In an age where everything from cooking classes to coding bootcamps can be found online, the art of poetry is no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned poet looking to refine your craft or a beginner wanting to explore the magic of words, there are countless online poetry courses available to suit your needs. These courses offer flexibility, a range of learning experiences, and access to professional poets and educators—all from the comfort of your home.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best online poetry courses and how they can help you nurture your poetic voice.
1. Coursera: “Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop” by California Institute of the Arts
Coursera is known for offering university-level courses to learners around the world, and their poetry workshops are no exception. One standout course is Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop, taught by the California Institute of the Arts.
This free course (with a paid option for certification) helps poets focus on editing, developing their voice, and understanding how to craft compelling lines. Whether you’re interested in free verse, traditional forms, or modern poetic techniques, this course encourages experimentation and feedback through peer reviews.
Ideal For: Poets looking to hone their craft with structured assignments and peer feedback.
2. MasterClass: “Billy Collins Teaches Reading and Writing Poetry”
If you want to learn from one of the most beloved modern poets, MasterClass offers Billy Collins Teaches Reading and Writing Poetry. Collins, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, delivers an engaging and accessible course that delves into both reading and writing poetry.
He focuses on the process of observing life and turning everyday experiences into evocative poetry. The class includes video lessons, exercises, and an intimate view of Collins’ writing process. Although MasterClass requires a subscription, it grants you access to a variety of other writing courses as well.
Ideal For: Poets seeking inspiration and guidance from a well-established, accessible poet.
3. Udemy: “How to Write Poetry: Beginner’s Workshop”
Udemy is another platform that offers a wide range of poetry courses for all skill levels. One popular option is How to Write Poetry: Beginner’s Workshop. This course introduces students to the basics of poetry, covering rhyme schemes, meter, imagery, and how to develop a poetic voice.
What makes Udemy attractive is that courses are often on sale, and you can access the material for life once you purchase it. Plus, the beginner’s workshop includes downloadable resources and assignments to help you practice what you learn.
Ideal For: Complete beginners who want a solid introduction to poetry without a large time or financial commitment.
4. The Poetry School: Various Courses
Based in the UK, The Poetry School offers a wide range of online poetry courses for every level. From one-off workshops to longer, term-length classes, they cover everything from writing experimental poetry to creating sonnets, free verse, and hybrid forms.
The Poetry School also hosts The CAMPUS, an online community where poets can exchange ideas, share work, and get feedback. The courses are led by experienced poets and educators, and many offer personalized feedback on your work.
Ideal For: Poets looking for specialized courses and a strong sense of community.
5. Skillshare: “Poetry for Beginners: Writing About Ourselves”
Skillshare offers short, focused classes for creative pursuits, and one of their standout poetry courses is Poetry for Beginners: Writing About Ourselves. Taught by poet Alison Malee, this class encourages students to use personal experiences as the foundation for their poems. It’s an approachable class designed for anyone who wants to learn how to transform their thoughts and emotions into compelling poetry.
The platform is subscription-based, but it often offers free trials. In addition, once you subscribe, you can access thousands of other creative courses in writing, design, and more.
Ideal For: Beginners or intermediate poets who want to use personal narratives in their writing.
6. edX: “Poetry in America”
edX offers an interesting course titled Poetry in America, taught by Harvard University professor Elisa New. This course takes a historical and cultural approach, diving into iconic American poems and the poets who created them. It explores the relationship between poetry and society, and how poems shape our understanding of the world.
While it’s more focused on reading and analyzing poetry rather than writing, this course offers invaluable insight into what makes great poetry work. For those interested in understanding the lineage of American poetry, this course is an excellent choice.
Ideal For: Poets who want to deepen their understanding of poetry’s historical and cultural impact.
7. Gotham Writers: Poetry Writing Courses
Gotham Writers Workshop is well known for offering in-depth writing classes, including several dedicated to poetry. These courses are available online in both group and private formats, with topics ranging from introductory poetry to advanced workshops that focus on refining your voice and publishing your work.
What’s unique about Gotham is its focus on providing feedback, with detailed critiques from instructors and fellow students. Courses are offered year-round, so you can join when it fits your schedule.
Ideal For: Writers who want a structured, feedback-driven environment for developing their poetry skills.
8. The Writers’ Studio: Online Poetry Courses
The Writers’ Studio offers a variety of online poetry courses designed to suit different levels of experience. They offer feedback-based workshops where you can submit your work for critique and develop it over the course of the class. Their courses often explore both the technical aspects of writing poetry and the more elusive emotional and philosophical elements that give poetry its power.
With expert tutors guiding you, these courses allow you to develop a deeper understanding of both the craft and art of poetry.
Ideal For: Writers looking for structured guidance and personalized feedback on their work.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned poet looking to refine your craft, online poetry courses provide an accessible and flexible way to grow. From platforms like Coursera and Udemy to more specialized communities like The Poetry School, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from. These courses can offer you the tools, inspiration, and feedback you need to take your poetry to the next level.
By exploring the world of online poetry courses, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge, learn from established poets, and join a global community of writers. So, whether you’re seeking to improve your writing skills, gain new perspectives, or simply discover the joy of poetry, there’s an online course out there for you!
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