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

Skip to search results

Filter by

Subject
Required

Business(413)

Computer Science(259)

Arts and Humanities(154)

Language Learning(121)

Language
Required

The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

English(1,193)

Spanish(702)

Arabic(637)

French(628)

Learning Product
Required

Guided Projects(173)

Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.

Courses(1,041)

Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.

Projects(7)

Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.

Specializations(176)

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.

Professional Certificates(17)

Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

Degrees(7)

Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.

University Certificates(1)

Graduate level learning within reach.

Level
Required

Beginner(883)

Intermediate(332)

Advanced(24)

Mixed(175)

Duration
Required

Less Than 2 Hours(180)

1-4 Weeks(500)

1-3 Months(558)

3-6 Months(175)

6-12 Months(1)

1-4 Years(7)

Skills
Required

Writing(243)

Creativity(184)

Storytelling(175)

Innovation(168)

Subtitles
Required

English(1,259)

Spanish(774)

Arabic(706)

French(701)

Educator
Required

Coursera Project Network(173)

Packt(80)

University of Colorado Boulder(57)

Coursera Instructor Network(39)

Find the Best Creative Writing Course for Your Goals

Coursera Project Network
Concepts in Python: Loops, Functions and Returns
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Python Programming, Scripting, Maintainability, Programming Principles, Scripting Languages
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
114 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
English for Effective Business Communications
Skills you'll gain: English Language, Marketing, Business, Vocabulary, Telecommuting, Human Resources, People Management, Office Management, Leadership and Management, Human Resources Management and Planning, Marketing Management, Business Communication, Recruitment, Business Writing, Grammar, Communication
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
114 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
AI for Lawyers: Obstacles and Opportunities
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Experimentation, Legal Strategy, Analysis, Law Practice Management Software, Risk Analysis, Generative AI, ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, Emerging Technologies
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The Museum of Modern Art
Reimagining Blackness and Architecture
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public History, Community Development, Social Justice, Cultural Responsiveness, Creativity, Art History, Design, Cultural Diversity, Photography
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
72 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
University of California, Davis
Writing with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Writing, Data Ethics, Prompt Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Technical Writing, Machine Learning, Information Privacy
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Master The Art of Digital Marketing with Canva
Skills you'll gain: Logo Design, Canva (Software), Marketing Design, Marketing Collateral, Marketing Materials, Advertising, Branding, Marketing, Promotional Materials, Aesthetics, Design Elements And Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Board Infinity
Writing Effective Technical Documentation
Skills you'll gain: Technical Writing, Technical Documentation, Technical Communication, Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, Collaborative Software, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Typography, Multimedia, Proofreading, Design Elements And Principles, GitHub, Application Programming Interface (API), Version Control
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agents in Java with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Java, Agentic systems, Software Design, Artificial Intelligence, Software Architecture, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Software Development Tools, Application Development, Prompt Engineering, Systems Integration, Large Language Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Kennesaw State University
Career Options: Exploring a New Career
Skills you'll gain: Planning, Professional Networking, Business Research, Lifelong Learning, Goal Setting, Professional Development, Personal Development, Market Research, Adaptability, Self-Awareness, Market Analysis, Creative Thinking, Decision Making, Trend Analysis
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
52 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Learn Automation Testing with Java and Selenium Webdriver
Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), JUnit, Eclipse (Software), Java Programming, Java, Test Automation, Integrated Development Environments, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Testing, Object Oriented Design, Browser Compatibility, Test Data, Test Tools, Test Case, Computer Programming, Software Quality Assurance, Regression Testing, Development Environment, Programming Principles, HTML and CSS
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to PicsArt for Social Media Marketing
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Social Media Content, Photo Editing, Graphics Software, Graphic and Visual Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
84 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Crea piezas para redes sociales usando Canva
Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Social Media Content, Social Media Marketing, Graphic Design, Social Media, Content Creation, Creative Design, Marketing Design, Marketing Collateral, Design Elements And Principles, Editing, Photo Editing, Branding, Video Editing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
110 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours