Learn copywriting online
Develop the writing skills behind effective ads, emails, and digital content. Learn flexibly through university-led online courses and certificate programs on edX.
What is copywriting?
A jingle you still remember years later, a brand comment that caught your eye on social media, or a marketing email you actually opened: those are examples of what good copywriters do.
Copywriting is the skill of writing words that inform, persuade, and drive action in ads, emails, websites, and digital content, in a clear, concise way.
Why learn copywriting?
- Improve your persuasive communication skills, which can be applied across marketing, sales, business, and digital media.
- Build transferable skills to qualify for roles such as copywriter, marketer, content strategist, or communications specialist.
- Support business goals with solid copywriting skills, from increasing audience engagement to driving sales conversions or creating brand awareness.
Browse online Copywriting Certificates
Find new interests and advance your career opportunities
Stand out in your field
Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.
Learn at your own pace
On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.
Earn a valuable credential
Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.
Certificates
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How to start learning copywriting
Whether you're new to writing or looking to sharpen your marketing skills, edX offers flexible, online copywriting courses and certificate programs from top universities and institutions.
You can start learning copywriting at your own pace in a few clear steps:
1. Build a strong writing foundation
Copywriting builds on writing fundamentals. Reading widely and learning how language works — including vocabulary, grammar, structure, and self-editing — helps you write clearly and adapt your message for different contexts and audiences.
Featured program
BerkeleyX: Academic and Business Writing
Level: Introductory
Duration: 6 weeks
What you'll learn: Improve grammar, vocabulary, tone, and editing skills through guided writing, revision, and practice across formats.
2. Develop persuasive communication skills
Once you understand how writing works, the next step is learning how to use language persuasively. This includes best practices for shaping messages for specific audiences, writing clear calls to action, and adapting copy for marketing channels.
Featured program
University of Cape Town: Copywriting for Digital Marketing
Level: Introductory scheduled classes
Duration: 6 weeks
What you'll learn: Write persuasive copy, including headlines, calls to action, SEO-focused content, and social media copy, while learning best practices for pricing and working with clients.
3. Strengthen your skills through real-world applications
Copywriting skills stick when you use them. Applying what you've learned to real content projects, from planning posts to reviewing performance, helps you understand what works, what doesn't, and why.
Featured program
AptlyX: Content Creation and Strategy for Social Media Marketing
Level: Introductory
Duration: 3 weeks
What you'll learn: Create social media content by writing compelling captions, developing visuals with AI tools, using social listening to guide strategy, and analyzing performance.
Choosing the right copywriting program for you
edX offers several copywriting courses and programs, all of which are taught online. The courses differ in duration and focus, and are designed to fit around work and other commitments. edX online courses and certificate programs are taught by leading universities and institutions, and include a verified credential when you complete them.
Before choosing a program, think about what you want to get out of it — learning the basics, building on existing experience, or preparing for a new role. From there, you can select the edX option that best suits your background and goals.
| Program type | Who is it best for? | Typical duration | Cost range | What you can learn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional certificate | Professionals looking to upskill or reskill for career advancement and want a recognized credential. | 2-10 months | Varies by program, starting at $500 | Practical skills across multiple courses, often including copywriting, content strategy, and applied marketing concepts. |
| Individual courses | Learners who want to build or refresh specific writing skills without a long-term commitment. Suitable for beginners or professionals looking to add copywriting to their skill set. | 2-6 weeks | Free access to course materials, with certificates starting at $50 | Writing fundamentals, copywriting basics, and targeted skills such as business writing, digital copy, or social media content. |
| Executive education | Mid- to senior-level professionals seeking cohort-based, expert-led advanced leadership training and networking opportunities. | 6-20+ weeks | Varies by program, starting at $2,500 | Leadership skills and expertise in a specific area, such as copywriting, digital marketing, or professional communication. |
Copywriting jobs and career outlook
From copywriter to advertising manager to public relations specialist, learning copywriting can prepare you for a myriad of career options.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for some of the following jobs listed below is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034. For example, job opportunities for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are projected to increase by 6% between the aforementioned years, and jobs for public relations specialists are projected to grow by 5% during that same period.
Here are some common jobs you may qualify for after learning copywriting, with each role's required level of education and salary data from the BLS:
Copywriter
Copywriters develop and edit written content for a variety of media. Depending on their job, they may write product descriptions, blog posts, website copy, email newsletters, and social media posts. Copywriters may also work with marketing professionals to ensure their copy aligns with marketing strategies.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $72,270
Copywriter
Copywriters develop and edit written content for a variety of media. Depending on their job, they may write product descriptions, blog posts, website copy, email newsletters, and social media posts. Copywriters may also work with marketing professionals to ensure their copy aligns with marketing strategies.
- Required education: Bachelor's degree
- Median annual salary (2024): $72,270
Start learning copywriting online with edX
Enroll today in edX's university-led courses and programs to develop copywriting skills you can apply across marketing, business, and digital media.