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.

Get access to all courses for £14 per month or buy a course for £49.99.

Why sign up?

Learn from world-renowned researchers

All courses are delivered by our world-class experts. Access to course materials is unlimited once purchased, so you can return whenever you like.

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.

Explore behind the scenes of our collections

Discover treasures from our collections that have never before been shown on display.

''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.

Jump to

Humans and nature

A photograph of a prowling tiger

Mammals

Level: Intermediate

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
Aerial view of a forest with a river running through it

Biodiversity Crisis

Level: Introductory

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
Stock image of a jellyfish on a dark background

Deep Sea

Level: Introductory

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

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
Stock image of space feature with Earth and a space rock

Rocks in Space

Level: Intermediate

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

A close up of the eye of a dinosaur

Dinosaurs 101

Level: Introductory

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
A toucan on a tree

How to Build a Bird

Release date: 2025

Level: Introductory

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

Stock image of a snake with its mouth open showing its fangs

Snakes

Level: Introductory

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
Photograph of an octopus underwater on rocks

Snails, Squids and Octopuses

Level: Introductory

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 butterfly with rainbow wings

A Little Gay Natural History

Level: Introductory

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
A bat flying

Bat Biology

Level: Introductory

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

Close up photograph of a flies head

Fascinating Flies

Level: Introductory

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
A flying beetle

Brilliant Beetles

Level: Introductory

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 much does a Naturally Curious course cost?

Each Naturally Curious course is priced at £49.99, but you can unlock access to all of our courses for only £14 per month with a subscription. Learn more here.

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 [email protected].

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.

All these and more

Get access to all courses for £14 per month or buy a course for £49.99.

Access all courses

Accept cookies?

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. We use them to improve our website and content, and to tailor our digital advertising on third-party platforms. You can change your preferences at any time.

Manage my preferences