What are the best architecture courses on Coursera?

Top options include Making Architecture from IE School of Architecture and Design , Roman Architecture from Yale University , and Sustainable Design Practices in Building Design from L&T EduTech . These courses cover design principles, historical influences, and creative processes behind architectural innovation.

Can I learn architecture for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many architecture courses offer a free audit option, allowing learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in an architecture course?

You’ll explore the fundamentals of design, spatial composition, and building systems. Some courses focus on architectural history, while others cover contemporary design practices, sustainability , and how technology is shaping the future of architecture.

Do I need a design background to start learning architecture?

Not necessarily. Many courses are designed for general learners and enthusiasts, with no previous experience required. If you’re preparing for architectural school or working in design, you’ll find more advanced courses that build on these foundational concepts.

Can Coursera’s architecture courses help with career or academic goals?

Yes. Whether you’re exploring architecture as a career, preparing for a degree program, or simply interested in the field, Coursera courses can help you build a strong foundation, deepen your understanding, and earn certificates to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment.

Top Architecture Courses - Learn Architecture Online

Find the Best Architecture Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Data Warehouse Concepts, Design, and Data Integration
Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, Database Design, Data Integration, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Modeling, Star Schema, Relational Databases, Snowflake Schema, Data Architecture, Business Intelligence, SQL, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Mart, PostgreSQL, Data Transformation, Data Quality
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Cloud Computing Applications, Part 2: Big Data and Applications in the Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Big Data, Apache Spark, Data Storage Technologies, Apache Hadoop, Distributed Computing, Data Storage, Data Processing, NoSQL, Apache Kafka, Real Time Data, Cloud Computing, Databases, Analytics, Deep Learning, Scalability, Machine Learning Algorithms, Graph Theory, Live Streaming
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
342 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
PwC
Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: the PwC Approach Final Project
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Customer Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Microsoft PowerPoint, Target Market, Consulting, Target Audience, Business Consulting, Microsoft Excel, Data Storytelling, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Dashboard, Constructive Feedback, Analytics, User Feedback
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
252 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Malware Analysis and Introduction to Assembly Language
Skills you'll gain: Malware Protection, Cyber Threat Hunting, Cyber Security Assessment, Application Security, Threat Detection, Network Analysis, Virtual Machines, Code Review, Debugging, System Programming, Microsoft Windows, Windows PowerShell, Programming Principles, Computer Architecture, Excel Macros, Linux
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Generative AI Language Modeling with Transformers
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Large Language Modeling, Natural Language Processing, Applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
The Blockchain
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, FinTech, Cryptography, Distributed Computing, Payment Systems, Transaction Processing, Emerging Technologies, Digital Assets, Software Systems, Computer Systems, Software Architecture, Data Integrity, Network Analysis, Peer Review
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
171 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Data Structures & Backend with Java
Skills you'll gain: Spring Boot, Restful API, Model View Controller, Spring Framework, Java, Java Programming, Web Services, Back-End Web Development, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Authentications, Authorization (Computing)
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
107 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
LearnKartS
AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification
Skills you'll gain: Amazon S3, Amazon Web Services, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Cloud Infrastructure, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Public Cloud, Cloud Security, Cloud Computing, Amazon DynamoDB, Cloud Storage, Amazon CloudWatch, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Services, Relational Databases, Database Management, Continuous Monitoring, Cloud Management, Capacity Management, Product Support
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
77 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Designing and Formatting a Presentation in PowerPoint
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft PowerPoint, Presentations, Data Visualization, Drive Engagement, Photo Editing, Writing and Editing
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
271 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
SAP
Designing an SAP Solution
Skills you'll gain: Technical Design, User Feedback, Technical Consulting, Solution Design, Solution Architecture, SAP Applications, Technology Roadmaps, System Implementation, Business Requirements, Gap Analysis, Customer Engagement, Presentations
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
90 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Illinois Tech
A Comprehensive Excel Masterclass
Skills you'll gain: Capital Budgeting, Data Visualization, Microsoft Excel, Dashboard, Business Intelligence, Interactive Data Visualization, Excel Formulas, Financial Analysis, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Pivot Tables And Charts, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Google Sheets, Business Analytics, Financial Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Loans, Cash Flows
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
60 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidade de São Paulo
Laboratório de Programação Orientada a Objetos - Parte 1
Skills you'll gain: Model View Controller, Unified Modeling Language, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Java Programming, Computer Programming, Debugging, Software Architecture, Programming Principles, Other Programming Languages, Prototyping
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
181 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months