What are the best architecture courses on Coursera?

Top options include Making Architecture from IE School of Architecture and Design , Roman Architecture from Yale University , and Sustainable Design Practices in Building Design from L&T EduTech . These courses cover design principles, historical influences, and creative processes behind architectural innovation.

Can I take free architecture courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning architecture on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many architecture courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in architecture, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in an architecture course?

You’ll explore the fundamentals of design, spatial composition, and building systems. Some courses focus on architectural history, while others cover contemporary design practices, sustainability , and how technology is shaping the future of architecture.

Do I need a design background to start learning architecture?

Not necessarily. Many courses are designed for general learners and enthusiasts, with no previous experience required. If you’re preparing for architectural school or working in design, you’ll find more advanced courses that build on these foundational concepts.

Top Architecture Courses - Learn Architecture Online

Find the Best Architecture Course for Your Goals

IE Business School
Making Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Architectural Design, Storytelling, Creativity, Design Thinking, Design Elements And Principles, Photography, Design
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Yale University
Roman Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, Architectural Design, Architecture and Construction, Construction, Civil Engineering, European History, World History, Cultural Diversity, Research and Design, Design Elements And Principles
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
689 reviews
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Alberta
Software Design and Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Software Architecture, Model View Controller, Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Design, Service Oriented Architecture, API Design, Systems Architecture, Web Services, Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Microservices, Restful API, Software Visualization, Code Review, Solution Architecture, Software Systems, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Development, Java
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Transportation, Sustainable Buildings, Green Construction
Skills you'll gain: Architectural Design, Building Codes, Community Development, Land Development, Public Works, Building Design, Civil Engineering, Economic Development, Construction, Pollution Prevention, Disabilities, Environmental Policy, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Engineering
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
208 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Instructor Network
Blueprint to Brilliance Through Interior Design
Skills you'll gain: Architectural Design, Design, Design Strategies, Design Elements And Principles, Creativity, Systems Of Measurement, Aesthetics, Spatial Analysis, Project Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
138 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Sustainable Design Practices in Building Design
Skills you'll gain: Waste Minimization, Environmental Engineering, Construction, Natural Resource Management, Construction Management, Environmental Resource Management, Energy and Utilities, Environment and Resource Management, Building Codes, HVAC, Building Design, Water Resources, Architecture and Construction, Landscape Architecture, Thermal Management, Project Management, Architectural Design, Product Lifecycle Management, Environmental Science, Human Factors
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Comfort in Buildings
Skills you'll gain: Construction, Natural Resource Management, Environment and Resource Management, Building Design, HVAC, Environmental Engineering, Building Codes, Landscape Architecture, Thermal Management, Architectural Design, Human Factors, Physics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
The Museum of Modern Art
Modern and Contemporary Art and Design
Skills you'll gain: Art History, Performing Arts, Photography, Liberal Arts, Aesthetics, Creativity, Electronic Media, Culture, Cultural Diversity, Media and Communications, Innovation, Social Justice, Design, Journalism, Storytelling, Architectural Design, Design Elements And Principles, Multimedia, Environmental Issue, Photo/Video Production and Technology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Microarchitecture, Computer Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Computer Systems, Computer Engineering, Distributed Computing, Operating Systems, Performance Tuning, Scalability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Yale University
Age of Cathedrals
Skills you'll gain: Art History, European History, Social Studies, Liberal Arts, Architecture and Construction, World History, Higher Education, Economics, Storytelling, Architectural Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
495 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Fractal Analytics
Behavior Architecture - Understanding Human Behavior
Skills you'll gain: Decision Making, Behavioral Economics, Human Development, Learning Theory, Psychology, Cognitive flexibility, Critical Thinking, Qualitative Research, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Research Methodologies, Communication
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Alberta
Software Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Software Architecture, Unified Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, Software Design, Software Visualization, Solution Architecture, Software Systems, Software Development, Software Documentation, Service Oriented Architecture, Software Design Patterns, Enterprise Architecture, Maintainability, Application Deployment, Scalability, Databases
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
927 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks