BEST online course

How to Write and Publish a Successful Academic Paper

This course gives researchers a clear, step by step path for writing and publishing a successful academic paper.

Through 31 concise video lessons and a practical workbook, you learn how to choose the right journal, structure and write your paper, navigate peer review, and promote your work once it is published.

If you want to move from uncertainty to a clear plan for your first publication, this course provides the structure and tools to help you get there with confidence.

Your Guided Companion

Download your dedicated workbook packed with prompts, exercises, and checklists to turn learning into action.

2 hours of video lessons

31 bite-sized, easy-to-digest videos across 8 units

This is the course introduction. Below, you can see a breakdown of each unit included in the course.

Unit 1: Developing a Personalised Publishing Strategy

In this unit, we look at how to plan your publications with purpose. You’ll learn to set clear goals, create realistic timelines, and shape a strategy that supports your academic journey.

Unit 2: Getting Started with a Paper Publication

Here we turn ideas into research. You’ll learn how to choose a paper topic, identify a research gap, and refine your ideas into strong research questions that guide your project.

Unit 3: Getting Organized

Good organisation makes writing much easier. This unit covers how to choose the right journal, decide on solo or co-authored work, build effective collaborations, and manage the practical and emotional side of writing.

Unit 4: Structuring Your Paper

This unit breaks down the anatomy of an academic paper. From abstracts to introductions, literature reviews, methodology, results, and discussion, you’ll learn how to structure each section clearly and effectively.

Unit 5: Writing and Editing Your Paper

Now it’s time to write. You’ll explore writing strategies, how to seek feedback, ways to edit your own work, and when professional editing support might help.

Unit 6: Submitting Your First Paper

This unit takes you through the submission process step by step. You’ll learn about ORCID IDs, how to use submission systems, and how to prepare a professional letter to the editor.

Unit 7: Going Through the Peer Review Process for Your First Paper

Peer review can feel daunting, but it’s a normal part of publishing. In this unit, you’ll learn what to expect from editors, how to respond to feedback, how to handle rejection, and how to use reviewer comments to improve your paper.

Unit 8. Promote your Paper

Publishing is just the beginning. This unit shows you how to share your work, both online and in person, to increase its visibility, build your academic profile, and make a real impact.

Dedicated Course Booklet

Workbook included with guides, checklists, worksheets, and sample documents. Practical exercises to apply each concept directly to your own research.

Our happy students

We help researchers succeed

Testimonials from researchers who have taken our course.

Lucas Takashima

Med Student

Rated 5 out of 5

“I have to admit that I have not yet finished this course, but I really appreciate the effort that has gone into it. It’s incredibly detailed and very professional. I’ve taken courses on Udemy before, and I can see such a difference in quality. Look forward to finishing it!”

Mushtaq Bilal, PhD

Academic Writing & AI Specialist

Rated 5 out of 5

“This is one of the best courses on academic writing and publishing, especially if you’re a PhD student or an early career researcher. It’s the kind of course I wish I had when I was starting out on my PhD. It’s also the kind of course I wish I had created.”

Ben Pettitt

Academic Support Staff

Rated 5 out of 5

“Amazing course! Really clear layout and a lot of useful content. Thank you!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re wondering how online learning works, how to enrol, or what resources are included, our dedicated Help Centre is the best place to start.

Yes. Every course includes a downloadable workbook with exercises and prompts.

Yes. You can log in from any device with a modern browser. However, for the best experience (especially when engaging with the workbook or writing tasks), we recommend using a computer.

Every course includes a downloadable certificate of completion. You can personalise it with your own name and use it to showcase your achievement. This can also be presented to your university, supervisor, or funders as evidence that you have completed the course.

Are you Ready to Learn the Hidden Curriculum?

We reveal the unspoken rules, skills, and strategies that universities don’t teach — so you can publish, progress, and thrive.
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