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: 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: 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
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
TypeScript Variables and Data Types
Skills you'll gain: TypeScript, Programming Principles, Web Development Tools, Javascript, Web Language
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
97 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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
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: 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
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
AI Basics and Tools for Creativity
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Image Analysis, Creativity, OpenAI, Prompt Engineering, Design Software, ChatGPT, Innovation, Music
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Fudan University
微影人的自我修养
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Video Production, Writing, Performing Arts, Creativity, Content Creation, Photography, Editing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Maven Analytics
Microsoft Copilot for Excel: AI-Powered Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Excel, Pivot Tables And Charts, Excel Formulas, People Analytics, Spreadsheet Software, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Data Presentation, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Sydney
The Place of Music in 21st Century Education
Skills you'll gain: Music, Musical Composition, World Music, Music Theory, Classical Music, Education Software and Technology, Instrumental Music, Formal Learning, Creativity, Innovation, Multimedia, Electronic Media
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Building Digital Media using Graphic Design in PowerPoint
Skills you'll gain: Animations, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Digital Design, Content Creation, Multimedia, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Infographics, Video Production, Media Production, Data Import/Export, Data Sharing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
69 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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