Online learning makes it possible to explore the brain from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re a student, healthcare professional, or simply curious about how the mind works, there are high-quality courses that let you dive into everything from basic brain biology to advanced neuroimaging techniques. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best online neuroscience courses, covering options for free learners, credit-seekers, and those looking to develop practical research skills.
Lecture Series
If you’re looking for university-level teaching without the price tag, world-class institutions, such as Stanford and MIT have published full neuroscience lecture series that let you learn directly from leading professors for free!
Stanford University Human Behavioral Biology Lecture Collection taught by Robert Sapolsky
Stanford University has made Professor Robert Sapolsky’s full lecture series freely available online. In this popular course, Sapolsky explores the biological foundations of human behaviour. Although the lectures don’t provide university credit or certification, they offer an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the field.
MIT OpenCourseWare Introduction to Neuroscience
MIT OpenCourseWare makes the university’s Introduction to Neuroscience course materials freely available to anyone, anywhere. The course covers the fundamental principles of how the brain works, from the biology of neurons to the organisation of neural systems. While it doesn’t offer university credit or formal certification, it provides access to the same high-quality lectures, readings, and assignments used in MIT classrooms.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
EdX, Coursera and FutureLearn are global online learning platforms that partners with leading universities and organisations to deliver high-quality courses. You can audit most courses at your own pace for free, and only have to pay if you need a certificate. I’ve curated a short list of courses available on these platforms, but you’ll also find many more neuroscience-related options to explore based on your interests.
EdX
MicroBachelors Program in Introduction to Neuroscience by Harvard University
This ‘MicroBachelors’ can be taken as a full program or broken down into shorter, individual courses depending on your learning goals. All courses are available to audit for free, making the content accessible to anyone interested. Additionally, for learners seeking formal recognition, the program also offers the option to earn academic credit.
Coursera
Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Specialization by John Hopkins University
This online specialization from Johns Hopkins University offers a comprehensive introduction to neuroscience and practical neuroimaging techniques. Learners explore brain structure and neuroanatomy, fMRI data acquisition and analysis, functional connectivity, diffusion tensor imaging, and spectroscopy. The program also covers hands-on data processing using the R programming language with publicly available MRI datasets. Ideal for those interested in both research and clinical applications, courses can be taken individually (short courses free to audit but you need to pay for certificates) or as a complete specialization.
Medical Neuroscience by Duke University
Designed to cover the core concepts of neurophysiology and clinical neuroanatomy, the course mirrors the rigor of a first-year medical school experience, while offering the flexibility of online learning. You can audit this free course to explore how neural systems in the brain and spinal cord mediate sensation, action, memory, emotion, and cognition, building a foundation for understanding the effects of injury, disease, or dysfunction.
FutureLearn
Understanding Brain Health: Preventing Dementia by The University of Edinburgh, Brain Health Scotland, and Alzheimer Scotland
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning how to reduce dementia risk and support brain health. It’s also a great fit for healthcare professionals who want to deepen their expertise, stay current with the latest research, and strengthen their practice with evidence-based approaches. It is also accredited by the CPD Certification Service in the UK and can count toward your continuing professional development.
Research Methods in Psychology: Using Animal Models to Understand Human Behaviour by University of Padova
This free short course from the University of Padova explores how animal models can illuminate human psychology, cognitive skills, and the neurobiology of learning and memory. It examines the insights gained from a range of species, from invertebrates to cats and fish. It also focuses on the ethical considerations of animal research.
Introduction to Cognitive Psychology: An Experimental Science by University of York
The free-to-audit course offers a hands-on introduction to cognitive psychology as an experimental science. You can explore key areas such as reasoning, thinking, and mental imagery, while gaining practical skills in designing, conducting, and analysing experiments.
Neuromatch Academy Summer School
Neuromatch Academy is a non-profit initiative that offers intensive training in computational neuroscience. The programmes emphasise hands-on projects, collaboration, and mentorship. Each summer, Neuromatch Academy runs live tutorials and group projects over 2–3 weeks, bringing together a global community of learners and mentors. The Computational Neuroscience course is designed as an intensive introduction for newcomers to the field, while the NeuroAI course builds on that foundation. To keep the program accessible, fees are adjusted based on the participant’s country, and all course materials are freely available online year-round if you want to learn on your own.
Other Courses and Online Resources
Study.com
Study.com offers a wide range of biology and psychology courses that can be taken fully online. One of the key advantages for learners based in the United States is the opportunity to earn college credit through many of their courses, making it a practical option for students who want their learning to count toward a degree. The platform is also flexible, with self-paced lessons designed to fit around busy schedules.
OpenLearn
OpenLearn, created by The Open University, offers a wide range of free online courses granting a free certificate of participation, including topics in biology, psychology, and health. The courses are self-paced and designed to be accessible to learners at all levels.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free, high-quality lessons in biology, psychology, and related topics that provide a solid foundation for understanding neuroscience. It’s especially useful for beginners. While the platform doesn’t grant certificates or college credit, it’s an excellent resource for building core knowledge.
Alison
Alison provides free online courses in neuroscience and related fields, making it a great choice for learners who want to explore the subject without financial commitment. While the courses don’t carry college credit, they do offer certificates that can demonstrate continuing professional development. Alison’s wide catalog allows learners to build knowledge in neuroscience alongside complementary subjects like psychology, biology, and health.
Offline Resources
The right books can complement online courses and provide a different perspective on the brain and behaviour. If you prefer learning from books, there’s a wealth of neuroscience titles that make complex concepts accessible, from comprehensive textbooks to popular science reads, whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your expertise.
Neuroscience Textbooks
Principles of Neural Science by Eric R. Kandel, James H. Schwartz, and Thomas M. Jessell
Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain by Mark F. Bear, Barry W. Connors, and Michael A. Paradiso
Popular Science Books
Behave by Robert Sapolsky
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
For a more detailed guide to the best popular neuroscience books and how to get the most out of them, check out our in-depth article here.
Hope our neuroscience guide helped point you toward the best courses and resources. Now it’s time to dive in and start exploring the fascinating world of the brain!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books I believe are worth your time.