Getting started with your FutureLearn profile

This article explains how to edit your FutureLearn profile and what it looks like when you do.

What is a profile?

Your FutureLearn profile is what other learners can see when you interact with them in a course. Your profile name and picture appear next to your comments, and other users can click on your name to see your profile page.

What should I put in my profile?

If you haven’t already, you should add some information to your FutureLearn profile. You could include the country or area you live in, your hobbies or interests, or why you’re taking courses on FutureLearn.

If you don’t upload a profile picture, a colourful icon is created from your initials (see the 'EL' icon below left for an example). However we recommend uploading a picture so that your profile feels more friendly.

Please don't include your personal contact details in your profile, or any other material that breaks FutureLearn's Code of Conduct.

Who can see my profile?

There are three levels of privacy for a FutureLearn profile:

• Public - Anyone on the Internet can see your FutureLearn profile, and it will appear in results if people search for the name you use on FutureLearn.
• Semi-private - Anyone with a FutureLearn account can see your profile picture and bio, followers, people you're following, and comments you've posted.
• Private - Anyone with a FutureLearn account can see your profile picture and bio only.

By default, your FutureLearn profile is set to semi-private.

You can change your privacy settings using the list at the bottom of the Edit profile page, above the pink 'Update profile' button.

What a profile looks like

A profile that has not been completed	A profile that has been completed

You can review your own profile by clicking on the icon at the top right of any page in a course and choosing 'your profile'.

What a profile picture next to a comment looks like

Comment by a profile without a picture	Comment by a profile with a picture

Choosing a profile picture

A profile picture will help to give your profile more personality and feel friendly. It's great if you use a picture of yourself, but if you aren't comfortable doing this, you don't have to. You might use a different picture that could represent you.

However, remember you must not upload copyrighted pictures or pretend to be someone else.

See also: Creating and updating your profile