There are plenty of good reasons to choose to become a writer. First of all, this is one of the most independent professions in the world. You can work remotely, at your home or at some small cafe, staying free from management and distractions. Furthermore, it is about mobility: all you need for doing your job is your laptop and a good cup of coffee, so you can work while travelling or having lunch. Finally, this is a very rewarding occupation if you are a creative person and love to generate unique and catchy texts.
Of course, the standards in this niche can be high, especially when it comes to academic writing. Such elements of the writing process as research or fact checking become much more important in this case. In order to compose academic articles and papers of proper quality you need to follow the rules (often very strict) of work with information, in addition to general writing skills. This is just one of many examples when developing proper skills is no less important than being creative.
In order to become a top notch writer who can take various tasks, from simple blog posts to research papers, one has to train all the time. It is risky to stay at the same level when the writer profession gains popularity. New skilled competitors might appear in your niche and win all the best customers! That is why it is worth considering taking a professional course online, to save your time and ensure your future success.
Luckily, today it is not mandatory to graduate from a formal writers school of some kind. A lot of online courses are available all over the web, and some of them could boast quite a high level of tutoring. In this article we will review 50 most popular and helpful ones, available online and provided by world’s leading universities and educational platforms.
Course: Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
Where: Harvard University
Professional postgraduate tutoring in world’s leading humanitarian university. Basically free, with extra paid options.
Course: The Strategy of Content Marketing
Where: University of California, Davis
For intermediate skill level. Add analytics and planning to your creative writing.
Course: English Grammar and Style
Where: University of Queensland via edX
Starting with advanced grammar and style, this course provides in-depth view into word usage and text composing.
Course: Grammar and Punctuation
Where: University of California, Irvine via Coursera
For starters and for those who need refreshing their knowledge about English grammar rules.
Course: Effective Business Writing
Where: Berkeley University via edX
Basic rules and appropriate formats for corporate emails, business proposals, presentations etc. Free with additional paid options.
Course: Creative Writing
Where: Wesleyan University
Basic story genres and appropriate techniques for aspiring writers. French and Spanish specialization also available!
Course: How to Write an Essay
Where: Berkeley University via edX
Academic writing basics, aimed at English learners.
Course: Getting Started with Essay Writing
Where: University of California, Irvine via Coursera
Introducing future writers to main academic essay types. Paid certification available.
Course: How to Write a Novel
Where: University of British Columbia via edX
Learn how to write, edit and revise your big complicated texts. Aimed at experienced writers and beginners.
Course: Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself
Where: Wesleyan University
Challenges and techniques of professional non-fiction writing when focusing on personal experience.
Course: Perfect Tenses and Modals
Where: University of California, Irvine via Coursera
Important basics for would-be English writers.
Course: Adjectives and Adjective Clauses
Where: University of California, Irvine via Coursera
More sophisticated knowledge about English writing for aspiring authors.
Course: Advanced Writing
Where: University of California, Irvine via Coursera
Another part of the series for would-be English writers. Focused on academic content rules.
Course: Academic writing for clarity and meaning
Where: University of the Witwatersrand via edX
Rules and techniques of easy explaining complex ideas in your texts. Focused on writing principles and styles.
Course: Writing in the Sciences
Where: Stanford University
Advanced knowledge from the world’s top educational institution. Aimed at scientists willing to adopt better writing skills
Course: English Composition I
Where: Duke University via Coursera
General tips and rules for composing college-level texts.
Course: Introduction to Research for Essay Writing
Where: University of California, Irvine via Coursera
Key knowledge for advanced writing: how to research and to work with data.
Course: English Composition: Research and Writing
Where: Arizona University
Basics of working with sources and composing creative texts for beginners.
Course: Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot
Where: Wesleyan University
Understanding of plot and how to make it. Aimed at young writers.
Course: Writing for Graduate School
Where: Barry University via Canvas Network
General rules and tips for starters, including work with sources, APA & MLA styles etc..
