Write and publish your research paper, start to finish: join our most popular open course

21 September – 4 November 2026

Writing a research paper for publication can feel like a maze - where do you even start, and how do you know when it's ready? What do you do once you've submitted it? Our most popular open course walks you through the whole journey, from your first literature search to responding to reviewers' comments, so you can submit your work with confidence.

Whether you're writing your first paper or want to sharpen skills you've picked up along the way, this six-week course meets you where you are.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to

• Apply strategies to access and interpret academic research
• Evaluate ethical challenges in academic research and publishing, including the responsible and transparent use of AI tools
• Structure a research paper for an academic journal
• Select a relevant peer-reviewed journal for your research

What to expect

• Work through books, quizzes, discussion activities and peer marking assignments - on your laptop or your phone
• Complete the course over six weeks, studying at the times that suit you
• Attend optional Zoom calls with facilitators, or catch up with the recordings later
• Network in thematic study clubs with colleagues from around the world
• Earn a Pass or Merit certificate of completion, and unlock weekly badges along the way
• Keep learning after the course ends: save PDF copies of course materials and the YouTube playlist for future reference

What previous learners say

"I've learned the A to Z of scientific research writing in an organised manner. Though I've published my own research paper earlier, this course has improved and validated my previous understanding of research writing. The discussion on editors' and reviewers' perspectives on the article review and selection process was very enriching to me."

"Learning why reviewer comments can be critical and how to respond to them constructively helped reduce my fear of rejection. As a non-native English speaker, I also became more aware of the need for careful revision, feedback from colleagues, and clear writing. Overall, the course increased my confidence in research writing and helped me feel more prepared to submit my work for publication."

"The course gave me a clearer understanding of what it really takes to write and publish research. Before now, I saw research writing as something difficult and meant only for experts, but the lessons broke the process down in a way that made it feel more achievable. Overall, the course has made research feel less intimidating."

Ready to join?

1. Create an account or log in
2. Select the option to join the 2026 cohort
3. Use the enrolment key: OpenAccessIsAwesome

Enrol now