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All courses are delivered by our world-class experts. Access to course materials is unlimited once purchased, so you can return whenever you like.
Naturally Curious
Learn about cutting-edge scientific research from our leading experts. Our courses are designed for anyone interested in the natural world, regardless of skill level. New courses are released every month.
Each course is available for £49.99
Why sign up?
Flexible learning for all levels
Our courses are on-demand, so you can watch them wherever and whenever suits you. All videos are subtitled with transcripts and supplementary materials provided.
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''Really enjoyed the [courses]. It was fascinating listening to the lecturers and feeling their enthusiasm as they shared their knowledge with us.'
- Feedback from a previous participant
What is your passion?
Explore our courses by topic.
Humans and nature
Mammals
Level: Intermediate
Price: £49.99
Presented by Professor Anjali Goswami
The course will explore:
- our evolutionary origins, from the reptile split to Jurassic mammals hunting baby dinosaurs
- key adaptations behind mammals' success
- how Earth's changing climate fuelled the rise of modern mammals
- the remarkable diversity of modern mammals and their ancestors
Biodiversity Crisis
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Dr Adriana de Palma
This course will explore:
- the concepts of biodiversity
- the current state of biodiversity and why it is in crisis
- the possible solutions to combat the biodiversity crisis through research
Deep Sea
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Dr Hugh Carter
This course will delve into:
- the biology of life in the deepest parts of the ocean
- the exploration of deep-sea environments
- the question of deep-sea exploitation
Space
Destination Mars
Level: Beginner
Price: £49.99
Presented by Dr Peter Grindrod
This course will explore:
- the geological history of Mars and how it compares to Earth
- how scientists study Mars using meteorites, rovers and satellites
- the challenges of landing and operating spacecraft on Mars
- the latest discoveries about Mars’ climate and potential for life
- what the future holds for Mars exploration
Rocks in Space
Level: Intermediate
Price: £49.99
Presented by Professor Sara Russell
This course will explore:
- elements of the solar system, with a focus on asteroids and meteorites
- where our solar system came from and where it is going
- how meteorites can reveal billions of years of solar history
- what scientists are hoping to learn from space missions to comets and meteorites
Birds and dinosaurs
Dinosaurs 101
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Dr Susannah Maidment
This course will explore:
- the history of palaeontology, from naturalists to major discoveries
- how interdisciplinary research helps us model dinosaur behaviour
- the Cretaceous extinction and the evolution of birds
How to Build a Bird
Release date: 2025
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Eloise Hunt
This course will explore:
- how birds survived extinction events while dinosaurs did not
- the evolution and adaptation of bird beaks and bodies
- the origins and development of bird flight
- the effects of climate change on bird evolution and future prospects
Fascinating and curious
Snakes
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Dr Ian Brennan
This course will explore:
- evolution of leglessness
- what makes snakes unique
- the anatomical features and adaptions that help snakes survive
- how conservation is tackling the threats to snake species most in danger
Snails, Squids and Octopuses
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Jon Ablett
In this course, you will learn:
- what is a mollusc
- evolutionary adaptive strategies
- a range of fascinating facts from how cephalopods change colour, why some snails are left-handed and how slug mucus is being used at the forefront of surgery
A Little Gay Natural History
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Josh Davis
This course will explore:
- the astonishing diversity of sexual behaviour, biology and reproduction found in nature
- how, in both animals and plants, sexual reproduction and determination rely on a complex interaction between genes, hormones, environment and chance
- a myriad of examples of animals and plants that defy expectation
Bat Biology
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Stephanie Holt
This course will explore:
- the incredible world of bats: from echolocation to extraordinary flight
- how bats evolved and diversified across the globe
- bats' vital roles in ecosystems and human lives
- the pressing threats to bats and how we can protect them
Insects
Fascinating Flies
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Dr Erica McAlister
This course will explore:
- the Early-Middle Triassic origins of flies
- key adaptations and their global distribution
- the ecological significance of flies and their importance to human food supply
- biodiversity challenges from ethical collections to introduced species
Brilliant Beetles
Level: Introductory
Price: £49.99
Presented by Talay Namintraporn
This course will explore:
- the incredible diversity of beetles—1 in 5 animals on Earth
- key features and adaptations that define beetles
- their essential roles in ecosystems, from pollination to decomposition
- how museum collections and citizen science help conserve beetles
Quick questions
How long are the courses?
Courses are delivered as a series of short video chapters ranging from 1.5 hours to over 2.5 hours.
How are the courses delivered?
All Naturally Curious courses are delivered online via Learn Worlds, a third-party course management company. All video chapters may be streamed, and the course booklet can be downloaded from this webpage.
Do I have to be in the UK to access these courses?
Currently, only residents of the UK will be able to access Naturally Curious courses.
Will I receive a qualification?
No. The Naturally Curious courses are not accredited as higher education qualifications.
Are the courses suitable for under 18's?
Yes, but please note that the courses are aimed at an 18-and-above audience.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds or exchanges will be given.
How will the Museum use and manage my personal data?
If you choose to join our mailing list, the Museum will use your email address to send you information about the courses when they launch. You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time by emailing short.courses@nhm.ac.uk.
You can learn more about the Museum's approach to personal data processing, including how to exercise your data protection rights, by reading our Privacy notice.
Upon signing up for courses, your personal data will be processed by LearnWorlds. Information on Learnworld’s use of data and how to exercise your data protection rights may be found in their Privacy policy.
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