How to Cite an Online Course in Harvard (Cite Them Right)

Learn how to cite online courses and MOOCs (Coursera, edX, Udemy, FutureLearn) in Harvard format (Cite Them Right). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

Harvard Reference List Format

Here is the standard Harvard format for citing an online course in your reference list:

Harvard In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Key Harvard Formatting Rules

• Put the instructor in the author position.
• Italicize the course title.
• Add [Online course] after the title.
• Include the platform, then 'Available at:' with the URL.
• Add the accessed date in parentheses at the end.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your online course.
2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Harvard (Cite Them Right) template shown above.
3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Harvard requirements.

Cite an Online Course in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in Harvard

More Resources

• Free Citation Generator (10,832 styles)
• Free Writing Tools
• Compare Citation Styles
• All Citation Guides
• Cheat Sheets (APA, MLA, Chicago)