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How to Cite an Online Course in Vancouver (ICMJE)

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

Vancouver Reference List Format

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

Instructor AA. Title of the course [MOOC]. Platform; Year [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: URL

Vancouver In-Text Citation

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

Parenthetical

(1)

Narrative

The course (1) covers...

Key Vancouver Formatting Rules

  • Abbreviate the instructor's first names to initials.
  • Add the [MOOC] tag after the course title.
  • Include [cited Year Mon Day] for the access date.
  • Use 'Available from:' before the URL.

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 Vancouver (ICMJE) 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 Vancouver requirements.

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Cite an Online Course in Other Styles

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