COVID-19 Coronavirus Free Online Course

This free COVID-19 course provides a structured introduction to coronavirus disease, including how COVID-19 spreads, common symptoms, protective measures, home care considerations and when urgent medical help may be needed. It is designed for learners who want a clear foundation in the subject for personal awareness, workplace learning or general professional development.

The course is studied online and is open to learners with no entry requirements. The verified course record lists it as Level 1, with a 20-hour duration, ongoing enrolment and OHSC as the awarding body. It is an educational short course and should not be treated as a substitute for current medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Learning Outcomes

By working through the verified syllabus, learners should be able to build a basic understanding of what COVID-19 is, recognise commonly discussed symptoms, explain the main ways coronavirus transmission occurs and identify general protective and care considerations covered by the course.

Because public-health advice changes as evidence and services develop, learners should use the course as an educational foundation rather than as a source of time-sensitive clinical instructions.

Who Is This Course Suitable For?

This introductory course may be useful for members of the public, employees, carers, parents and others who want to improve their general understanding of COVID-19. No previous study or professional experience is required, making it suitable for beginners.

The course does not confer medical status, professional registration, a clinical licence or authority to diagnose or treat illness. Healthcare and care-sector workers should follow the current policies, training requirements and infection-control procedures set by their employer and relevant professional or public-health bodies.

How the Course Is Studied

Study is completed online, allowing learners to work through the material remotely. The verified course record confirms ongoing availability and a total course duration of 20 hours. No entry requirements apply.

For learners interested in broader no-cost study options, OHSC also provides a dedicated collection of free health and safety courses online as well as its wider free online courses with certificates hub.

Important Medical Information

COVID-19 guidance, treatment pathways and eligibility criteria can change. For current information about symptoms, what to do if you are unwell and available treatments, consult the NHS COVID-19 guidance or another appropriate healthcare professional. Seek urgent medical help when advised by current NHS guidance or when symptoms are severe.

Continue Your Learning

After completing this short course, learners who want to develop wider safety knowledge can explore online health and safety courses or browse the full range of Oxford Home Study Centre courses.

By the end of this course the learner will be able to:

Describe What COVID-19 is.
Identify Symptoms of COVID-19.
Explain How is the Coronavirus Transmitted.

Course access, online learning materials and the required assessment are provided without an enrolment fee. After successful completion, learners may choose to purchase either a CPD-accredited certificate issued through the CPD Standards Office or a QLS-endorsed certificate issued by the Quality Licence Scheme.

The two certificate routes have separate fee structures. QLS certificate pricing varies by course level and selected format, while CPD certificate charges follow their own pricing structure. Certification is optional and is not included automatically with free study. Review the current certificate pricing and delivery options before ordering.

Neither certificate is an Ofqual-regulated qualification, a medical credential or a professional licence. This course provides introductory education and does not authorise diagnosis, treatment or clinical practice.

COURSE CONTENT

Topics Covered in the Course

The syllabus moves from basic coronavirus concepts to practical questions about symptoms, transmission, protection, cleaning, illness, home care, vaccination and treatment. The verified topic order is preserved below.

What Are Coronaviruses? — Introduces the wider coronavirus family and the basic terminology needed for the rest of the course.
What is COVID-19? — Explains COVID-19 as an infectious disease and distinguishes the disease from the virus that causes it.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19? — Reviews commonly reported symptoms while stressing that current NHS advice should guide individual decisions.
Is it a Cold, the Flu or COVID-19? — Compares overlapping respiratory symptoms and explains why symptoms alone may not identify the cause.
Mild vs Severe Infection — Explores how illness can vary in severity and why worsening or serious symptoms require appropriate medical help.
How is the Coronavirus Transmitted? — Introduces the main ways respiratory infection can pass between people, including close-contact and airborne exposure.
Is Surface Transmission Possible with COVID-19? — Considers the role of contaminated surfaces in context and the practical value of sensible hand hygiene.
What Does ‘Community Spread’ Mean? — Explains how infection can circulate within a community when cases are not limited to a single known source.
How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 — Covers general risk-reduction principles and directs learners to current NHS guidance for up-to-date measures.
How to Protect Others from COVID-19 — Examines considerate steps that can reduce exposure when a person is unwell or at higher risk.
Do I Need to Wear a Facemask? — Explains the purpose and limits of face coverings and why current rules or workplace policies must be checked.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Against Coronavirus — Introduces proportionate cleaning practices, product-label instructions and safe handling considerations.
What Should I Do if I Get Sick? — Outlines general self-care considerations and the importance of following current NHS advice for symptoms and testing.
When Should I Seek Emergency Medical Help? — Highlights the need to recognise serious deterioration and use current NHS emergency guidance without delay.
Caring for Someone with Coronavirus at Home — Covers practical ways to support an unwell person while reducing avoidable exposure within the household.
When to End Self-Isolation at Home — Explains that isolation guidance can change and must be checked against current public-health and workplace requirements.
Is There a COVID-19 Vaccine? — Introduces vaccination as a public-health measure and directs learners to current NHS eligibility and booking information.
Is There a Treatment for COVID-19? — Provides a high-level overview of treatment and explains that eligibility and clinical decisions belong to healthcare professionals.
Is it Safe to Take Ibuprofen for COVID-19? — Uses this question to reinforce safe medicine use and the need for pharmacist or clinician advice where appropriate.
What Happens Next? — Brings the learning together and emphasises the value of checking current, authoritative guidance as evidence evolves.

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