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

Status: New
IIT Bombay
Design Thinking and Innovation
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, User Research, Ideation, Prototyping, Human Centered Design, User Experience Design, Product Design, Innovation, Brainstorming, Creative Thinking, Empathy, User Feedback, Product Development, Customer experience improvement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Working with Subqueries in SQL
Skills you'll gain: SQL, PostgreSQL, Query Languages
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
58 reviews
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Case Western Reserve University
Be a Leader, Develop a Leader
Skills you'll gain: Employee Coaching, Coaching, Leadership Development, Leadership, Strategic Leadership, People Development, Professional Development, Organizational Leadership, Leadership and Management, Visionary, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development, Lifelong Learning, Goal Setting, Relationship Building
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Python Scripting for DevOps
Skills you'll gain: Scripting, Python Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Devops Tools, Software Development Tools, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Program Development
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Crea tu artículo científico con latex
Skills you'll gain: Research Reports, Technical Documentation, Technical Writing, Scientific Methods, Document Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
100 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
SAE Institute México
Storytelling y medios digitales
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Storyboarding, Content Creation, Media Production, Multimedia, Technical Writing, Digital Communications, Writing, Scripting
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
35 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Language Arts Confidence with Storybird
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Digital Publishing, Content Creation, Writing, Literacy, Creativity
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Universidad Austral
Red de sentidos: Arte, educación y procesos creativos
Skills you'll gain: Art History, Teaching, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Pedagogy, Aesthetics, Mathematics Education, Curriculum Development, Culture, Liberal Arts, Creativity, Creative Thinking, Geometry, Research, Collaboration, Science and Research, Critical Thinking
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
119 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Create Informative Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Technical Communication, Concision, Microsoft Power Platform
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
58 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Erasmus University Rotterdam
The Politics of Skepticism
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, European History, Ancient History, Policy Analysis, Social Studies, Research, Creativity, Investigation, Cultural Diversity, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Visualization for Data Analysis with Power BI
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Data Ethics, Data Visualization Software, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Business Intelligence, Advanced Analytics, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Exploratory Data Analysis, Trend Analysis, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Scatter Plots, Geospatial Information and Technology, Root Cause Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Legal Research
Skills you'll gain: Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Legal Risk, Litigation Support, Legal Writing, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Predictive Modeling, Ethical Standards And Conduct
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

Design Thinking and Innovation: IIT Bombay
Working with Subqueries in SQL: Coursera Project Network
Be a Leader, Develop a Leader: Case Western Reserve University
Python Scripting for DevOps: Coursera Project Network
Crea tu artículo científico con latex: Coursera Project Network
Storytelling y medios digitales: SAE Institute México
Language Arts Confidence with Storybird: Coursera Project Network
Red de sentidos: Arte, educación y procesos creativos: Universidad Austral
Create Informative Presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint: Coursera Project Network
The Politics of Skepticism: Erasmus University Rotterdam

Creative Writing Courses