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

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Data Management and Sharing for NIH Proposals
Skills you'll gain: Data Sharing, Data Storage, Data Management, Health Policy, Health Care Procedure and Regulation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Automation Frameworks and Testing with TestNG
Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), Test Automation, Test Data, Test Case, Unit Testing, Software Testing, Test Execution Engine, Regression Testing, Integration Testing, Java, Performance Testing, Automation
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Scrimba
Learn Node.js
Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, JSON, Server Side, Web Applications, Back-End Web Development, Web Servers, Application Programming Interface (API), Restful API, Javascript, Package and Software Management, Routing Protocols, Software Design Patterns, Maintainability, Servers
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
University of California, Davis
Editing and Enhancing AI Generated Content
Skills you'll gain: Editing, Prompt Engineering, AI Personalization, Generative AI Agents, Proofreading, Writing, Content Creation, Business Writing, Diversity and Inclusion, ChatGPT, Analysis, Data Ethics, Target Audience, Communication, Communication Strategies
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Foundations of Unreal Engine 5 and Basic Environment Design
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Virtual Environment, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), User Interface (UI)
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Voxy
Beginner English: Times, Dates, and Numbers
Skills you'll gain: English Language, Vocabulary, Language Competency, Oral Comprehension, Language Learning, Grammar
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
The Ultimate T-SQL And Microsoft SQL Server Bootcamp
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft SQL Servers, Transact-SQL, SQL, Database Design, Transaction Processing, Stored Procedure, Database Administration, Data Manipulation, Query Languages, Database Management, Databases, Database Architecture and Administration, Relational Databases, Data Integrity
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Packt
Selenium WebDriver Advanced - Complete Framework
Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Jenkins, Continuous Integration, CI/CD, Test Automation, Test Data, Test Tools, Software Versioning, JUnit, Software Testing, Test Case, IntelliJ IDEA, Application Frameworks, Development Environment, Apache Maven, Verification And Validation, Debugging
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Formatieren mit Microsoft Excel
Skills you'll gain: Data Entry, Spreadsheet Software
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Edureka
Testing and Deploying Angular Applications
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Git (Version Control System), Angular, CI/CD, Application Deployment, Continuous Deployment, Unit Testing, Application Performance Management, Continuous Integration, Maintainability, Application Lifecycle Management, Test Tools, Test Automation, Software Testing, Test Case, Development Testing, Regression Testing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
The American Renaissance and Herman Melville
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Writing, World History, Liberal Arts, Political Sciences
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Mastering Streamlined Syntax: Efficient Kotlin Coding
Skills you'll gain: Kotlin, Maintainability, Software Development, Debugging
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours