia’s leading universities offer short courses through us? These short courses are technically subjects that are part of a broader course, but they can be completed individually by those keen to expand their horizons. They’re also offered 100% online, so you can study from the comfort of your home
Here are the best short online courses we recommend for seniors over the coming year. Get ready to impress the rellos with a new skill.
Is it harder to study when you get older?
This is a common myth, and it’s ripe for debunking. Research suggests you don’t lose the ability to learn as you age, but learning new things might take you a little longer. Give yourself time, and you’ll find that you can keep up with the young whippersnappers, after all.
Not only is studying later in life possible, but it also has some great benefits.
Mentally stimulating activity, like learning something new, may lead to new brain cell generation. Studying is also a great social outlet. While online study means you won’t interact with your peers on campus, there are typically online discussion forums or private Facebook groups you can join to discuss your chosen subject and keep in touch with fellow students. Some courses also give you the chance to connect over video.
To study online, you really only need a computer, reliable access to the internet, and a willingness to get stuck into a new area. If your chosen course requires access to particular software, your university will be able to help you organise this. Most short courses include assessments like short papers or quizzes, which can be a fun way to ensure you’ve absorbed everything you can from your study adventure.
The best short courses for seniors in 2025
History courses
Ancient history
Are you keen to explore the ancient world? Immerse yourself in an Introduction to Ancient Rome. Learn about Rome’s origin stories, what daily life was like for Romans, and about the literature that defined this famous and powerful empire.
Who offers it? The University of Tasmania
Enrolment deadline: 13 July 2025
Commencement dates: 21 July 2025
Duration: 14 weeks
Biography
If you’re more inclined to study your own history, consider an Introduction to Family History. Work on your family tree as you discover where to find genealogical resources and repositories.
Who offers it? The University of Tasmania
Enrolment deadline: 26 January 2025
Commencement dates: 3 February 2025, 21 July 2025
Duration: 8 weeks
IT and computer courses
IT basics
Interested in computers? Information Technology Fundamentals covers IT jargon, basics such as memory and operating systems, and programming languages.
Who offers it? The University of South Australia
Enrolment deadline: 5 January 2025
Commencement dates: 13 January 2025, 30 June 2025
Duration: 10 weeks
Digital literacy
Get better at identifying misinformation and making connections online with Web Communications. It covers the history of the internet, blogs, wikis and social media networks, before exploring how best to communicate on the web.
Who offers it? Curtin University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement dates: 3 March 2025, 2 June 2025, 1 September 2025, 1 December 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
Programming
If you consider yourself a computer buff already, a course like Programming Fundamentals could be a lot of fun. Get ready to learn the skills to read code and construct basic programs.
Who offers it? The University of Tasmania
Enrolment deadline: 16 February 2025
Commencement dates: 24 February 2025, 21 July 2025
Duration: 14 weeks
Art courses
Digital media
Movie buffs will enjoy Introduction to Digital Media, where you’ll explore how to make and edit videos using Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie. Not only that, but you’ll also learn how to design a basic website and edit photos. If you love capturing family moments, you could really step up your game and create something special after taking this course!
Who offers it? The University of South Australia
Enrolment deadline: 5 January 2025
Commencement dates: 13 January 2025, 30 June 2025
Duration: 10 weeks
Digital photography
Budding photographers can dive headfirst into the theoretical, technical and compositional aspects of Digital Photography. You’ll be snapping high-quality photos in no time.
Who offers it? The University of South Australia
Enrolment deadline: 30 March 2025
Commencement dates: 7 April 2025, 22 September 2025
Duration: 10 weeks
Language courses
East Asian languages
Explore Japanese for Beginners, Chinese for Beginners, or Korean for Beginners, whether for travel or just for fun.
Who offers it? Curtin University
Enrolment deadline: 23 February 2025
Commencement dates: 3 March 2025, 1 September 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
Middle Eastern, South East Asian, and South Asian languages
Choose from a wide range of languages spoken by millions around the world. Pick from Persian, Arabic, Thai, Vietnamese, Sanskrit, Tetum, Tok Pisin, Turkish, Mongolian, Hindi, Burmese, or Tibetan. Not only will you learn how to conduct simple conversations and write essential phrases, but you’ll also get to immerse yourself in a new culture.
Who offers it? Australian National University
Enrolment deadline: 9 February 2025
Commencement dates: 17 February 2025
Duration: 14 weeks
Ancient Greek and Latin
Looking for an older language? They may not be spoken anymore, but learning a dead language like Ancient Greek or Latin is a great way to challenge yourself and learn more about the evolution of language.
Who offers it? Macquarie University
Enrolment deadline: 16 February 2025
Commencement dates: 24 February 2025
Duration: 13 weeks
First Nations languages
There are more than 250 First Nations languages in Australia–and many of them are considered endangered because there are so few remaining speakers. If you’d like to learn something truly unique and important, think about joining Speaking Gamilaraay and learning the traditional language of the Gamilaroi people.
Who offers it? Australian National University
Enrolment deadline: 9 February 2025
Commencement dates: 17 February 2025
Duration: 14 weeks
Ready to get started?
Keep your mind stimulated and your social cup full, and learn something new with the broad range of short courses available through Open Universities Australia.
If you’re not sure what kind of course you’d like to explore, book a call with our friendly team of student advisors. They’ll discuss the options and help you pick the perfect course.
