Free Online Empathy Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of California, Santa Cruz

AI, Empathy & Ethics (Coursera)

Humanities

Dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) without needing technical expertise. This course offers a non-technical overview of AI advancements and the crucial ethical dilemmas we encounter as AI becomes an integral part of our global society. Learn about the impact of AI on empathy, ethics in AI development, and how to thoughtfully engage with these emerging technologies.

Sep 14th 2026

4 Weeks

Artificial Intelligence Ethics Perception

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

Storying the Self: (Re)Claiming our Voices (Coursera)

Personal and Professional Development

Embark on a journey to redefine your voice and embrace vulnerability as a powerful tool for leadership and creative expression. 'Storying the Self: (Re)Claiming our Voices' is an insightful course designed to help you explore the complexities of identity, including race, gender, class, language, and ability, and how they shape your unique story.

Sep 14th 2026

4 Weeks

Leadership Stories Inclusion

Coursera

Arizona State University

Empathy for Self and Others (Coursera)

Personal and Professional Development

Discover the power of empathy with our 'Empathy for Self and Others' course. This unique program explores the depths of emotional intelligence, helping you understand not just the feelings of those around you but also yourself. By mastering these essential skills, you'll be able to foster stronger connections, improve personal well-being, and navigate social interactions more effectively.

Sep 14th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Emotional Intelligence Empathy Coursera Plus

Coursera

Coursera Instructor Network

Active Listening: Enhancing Communication Skills (Coursera)

Business

Unlock the power of active listening to transform your communication abilities. This course will teach you essential techniques for engaging listeners, fostering better understanding, and building stronger connections in both personal and professional settings.

Sep 14th 2026

1 Week

Communication Listening Conflict Resolution

FutureLearn

St George's, University of London

Developing Clinical Empathy: Making a Difference in Patient Care (FutureLearn)

Health & Society

Discover how developing clinical empathy can transform patient care in this comprehensive online course. Improve your ability to understand and connect with patients, leading to better health outcomes and a more fulfilling practice. Explore different types of empathy, non-verbal communication, and key opportunities for demonstrating empathy in clinical settings.

Self Paced

2 Weeks

Health Healthcare Patient Care

FutureLearn

D&AD

How to Enhance Your Creative Empathy (FutureLearn)

Art and Culture

Dive into 'How to Enhance Your Creative Empathy' and transform your approach to creativity. This course, offered by FutureLearn, teaches you the art of connecting with your audience on a deeper level, ensuring your creative work not only stands out but also delivers results. By focusing on human connection and empathy, you'll be able to craft content that truly resonates with your target customers.

May 23rd 2022

3 Weeks

Creativity Research Audiences

FutureLearn

Monash University

Maintaining a Mindful Life (FutureLearn)

Health & Society

Embark on a journey towards a more mindful existence with 'Maintaining a Mindful Life'. This course offers practical insights into integrating mindfulness into your daily routine, helping you communicate better, build stronger relationships, and manage emotions effectively. Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this course is designed for everyone seeking a calmer, more present life.

Jan 17th 2022

4 Weeks

Health Communication Mindfulness

FutureLearn

University of Michigan

Storytelling for Social Change (FutureLearn)

Health & Society Art and Culture

Discover the transformative power of storytelling in driving social change with this engaging online course. Master the techniques to create impactful narratives, develop characters that resonate, and effectively communicate messages that can lead to real-world impact. Whether you're an activist, a professional seeking to influence policy or public opinion, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, this course will equip you with the tools to tell stories that matter.

Feb 1st 2021

5-12 Weeks

Social Change Storytelling Communication Skills