Course: Journalism for Social Change
Where: Berkeley University via edX
Advanced program for experienced writers. Aimed at work with modern technologies and trends.
Course: Business Writing
Where: Berkeley University via edX
Advanced program for professional writers and executives.
Course: Start Writing Fiction
Where: The Open University via FutureLearn
Innovative advanced program for writers in the UK’s leading undergraduate institution.
Course: Media Writing and Editing
Where: Ohio State University via Canvas Network
Basics and techniques for writing for all types of media platforms.
Course: Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation
Where: University of Colorado Boulder
Business writing and related data management activities for beginners and experienced writers.
Course: Doing Journalism with Data: First Steps, Skills and Tools
Where: European Journalism Centre via Canvas Network
EU journalistic standards for English speakers and learners.
Course: Creative Writing: The Craft of Setting and Description
Where: Wesleyan University via Coursera
Rules and techniques for high-level fiction writing. Aimed at beginners.
Course: Creative Writing: The Craft of Style
Where: Wesleyan University via Coursera
Advanced program for aspiring fiction writers. Requires fluent English level.
Course: Business English Communication Skills
Where: University of Washington
Intermediate level program for young writers, with a focus on the corporate style.
Course: Transmedia Writing
Where: Michigan State University via Coursera
Best practices and techniques for beginners, with a special focus on Intellectual Property rights.
Course: Writing a Personal Essay
Where: Wesleyan University via Coursera
Non-fiction writing program for beginners. Rules and tips for telling about personal experience.
Course: Grant Writing and Crowdfunding for Public Libraries
Where: University of Michigan
A narrow program aimed at library management, though might be interesting for experienced niche writers.
Course: High-Impact Business Writing
Where: University of California, Irvine via Coursera
Advanced practices and tips for experienced writers and business people.
Course: Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters
Where: University of Maryland via Coursera
Helpful tips and techniques for job seekers.
Course: Writing Professional Email and Memos
Where: University of Georgia via Coursera
Mostly oriented at experienced writers and business professionals.
Course: The Writing Process
Where: University of California, Berkeley via edX
More of a theoretical view into the writing essentials.
Course: Better Business Writing in English
Where: Georgia Institute of Technology via Coursera
An intermediate level program for English learners and aspiring business professionals.
Course: Interviewing and Resume Writing in English
Where: University of Maryland
In-depth view into efficient communication in the Human Resources field. Helpful for both beginners and for experienced writers.
Course: Writing for Social Media
Where: University of California, Berkeley via edX
An intermediate-level program with focus on business needs and promotion techniques.
Course: English for Effective Business Writing
Where: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera
Similar to the previous one. Might be a preference for someone because of location or curriculum specifics.
Course: Academic Information Seeking
Where: University of Copenhagen
Helpful techniques on academic research. Popular among European writers.
Course: Technical Report Writing for Engineers
Where: The University of Sheffield via FutureLearn
Advanced program for tech writers or engineers willing to improve their writing skills.
Course: Discovering Science: Science Writing
Where: University of Leeds via FutureLearn
Similar to the previous one but with a focus on scientific fields.
Course: Writing Skills for Engineering Leaders
Where: Rice University
A program for engineers, with a specific focus on soft skills and management.
Course: Scholarly Communication
Where: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology via Coursera
Beginner level program for english learners with a tech background.
Course: Writing your World: Finding yourself in the academic space
Where: University of Cape Town via Coursera
Aimed at aspiring academic writers. Also helpful for students and researchers willing to level up their writing skills.
Course: How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper
Where: École Polytechnique via Coursera
An in-depth program for academic writers from a leading tech university in France.
Course: Writing Skills for Health Care Providers
Where: Concordia University Wisconsin
Tips and techniques for creating a quality medical related content.
Course: Discovering Your PhD Potential: Writing a Research Proposal
Where: via FutureLearn
Advanced academic writing tutoring on a popular digital education platform.
Course: Project: Writing a Research Paper
Where: University of California, Irvine
Advanced program for aspiring academic writers.
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