Top Alternatives to The Great Courses: A Comprehensive Guide to Online Learning Platforms

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 6 June 2023 8 min read

Are you searching for a The Great Courses alternative? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top online learning platforms that offer a wide range of courses and unique features to suit your educational needs and personal interests. Whether you want to learn new skills, enhance your career, or simply indulge in your passions, these alternatives to The Great Courses have something for everyone.

1. Coursera: A Popular The Great Courses Alternative

Let's start with Coursera, a well-known online learning platform that offers an extensive selection of courses from top universities and institutions. Coursera is a popular The Great Courses alternative as it provides high-quality content, a variety of subjects, and flexible learning options for students of all levels.

Coursera Features and Benefits

What makes Coursera stand out? Here are some of its unique features:

High-quality content: Coursera partners with prestigious universities and institutions, ensuring top-notch course materials and well-structured learning experiences.
Interactive learning: You'll have access to video lectures, readings, quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments to help you stay engaged and apply your newfound knowledge.
Flexibility: Courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own convenience while still meeting deadlines for assignments and assessments.
Certificates and degrees: Coursera offers not only individual courses but also Specializations, Professional Certificates, and even online degree programs, giving you a chance to earn valuable credentials.

Subjects and Courses Offered

When it comes to subject variety, Coursera has you covered. You can find courses in:

Arts and humanities
Business
Computer science
Data science
Life sciences
Math and logic
Personal development
Physical science and engineering
Social sciences

With such a diverse selection, you're sure to find something that piques your interest!

Pricing and Subscription Options

Wondering about the cost? Coursera offers a few different options for you:

Free courses: Many courses on Coursera are available for free, allowing you to audit the material without receiving a certificate of completion.
Paid courses: If you want a certificate, you can choose to pay for individual courses, which typically range from $29 to $99 per course.
Specializations and Professional Certificates: These programs, which consist of a series of related courses, usually cost between $39 and $79 per month.
Online degrees: The cost of degree programs varies by field and institution, with prices generally ranging from $15,000 to $45,000.

Additionally, Coursera offers financial aid for eligible students, making it an accessible The Great Courses alternative for those on a budget.

2. Udemy: A Flexible Option for Online Learning

Next up, we have Udemy, another excellent The Great Courses alternative that offers a vast array of courses taught by expert instructors. Udemy's flexible learning model and pay-per-course pricing make it an attractive choice for those looking to expand their skills or explore new interests.

Udemy's Unique Features

What sets Udemy apart from other online learning platforms? Here are a few key aspects:

Lifetime access: Once you purchase a course, you can access it anytime, allowing you to revisit the material and learn at your own pace.
Diverse range of instructors: Udemy's instructors come from various backgrounds, offering a broad spectrum of expertise and teaching styles to suit different learners.
Practical applications: Many courses focus on real-world applications, helping you apply your newfound knowledge to your everyday life or career.
Interactive learning tools: Udemy provides quizzes, exercises, and projects, encouraging active engagement and hands-on learning.

Course Selection and Instructors

Udemy offers a wide variety of subjects, including:

Development
Business
IT and software
Office productivity
Personal development
Design
Marketing
Lifestyle
Photography
Health and fitness
Music

With over 150,000 courses to choose from, you're bound to find something that sparks your curiosity. Plus, the diverse range of instructors ensures that you'll find a teaching style that resonates with you.

Understanding Udemy's Pricing Model

When it comes to pricing, Udemy operates on a pay-per-course model, meaning you only pay for the courses you want to take. Here's what you can expect:

Course prices: Courses typically range from $19.99 to $199.99, but you can often find discounts, bringing the cost down even further.
Free courses: Udemy also offers a selection of free courses, perfect for those looking to dip their toes into online learning without committing financially.
Refund policy: If you're not satisfied with a course, Udemy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

With its flexible pricing, wide range of subjects, and diverse instructors, Udemy is another fantastic The Great Courses alternative for anyone looking to expand their knowledge.

3. edX: A Non-Profit The Great Courses Alternative

For those seeking a more academic The Great Courses alternative, edX is an excellent choice. This non-profit online learning platform was founded by Harvard and MIT, and it offers a wide range of high-quality courses from prestigious universities worldwide. Let's dive into the key features and benefits of edX, so you can decide if it's the right platform for your learning journey.

Key Features of edX

edX stands out from other online learning platforms in several ways:

Non-profit: As a non-profit organization, edX focuses on providing access to high-quality education rather than maximizing profit.
University partnerships: edX collaborates with top universities globally, ensuring the highest level of course quality and credibility.
Academic rigor: Courses on edX are designed to challenge learners and provide a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Flexible learning: With self-paced courses and a wide range of subjects, edX allows you to learn on your own schedule and explore various topics.

University Partners and Course Offerings

edX partners with over 150 prestigious universities and institutions worldwide, including:

Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of California, Berkeley
University of Oxford
Columbia University

These partnerships ensure that the courses you take on edX are of the highest quality, and they offer a wide range of subjects, such as:

Computer Science
Business and Management
Data Science
Engineering
Humanities
Language

With such a diverse course catalog, you're sure to find something that piques your interest and aligns with your academic or professional goals.

