FutureLearn, the first UK-led provider of massive, open, online courses (MOOCs), will unveil its first set of courses from leading UK and international universities next month.

The company will open beta phase and begin registration for a selection of free courses available from its partner universities, across multiple platforms in mid-Sepetember.

The first courses open to learners will cover a range of topics, including Literature; History; Social Sciences; Computing & IT; Environment & Sustainability; Marketing; Psychology; and Physical Science, to name a few.

The launch of FutureLearn will see 21 UK universities, plus Trinity College Dublin and Monash University in Australia, offering courses that are taught and assessed on the internet. The UK universities include Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham, Warwick, Bristol, Reading and Southampton.

September’s release will mark the beginning of FutureLearn’s open beta phase of development, which runs until early 2014. Learners will be able to sign up for a selection of the named courses. The first of which commence in October.

Simon Nelson, CEO of FutureLearn said, “We’re looking forward to introducing FutureLearn to learners around the world” FutureLearn is being designed to enable people all over the world to enjoy learning through free courses accessible on mobiles, tablets or PCs. The site’s design incorporates the expertise of The Open University, a world leader with over 40 years of experience in distance education and open learning. FutureLearn will combine that expertise with the best of the social web to create an engaging learning experience.

FutureLearn was created in December 2012 as the UK’s first provider of free, high quality MOOCs. Currently numbering 26, its partners and course providers comprise leading UK and international universities and cultural institutions including the British Library, British Museum and British Council.