thegreatcoursescom

The Great Courses turns lifelong curiosity into curriculum-grade content. University-caliber professors deliver deep, single-subject lecture series you can buy as streaming, download, or physical DVD/audio with illustrated guides, and the catalogue spans hundreds of topics from art history to astrophysics.

Founded1990

Price$$

FocusUniversity-level lecture courses

FormatsStreaming, downloads, DVD & audio CD

Why choose

Rigorous, long-form courses taught by acclaimed experts.

01Expert instructorsCourses are taught by university professors, museum curators and industry leaders—delivering academic depth, clear exposition, and real-world context.

02Deep, single-subject focusEach course concentrates on one subject in long-form lectures, allowing serious exploration rather than superficial overviews.

03Flexible formatsBuy streaming, downloadable video/audio, or physical DVD/CD sets with printed course guides to study on your schedule.

Signature video lecture series

The Great Courses' video series are studio-produced lecture sets—clear slides, close-ups of instructors, and polished pacing. Many courses include downloadable transcripts and illustrated guidebooks. Their production style suits focused viewing: watch single lectures or binge an entire course to build real subject mastery from home.

On-the-go audio courses

Audio versions present the same expert lectures in an audiobook-style format, sold as MP3 downloads or CDs with companion booklets. Ideal for commuters and multitaskers, the audio courses let you absorb hours of structured content while exercising, driving, or traveling.

Course types

HistoryScience & MathematicsPhilosophy & ReligionFine Arts & MusicLiterature & LanguageHealth & WellnessBusiness & EconomicsCooking

Verdict

What we like

University-level instructors and scholarly rigor
High production values and clear, lecture-focused presentation
Multiple purchase formats—streaming, download, CD/DVD—fit any study habit
Extensive catalogue across humanities, science, and practical skills

Worth knowing

Courses do not carry formal academic credit
Individual courses can be expensive when not on sale
Some older lectures may not reflect the very latest research

FAQs

Do you ship physical products internationally?

Digital streaming and downloadable purchases are available broadly; physical DVDs and CDs ship primarily within the U.S. and Canada, with limited international shipping options at checkout.

What is the returns policy?

The Great Courses typically offers a satisfaction guarantee—physical products may be returned within a limited window for refund. Digital-content returns are restricted; contact customer service for defective files or access issues.

Are there discounts or bundles?

Yes—The Great Courses regularly runs site-wide sales, bundle deals, and coupon promotions. Subscribing to email alerts or watching seasonal sales is the best way to secure steep discounts.