MOOC co-developed by Skytte lecturers reaches a global audience on FutureLearn platform

A new MOOC co-developed by staff members of Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies and its partners is now available to learners worldwide on the FutureLearn platform. The course, titled “Growing Apart: What is polarisation and what can we do about it?”, explores the dynamics of political and social polarisation and offers practical tools for understanding and addressing it. The management of the FutureLearn course is led by partners from the University of Groningen, who, together with the University of Tartu, are part of the European University Alliance ENLIGHT.

FutureLearn is a British digital education platform founded in 2012 and one of the leading providers of online learning globally. It offers massive open online courses (MOOCs), micro-credentials, and degree programmes in cooperation with more than 260 international partners. In 2023, FutureLearn had over 20 million registered learners, enabling people worldwide to access expert-led education in a flexible, accessible format.

The MOOC “Growing Apart: What is polarisation and what can we do about it?” was developed as part of the Erasmus+ ActiPlex (Action for Interactive Anti-Polarisation Learning Experiences for a Better Democracy) project, which brings together researchers and educators from the University of Tartu, the University of Warsaw, the University of Groningen, and the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG).

Designed for a broad audience – from students and educators to policymakers, journalists, and engaged citizens – the three-week course on FutureLearn introduces the concept of polarisation, explains why societies “grow apart,” and examines how individuals, institutions, and communities can contribute to bridging differences. Through interactive exercises, videos, and real-life examples, participants gain insight into both the risks polarisation poses and the opportunities for mitigation.

In addition to the on-demand FutureLearn version, participants can also enrol in an extended, credit-bearing MOOC offered on our university’s Moodle (course code SVJS.TK.086). This version includes additional reading assignments, facilitated discussions, and the opportunity to earn ECTS credits. The Moodle edition of the course is currently running until 17 December, with the next opening planned for spring 2026.

“This course is a great opportunity to contribute to the international community of online learners and to bring our research on polarisation to a global audience,” said University of Tartu Associate Professor of European Studies Stefano Braghiroli, one of the lecturers involved in developing the course. “Polarisation is a growing challenge for many societies and for democracy itself, and we hope that by sharing evidence-based insights and practical tools, we can help learners better understand the dynamics behind it – and inspire more constructive dialogue within their own communities.”

For more information about the FutureLearn MOOC, see the landing page of the course.
For more information about the credit-bearing MOOC on Moodle, see the landing page of the course.
For additional questions, please contact Anna Beitane, Head of Digital Education Projects, [email protected]

This MOOC is developed within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “ActIPLEx: Action for Interactive Anti-Polarisation Learning Experiences for a Better Democracy” (number: 2023-2-PL01-KA220-HED-000179196). Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency of Erasmus+ Programme. Neither the European Union nor the National Agency of Erasmus+ Programme can be held responsible for them.