Free Online Academic Writing Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of California, Irvine

Advanced Writing (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Elevate your academic writing abilities with 'Advanced Writing' on Coursera. This course is part of an Academic English: Writing specialization, perfect for those aiming to excel at college-level work. You'll learn advanced techniques for planning and crafting argument essays, identify plagiarism pitfalls, and effectively incorporate sources into your writing. By the end, you'll be equipped with the skills needed to analyze articles critically, form strong thesis statements, and express well-informed opinions.

Jun 8th 2026

4 Weeks

Writing Essay Creative Writing

Coursera

University of Michigan

Preparing for Graduate Study in the U.S.: A course for international students (Coursera)

Education

Embark on a transformative journey towards achieving your dream of pursuing graduate studies in the United States. This course is meticulously crafted to equip international students like you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of applying and succeeding in U.S. graduate programs. From selecting the right program to enhancing your English communication abilities, this course serves as a vital stepping stone towards realizing your academic aspirations.

Jun 8th 2026

5-12 Weeks

English International Students English Language

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.

Jun 8th 2026

4 Weeks

Writing Writing Skills Learning Languages

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.

Feb 16th 2026

3 Weeks

Higher Education Critical Thinking University

Academic English: How to Write a Thesis (edX)

EdX

University of Queensland,UQx

Academic English: How to Write a Thesis (edX)

Education

Unlock the secrets of academic writing with 'Academic English: How to Write a Thesis'. This comprehensive course by edX guides you through the entire process of crafting an academic publication, from generating research ideas to reporting results and developing critical insights. Perfect for those embarking on their academic writing journey.

Feb 21st 2023

5-12 Weeks

English Academic Research Academic Writing

Coursera

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Scholarly Communication (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Immerse yourself in 'Scholarly Communication', a transformative course designed for those seeking to master the art of academic writing in English. This course equips you with essential skills to navigate the complexities of scholarly communication, from understanding rhetorical conventions to crafting publishable research papers. With structured instruction, practical exercises, and defined deadlines, this course is your pathway to becoming an effective and confident academic writer.

May 16th 2022

4 Weeks

English Writing Communication

Coursera

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Academic Literacy (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Embark on an enlightening journey into the world of academic discourse with 'Academic Literacy'. This foundational course is part of a specialization aimed at equipping you with essential skills needed for crafting well-structured and coherent academic texts. Learn critical reading techniques, boost your vocabulary, and refine your grammar to become a proficient scientific writer.

May 16th 2022

4 Weeks

Grammar Vocabulary 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