FutureLearn, an edutech spin-out backed by a number of UK universities, launches.

Massive open online course (MOOC) provider FutureLearn has launched its initial offering of 20 pilot courses.

Ranging from courses in psychology to British history, the launch is being treated as an open-beta ahead of more courses being brought online in early 2014. The website is being accompanied by a comprehensive mobile and tablet offering, drawing on technology originally developed at distance learning institution the Open University (OU).

A wholly-owned edutech spin-out of the OU, which invested a seven-figure sum in…