Research Skills Courses

Study the art of conducting effective research and learn how to make a more efficient use of your time, with our free research skill courses. Oxford Home Study Centre is proud to offer this exclusive research skills training course, now available free of charge. Learn how to improve your reading efficiency, take effective notes and put the ‘7±2 Rule’ into practice. If research represents an important part of your profession, this exclusive free research skills course could make a real difference to your performance. All study aids are included as standard and there are no deadlines or time restrictions imposed. Enjoy the freedom to study at a time and pace to suit your lifestyle, from any location worldwide. Enrol online and start your free research skills training course today.

The importance of good research skills lies not in the challenge of accessing information on any given topic. In the age of information, it’s quite the opposite - an abundance of conflicting information to make sense of. Becoming an effective researcher is about knowing not only where to find information, but how to scrutinise the information available to separate fact from fiction. Not to mention, extract the most important and relevant facts from those of less significance. The art of effective research lies in adopting a strategic approach from start to finish. Planning, note taking, reading and analysis - important tasks that come before writing, editing and perfecting your final report. This introductory free research skills course provides an overview of the basics of effective research - ideal for anyone looking to become a more confident and efficient researcher.

Those looking to strengthen their professional development toolkit may also benefit from specialist trainer programmes that focus on communication, knowledge sharing, and workplace learning techniques. For newcomers, free skills-based trainer study provides a practical introduction to core training and development principles.

If you are interested in expanding your qualifications further, Free Online Courses with Certificates offer flexible learning opportunities that fit around existing commitments. You can also explore the wider collection of OHSC Courses, featuring a broad range of career-focused subjects designed to support lifelong learning and professional growth.

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

Identify the benefits to proper research and documentation
Read for maximum information retention and recall
Take effective notes

Free Study and Optional Certification

You can enrol on our Research Skills (Short Course), access all online learning materials and complete the course without paying a course fee. Certification is optional and available separately after successful completion.

You may choose to purchase:

QLS-endorsed Certificate of Achievement
CPD-accredited certificate issued by the CPD Standards Office as a record of continuing professional development

You can order either certificate individually or purchase both for the same completed course. Buying one certificate does not require you to buy the other.

Each certificate has its own price. The total payable may vary according to the certificates selected, course level, format and delivery option. See our current certificate options and prices before ordering.

Certification is entirely optional and is not required to access the learning materials or complete the course.

Course Content

Topics Covered in the Course

Research Skills Short Course covers the following key topics:

Why Are Research Skills Important?
Reading and Note-Taking Techniques
The 7±2 Rule

How It Works

Build your knowledge through clear and accessible online learning.

Complete the assignments and achieve the required marks.

Choose an optional certificate after completing the course.

Why Choose a Certificate?

An optional certificate provides a clear record of successful course completion. Add it to your learning portfolio and share it where relevant.

Completing the course and its assessments shows your commitment to developing subject knowledge through focused, independent learning.

Use your new knowledge to support further study, workplace development or personal goals. A certificate records completion but does not guarantee employment or professional status.