Free Online Academic Writing Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of Cape Town

Writing your World: Finding yourself in the academic space (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Dive into 'Writing Your World: Finding Yourself in the Academic Space' and transform how you approach academic writing. This course is designed for those who wish to develop their ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively through written work, specifically within an academic context. You'll learn techniques to construct well-structured essays, engage with academic texts, and effectively communicate your unique voice.

Aug 3rd 2026

4 Weeks

Writing Writing Skills Learning Languages

Coursera

University of California, Irvine

Writing Skills for University Success (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Unlock the secrets to successful academic writing with 'Writing Skills for University Success'. This course is tailored for students aiming to excel in their university studies by mastering the craft of essays, research papers, and other written assignments. Whether you're majoring in humanities or STEM fields, our expert guidance will help you choose compelling topics, find reliable sources, and structure your writing effectively.

Aug 3rd 2026

4 Weeks

University Writing Skills Academic Writing

EdX

University of California, Berkeley,BerkeleyX

Academic and Business Writing (edX)

Humanities Marketing & Communication

Immerse yourself in College Writing 2.2x, an introductory course tailored for English Language Learners eager to elevate their academic and business writing skills. This course is structured around enhancing grammatical accuracy, enriching vocabulary, refining document structure, and honing revision and editing abilities. Whether you're aiming to excel in academic papers or professional correspondence, this course provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to produce clear, compelling, and polished written work.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

English Languages Writing

EdX

University of California, Berkeley,BerkeleyX

How to Write an Essay (edX)

Humanities Languages & Literature

Discover the art of academic writing with our 'How to Write an Essay' course on edX. Designed specifically for English Language Learners, this course will guide you through the essential steps of crafting compelling essays, from developing ideas to perfecting your grammar and self-editing skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your existing abilities, this course offers valuable insights into academic writing.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

English English Language English Grammar

EdX

Technische Universität München - TUM,TUMx

Academic Writing Made Easy (edX)

Languages & Literature

Transform your academic writing skills with 'Academic Writing Made Easy'. This edX course breaks down the complexities of academic writing into manageable steps, helping you craft compelling and credible papers. Over six weeks, you'll learn essential techniques for structuring and organizing your work, while avoiding common pitfalls that can undermine your credibility.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Language English Writing

FutureLearn

University College London

Academic Writing in English for ESL Learners (FutureLearn)

Education Languages & Literature

Unlock the secrets of effective academic writing in English as a second language (ESL) learner with our comprehensive online course. Designed for students aiming to improve their essay writing skills and succeed in university settings, this course will guide you through developing persuasive essays, enhancing critical thinking, and mastering argument reasoning while incorporating external sources into your work.

Self Paced

3 Weeks

English Writing Critical Thinking

Coursera

University of California, Irvine

IELTS Writing Section Skills Mastery (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Improve your IELTS writing abilities with our specialized course, tailored to help you excel in the writing component of the exam. Learn strategies to tackle both Academic Writing Task 1 and Task 2 effectively, ensuring well-structured and coherent responses that can boost your chances of achieving a higher band score.

Jul 27th 2026

3 Weeks

Writing Academic Writing IELTS

FutureLearn

University of Leeds

Skills to Succeed at University (FutureLearn)

Education

Get a head start on your university journey with 'Skills to Succeed at University'. This online course, developed by experts at the University of Leeds, equips you with key academic skills needed for undergraduate studies in the UK. Learn from current students' experiences and transition seamlessly into higher education.

Self Paced

3 Weeks

Higher Education Critical Thinking University

EdX

University of Adelaide,AdelaideX

Academic Writing (edX)

Languages & Literature

Transitioning from non-academic backgrounds into higher education can be challenging, especially when it comes to mastering academic writing. This course is specifically tailored for school leavers and professionals re-entering academia, providing essential tools and techniques to excel in academic communication. Whether you're preparing for university or looking to refine your professional writing skills, this course will equip you with the foundational knowledge necessary for success.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Writing Academic Writing Effective Writing