MasterClass is ideal for users seeking inspiration and insights from industry leaders with high production quality. FutureLearn is better suited for those looking for accredited certifications, practical skill development, and a collaborative learning environment with university-backed courses.
| Attribute | MasterClass | FutureLearn |
|---|---|---|
| Course Variety and Depth | Offers over 180 to 200+ classes across 11 broad categories, including cooking, writing, music, business, sports, and more. Courses are designed for all skill levels and include video lessons, workbooks, and community discussion boards. | Offers a wide range of courses, including short courses, programs, ExpertTracks, Microcredentials, and online degrees. Covers diverse topics from business and technology to arts and health. Short courses typically take 2-8 weeks, micro-credential programs can take 10-13 weeks, and ExpertTracks are designed to help master skills in a specific area. |
| Instructor Credentials and Expertise | Instructors are industry leaders, celebrities, and experts in their respective fields, described as "masters of their craft". | Courses are developed in collaboration with universities and industry experts. Online courses are often offered by universities rather than individual instructors. Lessons are delivered by experienced language teachers and native speakers. |
| Subscription Pricing and Value | Uses an annual membership model with three plans ranging from $10 to $20 per month, billed annually (as of February 2024). The Individual plan is around $180 per year. MasterClass occasionally offers a 2-for-1 deal and a 30-day money-back guarantee is often available. | Free: Grants access to course materials for a limited time but does not include certificates or tests. Upgrade: Allows you to receive a certificate upon completion and access to course tests. Unlimited: A yearly subscription ($244.99 - $279.99) for unlimited access to short courses and tests, including certificates. Monthly: A monthly subscription is available for $39.99. Individual short courses average around $125. Micro-credentials can range from $600 to $1600. Online degrees may cost around $20,000 per year. |
| Learning Experience and Engagement | Aims to inspire learners with high production quality and a polished delivery, emphasizing insights and creative motivation rather than step-by-step guides. Some courses offer interactive assignments and community activities. | Uses an engaging, storytelling approach. Interactive elements like discussions, quizzes, and collaborative projects are incorporated. Student-to-student interaction is encouraged to create a sense of community. |
| Production Quality and Cinematography | Known for its high production values, with cinematic visuals and engaging storytelling. Video lessons resemble a Netflix-style experience. | Uses accessible video content to provide a visually engaging learning experience. |
| Accessibility Features | Committed to providing a fully accessible website experience with features including subtitles, transcripts, and adjustable playback speeds, following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1. | Provides transcripts, captions, and subtitles for video content. Offers adjustable font sizes and sufficient contrast for readability. The platform is tested for compatibility with screen readers and voice recognition software. Allows keyboard navigation. Supports text resizing up to 200% and zooming up to 400%. |
| Mobile App Availability and Functionality | Offers a user-friendly app for both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to watch videos, access course materials, and download lessons for offline viewing (Plus and Premium plans only). | The FutureLearn app is not currently available, but the platform is designed to work on mobile and tablet devices through browsers. |
| Community Features and Interaction | Some offerings include interactive components like community forums or live Q&A sessions, but some reviews note limited interaction with instructors and other learners. | Encourages student interaction in every course. Discussion forums are available for collaboration with teachers and students. |
| Offline Viewing Options | Plus and Premium members can download select video lessons for offline viewing on iOS and Android devices. This feature is not available on the Standard plan, and not all courses are available for download. | Information not found in the provided documents. |
| Course Completion Certificates | Does not always offer formal academic credit or certifications, but some courses may provide a certificate of completion. | Certificates are accredited and issued by universities. To get a certificate, at least 90% of course steps must be marked complete, and a minimum score of 70% must be maintained on course tests. Certificates include the learner's name, course outline, course length, and logos of associated institutions. Both digital and printed certificates are available. |
| Skill Development and Practical Application | Better suited for gaining high-level insights and creative inspiration than for learning practical, step-by-step skills. Some courses incorporate case studies and real-life examples. | Aims to help learners build skills to further their careers. Micro-credential programs allow for one-on-one interaction with instructors, making student projects valuable. |
| User Interface and Navigation | Has a user-friendly interface with intuitive categories. The platform saves your progress, making it easy to resume lessons. | The platform has an easy and user-friendly navigation process. |