Pricing and Financial Assistance

When it comes to pricing, edX offers a variety of options:

Audit for free: Many courses on edX can be audited at no cost, allowing you to access the course materials without earning a certificate.
Certificate courses: If you'd like to earn a verified certificate, prices range from $50 to $300 per course, depending on the subject and institution.
MicroMasters and Professional Certificate programs: These more in-depth programs, which consist of multiple courses, typically cost between $500 and $1,500.

Importantly, edX provides financial assistance for learners who cannot afford the course fees. If you're eligible, you can receive up to a 90% discount on the course price, making edX a more accessible The Great Courses alternative for those on a tight budget.

Overall, edX combines the credibility of prestigious university partners with the flexibility of online learning, making it an excellent The Great Courses alternative for those seeking a more academic approach to their education journey. So, why not give edX a try and see if it's the right fit for you?

4. Skillshare: A Platform for Creatives

Are you looking for a The Great Courses alternative that focuses on creative skills and hobbies? Look no further! Skillshare is a platform designed specifically for creatives, offering a wide range of courses in areas like design, illustration, photography, and more. Let's explore what sets Skillshare apart and see if it's the right choice for your learning needs.

Skillshare's Distinctive Features

Skillshare has a few key features that make it stand out among other online learning platforms:

Project-based learning: Most Skillshare courses include a hands-on project that allows you to apply what you've learned, making it more engaging and practical.
Classroom community: Skillshare encourages interaction between students and instructors through its class discussion boards, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Short and focused lessons: Skillshare courses are typically shorter than traditional online courses, with lessons lasting just a few minutes. This makes it easy to fit learning into your busy schedule.

These features make Skillshare a unique The Great Courses alternative, especially if you're interested in learning creative skills and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Exploring Skillshare's Course Catalog

Skillshare offers thousands of courses in a variety of creative fields, such as:

Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography
Animation
Creative Writing
Music Production

But that's not all! Skillshare also offers courses in areas like entrepreneurship, marketing, and productivity, so you can develop a well-rounded skillset to complement your creative passions.

With so many options, you're sure to find something that sparks your curiosity and helps you grow as a creative professional or hobbyist.

Membership Plans and Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Skillshare offers two main options:

Free access: You can access a limited selection of courses for free, which is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the world of online learning before committing to a paid plan.
Premium membership: For a monthly or annual fee, you'll gain unlimited access to all of Skillshare's courses, as well as additional benefits like offline viewing and ad-free streaming. The cost of a Premium membership is typically less than $20 per month, making it an affordable The Great Courses alternative for those on a budget.

With flexible pricing options and a wealth of creative courses to choose from, Skillshare is an excellent platform for those seeking a The Great Courses alternative with a focus on creative skills and interests. So, why not give it a try and see what new talents you can discover?

5. MasterClass: Learning from Industry Leaders

As you continue your search for a The Great Courses alternative, you might want to consider MasterClass—a platform that offers courses taught by renowned experts and celebrities in their respective fields. From cooking with Gordon Ramsay to filmmaking with Martin Scorsese, MasterClass provides a unique learning experience that's both entertaining and informative. Let's dive into what makes MasterClass stand out among other platforms and whether it's the right choice for you.

What Sets MasterClass Apart

MasterClass stands out for a few reasons, making it a compelling The Great Courses alternative:

High-profile instructors: MasterClass courses are taught by industry leaders and celebrities, giving you the chance to learn from the best in the business.
High-quality production: Each course is professionally produced, with stunning visuals and engaging content that makes learning enjoyable.
Accessible learning: MasterClass offers short, digestible lessons that can fit easily into your schedule, so you can learn at your own pace.

With its unique combination of star power and quality content, MasterClass offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience that's hard to find elsewhere.

A-List Instructors and Course Topics

MasterClass boasts an impressive roster of instructors, including:

Stephen Curry teaching basketball
Annie Leibovitz teaching photography
Natalie Portman teaching acting
Malcolm Gladwell teaching writing

These are just a few examples of the incredible talent you'll find on MasterClass. The platform offers courses in various subjects, such as:

Film and TV
Music and entertainment
Culinary arts
Writing and literature
Business and leadership

With such a diverse range of topics and instructors, you're sure to find a course that piques your interest and helps you develop new skills.

Pricing and Gift Options

MasterClass offers two main pricing options:

Single class purchase: You can buy individual classes for a one-time fee, giving you lifetime access to the course and its materials. This is a great option if you're only interested in a specific topic or instructor.
All-Access Pass: For an annual fee, you can gain unlimited access to all MasterClass courses. This is the best value if you plan to take multiple courses throughout the year.

MasterClass also offers gift options, so you can share the gift of learning with friends and family. With its unique approach to online learning and its roster of high-profile instructors, MasterClass is an exciting The Great Courses alternative for those looking to learn from the best in the business.

So, are you ready to learn from industry leaders and expand your horizons? Give MasterClass a try and see what new skills and insights you can gain from the masters themselves!

If you're interested in exploring more online learning platforms, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Daily Workflow of a Freelance Illustrator' by Indi on Daisie. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights into the daily routines and processes of a successful freelance illustrator, helping you gain the skills and knowledge to excel in your creative journey.