What are the best creative writing courses on Coursera?

Top options include the Creative Writing Specialization from Wesleyan University and Write Your First Novel from Michigan State University . These courses focus on fiction, memoir, poetry , and narrative techniques to help you develop your voice and writing style.

Can I learn creative writing for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many creative writing courses offer a free audit option, allowing you to access video lessons and readings at no cost. To earn a certificate or complete peer-reviewed assignments, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a creative writing course?

You’ll learn how to craft compelling stories, build strong characters, write dialogue, and structure essays, poems , or novels . Some courses also explore revision, publishing basics, and how to give and receive feedback on your work.

Do I need writing experience to take a creative writing course?

Not at all. Many courses are beginner-friendly and help you build skills gradually. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to writing after a break, you’ll find courses that guide you through the creative process.

Can creative writing courses on Coursera help me become a published writer?

Yes. While publication depends on your goals and dedication, Coursera courses can help you strengthen your writing , complete drafts, and explore publishing options. Many learners use these courses to build a portfolio, start a book, or develop professional writing habits.

Top Creative Writing Courses - Learn Creative Writing Online

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Find the Best Creative Writing Course for Your Goals

Yonsei University
First Step Korean
Skills you'll gain: Language Competency, Grammar, Vocabulary, Literacy, Culture
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
53K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Instructor Network
AI-Enhanced Content Creation:Elevate Copywriting with Humata
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Target Audience, AI Personalization, Blogs, Marketing Psychology, Copywriting, Advertising, Marketing Materials, Advertising Campaigns, Content Marketing, Generative AI, Content Creation, Facebook, Automation
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Washington
Lesson | Business English Skills: How to Write Effective Openings and Closings to Emails
Skills you'll gain: Business Communication, English Language, Business Writing, Business Correspondence, Communication, Professional Networking, Relationship Building, Writing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
501 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
O.P. Jindal Global University
Introduction to Academic Writing
Skills you'll gain: Writing, Writing and Editing, Research, Journals, Policy Analysis, Research Design, Content Creation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
126 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Yale University
A Law Student's Toolkit
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Case Law, Civil Procedures, Policy Analysis, Learning Strategies, Economics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Georgia Institute of Technology
Write Professional Emails in English
Skills you'll gain: Business Writing, Business Correspondence, Writing, Business Communication, English Language, Cultural Sensitivity, Cultural Diversity, Intercultural Competence, Grammar, Proofreading, Editing, Communication
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Kennesaw State University
AI for Grant Writing
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Grant Writing, ChatGPT, Proposal Writing, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Business Writing, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Grammar and Punctuation
Skills you'll gain: Grammar, Writing, Proofreading, Editing, Peer Review, English Language
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
19K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google UX Design
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, User Experience Design, Design Thinking, User Research, UI/UX Research, Information Architecture, Figma (Design Software), Usability Testing, Professional Networking, User Story, Web Design, Design Reviews, Usability, Presentations, User Experience, Design Research, Ideation, Interviewing Skills
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
90K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Creative Thinking Tools for Success and Leadership
Skills you'll gain: Creative Thinking, Brainstorming, Design Thinking, Ideation, Creativity, Creative Problem-Solving, Problem Solving, Cognitive flexibility, Innovation, Critical Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
835 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Word, Microsoft 365, Data Visualization, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Productivity Software, Collaborative Software, Data Import/Export, Microsoft Windows, Proofreading, Editing, Document Management, Technical Documentation, Writing, Data Entry, Data Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Crash Course on Python
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Problem Management, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
39K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular creative writing courses

First Step Korean: Yonsei University
AI-Enhanced Content Creation:Elevate Copywriting with Humata: Coursera Instructor Network
Lesson | Business English Skills: How to Write Effective Openings and Closings to Emails: University of Washington
Introduction to Academic Writing: O.P. Jindal Global University
A Law Student's Toolkit: Yale University
Write Professional Emails in English: Georgia Institute of Technology
AI for Grant Writing: Kennesaw State University
Grammar and Punctuation: University of California, Irvine
Google UX Design: Google
Creative Thinking Tools for Success and Leadership: Imperial College London

Creative Writing Courses